Footsteps halted, feet crunching the snow as the figure clad in ebon cloak stopped to ponder. She was alone, yes, but she had a purpose to serve. She had resolved never to fail as she battled the weather, unfazed by the intimidating winter that threatened mortal lives.

Miyoung had recalled their time at Master Raphael’s abode, remembering how Yoona had decided to pursue her blood partner, how everyone had disagreed on the young vampire’s decision and how the last member of the Im line fled the shelter and headed straight into the overwhelming storm.

Miyoung had witnessed how the Jung twins remained calm and firm in their decisions, how Taeyeon had simply allowed Yoona to go into the world alone. She remembered how the twins proceeded with presenting their plans before the group, as if the incident with Yoona hadn’t happened. Miyoung had remembered how she cracked under the nonchalance, found herself standing up to the heiresses of the vampire throne, how Soonkyu had tried coaxing her into relaxing only to fail.

Miyoung recalled pushing her loved one away, defying Sooyeon’s words as she huffed, stood up, and took her bow and quiver of arrows before following after the last Im into the storm.

Miyoung remembered hearing Soonkyu’s and Sooyeon’s cries in the wind, “Miyoung, don’t! Please, come back!”

She recalled ignoring Sooyeon’s whispers in the cold wind as she struggled with the strong gusts. She remembered burrowing into the blanched earth, seeking the warmth in it and finding it, allowing her to pass the storm. Miyoung remembered hearing ominous howls as she remained in her small burrow, praying that Yoona be safe from harm.

The scent of something familiar yet confusing awakened her from her reverie. Miyoung unbound her bow from her person, grabbed an arrow from her quiver, nocked it to her bowstring, and readied her hands for the unexpected.

Miyoung took cautious steps, inwardly cursing at the sound of her foot crunching the snow whenever she found herself too quick for her prowl. She hid behind a tree, sensing the scent as it grew stronger, giving her the hint that the other party was headed her way. Her eyes glowed crimson upon smelling a wolf’s and vampire’s scent in the wind. Her brows furrowed upon the confusion of the two scents. There was only one set of footsteps crunching the snow. She heard it loud and clear, but how come there were two sets of scents coming her way?

Her hold on her arrow tightened, her eyes and ears pricked at the slightest of sounds. She must be quick with her movement. And just as the other figure was a foot’s pace, Miyoung stepped forth, eyes colored crimson, arms at the ready only to have them slacken at the surprise bound for her.

“Yoona?!” Miyoung’s husky voice disturbed the silence as she faced the newcomer with eyes widened, her arrow just a hair’s breadth from piercing the other vampire’s neck. The Yoona before her stood with lifeless golden eyes, unfazed by the sharp object threatening to cut .

Miyoung found herself lost in those golden orbs, questions upon questions filling her confused mind.

“Y-Yoona, w-what h-happened to y-you?”

Yoona smiled wryly, “That’s exactly what Sooyeon-unnie had asked me when she visited me through my dream a month ago.”

“You seem different.” Miyoung pointed out after recovering her composure, lowering her bow, replacing her arrow back in its quiver.

Yoona avoided the intense gaze. She lowered her head as she tried hiding her face. “I-I changed…” Yoona replied timidly.

Miyoung took a step closer, only to have Yoona step back. The action made the Hwang worried. Did Yoona just back away from her?

“You’re not supposed to come for me, unnie.” Yoona broke Miyoung’s tho