Prologue

"They're here. How did they find us?" She spun to face him, eyes wide with fear.

"It doesn't matter. You must go. Now."

"What? I'm not leaving without you, Stefan."

"Yes, you are. You are in no condition to fight. Go," despite the tension in his shoulders, he remained calm.

"I can't just leave you here!" Rain didn't even try to match his composure.

He stopped and gently placed his hands against her swollen stomach, where the life they created kicked against her father's hands. She always kicked when he did this; like she knew his was there. "You have to protect our daughter, Rain."

She shook her head, and tears spilled down her cheeks as he wrapped his arms around her. "I love you," she said into his shoulder.

"I love you, too. That's why you have to leave. I'll hold them back. Get to Lucien; he'll help you."

For just a moment, Rain could do nothing more than look at her husband. The most amazing soul she had ever met. He changed her life. He changed her. She couldn't imagine never seeing him again. Then, she ran.

***

19 years later….

"We have to send her."

"We can't"

"She's the only one that can stop him."

"It's dangerous."

"It's our only hope."