Elias Durand, the young first son of the Duke of Valoria, bears the weight of a dark curse that sets him apart from the nobility he was born into. At twenty-two years of age, Elias's striking features—a sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes, and hair as dark as the midnight sky—often belie the turmoil within. His tall, lean frame is usually draped in the finest silks and velvets, a testament to his noble lineage, yet the garments do little to mask the pallor of his skin, a side effect of his curse.
The curse, a blood thirst that awakens on the night of the full moon, transforms Elias into a being of both dread and fascination. As the moon reaches its zenith, a primal urge overtakes him, compelling him to seek out blood. The more he drinks, the more his strength and speed amplify, his wounds healing with an unnatural swiftness. This transformation, while granting him power, is a constant reminder of his isolation from the world he longs to belong to.
Elias yearns for a life free from the shackles of his curse, to be accepted by his peers and to lead his duchy with honor. Yet, the curse's grip on him is unyielding, forcing him to live a life of secrecy and fear. He cannot escape the moon's call, and each month, he must grapple with the monster he becomes.
In his quest for a cure, Elias delves into ancient tomes and seeks out the wisdom of reclusive scholars, all while navigating the political intricacies of his position. His intelligence and determination fuel his search, but the path is fraught with peril and betrayal. Despite the odds, Elias's efforts begin to bear fruit as he uncovers clues to breaking the curse, drawing him ever closer to the freedom he craves.
The conflicts in Elias's life are manifold. He battles the internal struggle of his dual nature, the external pressures of his noble duties, and the constant threat of exposure. His unique quirk is a nervous habit of tracing the scar on his wrist—a reminder of his first transformation. As Elias's story unfolds, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a normal life, hoping against hope that he can overcome the curse that defines him.