I shifted on my feet and glanced around. We - vampires, witches, and the one sole human in our group - were huddled in the tree line that surrounded the exterior property line of the Draven Coven castle. The moon was full and high, casting a bright yet eerie glow. My senses were on high alert, attuned to even the smallest noise.

Tonight was the Royal Coven Ball, and the night I'd finally get to see Piper again. I'd been waiting for this moment for weeks, and now that the time ...