The mist-shrouded streets of the Carpathian Mountains represented mystery and terror at their very best. This was the dwelling place of the vampire clan known as the Umbra, a clan that had been there for centuries. The Umbra was an ancient and powerful coven feared by mortals and other supernatural creatures. The enigmatic and beautiful vampire queen, Aethera, was said to be able to control the very shadows themselves.

Aethera was a beauty, breathtaking, with skin as pale as alabaster and eyes like dark, polished onyx. Her black hair seemed to rivulet down her back like the waterfall of night, while her lips almost looked painted with the shadows themselves. She was the one who...