Veil of midnight

BLURB She walked into his world on borrowed time. He never expected her to stay. Haunted by an emptiness she can’t explain, Eloise is done playing it safe. When a reckless decision leads her into the orbit of a cold, enigmatic stranger, she doesn’t flinch—even when something about him feels… unnatural. Lucian has spent centuries avoiding attachments. A hidden ruler in the vampire underworld, he stays in the shadows, far from the power-hungry monsters that see him as a threat. But when a bold, defiant woman stumbles into his path, he should turn her away. Instead, he lets her in. She thinks she has nothing to lose. He knows better. But as dangerous forces close in, their fragile connection becomes something neither of them can deny. And in a world where blood is power, fate may have already sealed their bond. He was never meant to love her. She was never meant to survive him. TITLE: BOUND BY BLOOD •Genre: Fantasy •Troupe: Slow burn romance, forbidden love •Theme: Fate vs will, Love, Power •Setting: 21st Century, New York, USA. CHARACTERIZATION Eloise: 20 year old day care worker. 5’2 and petit. Bold and defiant, doesn’t shy away from confrontation. Lucian: 25 year old CEO of a Multinational Corporation, a secret ancient vampire prince. Cassian: Charismatic and loyal, Cassian is Lucian’s most trusted ally, serving as the mediator and voice of reason in their circle. Varek: Fierce, stoic, and with a sharp, rebellious streak, Varek is Lucian’s enforcer, loyal but always pushing Lucian’s buttons, testing his patience with his constant need to challenge authority and act on his own terms, though never questioning his loyalty. Finian: Playful and sly, Finian is Lucian’s informant and spy, gathering intelligence with his charm and quick wit. Maggie: Fun-loving and optimistic, Maggie is Eloise’s best friend who pushes her out of her comfort zone, always providing support and a bright outlook. Exposition: In a modern city, Lucian, a wealthy and mysterious vampire, hides his true nature from the world. Cold, detached, and scarred by his past, he avoids the vampire society. Eloise, an artist working at a daycare, is bold and defiant, but an emotional void haunts her—she feels like there’s something missing in her life. Their paths cross at a club where Eloise’s best friend forces her to go. They clash instantly, and despite Lucian’s cold demeanor, Eloise is unafraid of him. Unbeknownst to her, Lucian is a vampire, and their meeting is anything but coincidental. Inciting Incident: Eloise starts feeling as though she’s about to die, leading her to take more risks and do things she wouldn’t normally. As she moves in with Lucian, she unknowingly gets caught up in the political conflicts of the vampire world. Lucian, though initially reserved, is drawn to her, but he keeps his true nature a secret. Rising Action: Lucian struggles with his growing feelings for Eloise while trying to keep her safe from other vampires, including an old enemy who sees Lucian as a threat. Eloise begins to question her own feelings as well, but she doesn’t know the full truth about Lucian yet. Meanwhile, Eloise’s self-destructive streak grows stronger as she believes she has nothing to lose. Climax: Lucian realizes the danger Eloise is in when her health deteriorates, but she pushes him away due to their increasingly tense relationship. Lucian must confront his own feelings and secrets to save her. Denouement: Lucian obtains a dangerous supernatural cure for Eloise, tied to an ancient legend, at great personal cost. Though it risks everything, he succeeds in saving her. Through their trials, Eloise begins to confront her emotional void, while Lucian learns to open up. Their slow-burn romance evolves, and they both come to terms with their fate.