victoria

Chapter 1: A Hidden Celebration

Chapter 1: A hidden celebration

The city buzzed with life as Victoria walked through the crowded streets, her senses heightened by the pulsating energy of the 21st century. It was her 300th birthday, a milestone she never imagined she would reach when she was first thrust into this world centuries ago. Yet here she was, still standing, still hiding from the vampiric brothers who had hunted her for so long.

She glanced at her reflection in a storefront window, taking in the image of a young woman who bore no outward signs of the centuries she had lived. Her skin was smooth, her eyes bright, but the weight of her past hung heavy in the depths of her gaze.

As she turned the corner, she spotted him waiting for her outside a quaint cafe, a familiar smile lighting up his face. He was her best friend, her confidant, and the only one who knew the truth of her existence - Marcus, a vampire who had stood by her side through the ages.

"Happy birthday, Victoria," he said, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Three centuries and still as radiant as ever."

Victoria returned the embrace, grateful for the fleeting moment of normalcy in their tumultuous lives. "Thank you, Marcus. I couldn't have made it this far without you."

They settled into a secluded corner of the cafe, the chatter of the patrons fading into the background as they caught up on the years that had passed since their last meeting. Marcus regaled her with tales of his travels, his adventures, while Victoria listened with a mixture of envy and admiration.

"I wish I could roam the world as freely as you do," she confessed, swirling her coffee absently. "But I'm always on the run, always looking over my shoulder."

Marcus reached across the table, his hand covering hers in a reassuring gesture. "You've done what you had to survive, Victoria. And you've done it with grace and strength. Your time will come, I'm sure of it."

A melancholy smile touched her lips as she met his gaze. "You always know what to say, Marcus. Even after all these years."

Their conversation drifted to lighter topics as they reminisced about the past, sharing fond memories of times long gone. But beneath the surface, a shadow lingered - the unspoken truth that Victoria had yet to find her mate, her other half.

"It's been three centuries, Marcus," she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "And still, I haven't found my mate. Sometimes, I wonder if he even exists."

Marcus's gaze softened, his expression one of understanding. "I know it's been hard, Victoria. But you mustn't lose hope. Your mate is out there, somewhere, waiting for you. You just have to believe that your paths will cross when the time is right."

Victoria nodded, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "You're right, Marcus. I won't give up hope. Thank you, for always being there for me."

As they raised their glasses in a silent toast, Victoria felt a renewed sense of purpose stirring within her. She may not have found her mate yet, but as long as she had Marcus by her side, she knew she could face whatever the future held with courage and resilience.

And together, they would continue their journey through the centuries, bound by friendship, loyalty, and the unshakeable belief that love would ultimately prevail.

Their conversation turned to more pressing matters as Marcus leaned in, his expression serious. "There's something else I need to tell you, Victoria. Something that may require your... expertise."

Victoria arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What is it, Marcus? You know you can count on me."

Marcus took a deep breath, his voice low. "It's about the packs. The largest pack in the country, the Silvermoon Pack, they're facing a mysterious problem. People are disappearing, and there are rumors of unrest among the members."

Victoria's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Silvermoon Pack. It was one of the oldest and most powerful packs in the country, and if they were facing trouble, it could have far-reaching consequences for the entire supernatural community.

"What kind of problem?" she asked, her mind already racing with possibilities.

Marcus hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "No one knows for sure. Some say it's a curse, others believe it's a rogue element within the pack. Whatever it is, they need help. And I thought... perhaps you could lend your expertise."

Victoria nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "Of course, Marcus. I'll do whatever I can to help. But we'll need to be careful. If the brothers catch wind of this..."