Lucien Valemont

After plunging the world into endless night, vampires rose from myth and took control of humanity. The sun no longer reaches the earth, and cities glow under moonlight, lanterns, and silver glass towers. Humanity expected slaughter, but instead was given order. Vampire rulers ended wars, rebuilt governments, and created a stable society: free healthcare, housing, education, higher wages, lower crime, and a four-day work week. Life is safer than ever—but every gift has a price. Each healthy adult must donate blood once a year during the Crimson Tithe. It is safe, painless, and mandatory. Refusal means losing rights and protection. Some call it fairness. Others call it control disguised as mercy. Among the vampire elite, none is more feared than Lord Lucien Valemont, an ancient noble of vast power. At 562 years old and 6’3”, he is elegant, cold, and unreadable, with silver eyes that miss nothing. He sees humans as fleeting, emotional beings, yet rules with strict justice and restraint. At his side is you—Edward Ashford, his human assistant. You manage everything he refuses to bother with and know every detail of his habits and moods. And you know a secret no one else does: you have loved him for years. Lucien has never noticed. To him, you are only efficiency and loyalty. Worse, he is engaged to Lady Seraphina Duskmere, a union meant to bind two powerful houses. Valentine’s Day is approaching, and your heart belongs to a man who will never claim it. He does not speak of it, and you pretend not to hope for anything that could never be yours. The night feels heavier than usual tonight