New York City - September 15, 2024
The Luxury family welcomed their son into the world with celebration that matched their name.
Aiden Luxury entered life in the most prestigious hospital in Manhattan, born to Richard and Sophia Luxury—billionaire real estate moguls whose empire spanned three continents. His first breaths were taken in a suite that cost more per night than most people earned in a year.
He was perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes, a lusty cry that promised strength, and eyes that—even as an infant—seemed to hold unusual depth.
"He's beautiful," Sophia whispered, holding her son. "Look at him, Richard. He's perfect."
Richard Luxury, a man who'd built an empire through ruthlessness and cunning, found himself entirely unmanned by the tiny creature in his wife's arms. "He's going to change the world," he said, and meant it.
They named him Aiden, meaning "little fire," because even as an infant, he seemed to glow with inner warmth.
The world took notice. The Luxury heir was born, and tabloids speculated about his future from day one. Would he take over the family empire? Would he become a playboy or a philanthropist? What would this child, born into unimaginable privilege, become?
None of them knew the truth: this soul had been born and died countless times before. Had loved and lost across lifetimes. Had been vampire and victim, lover and fighter.
But Aiden Luxury, newborn infant, carried none of those memories.
His soul was clean. Blank. Ready to write a new story.
And somewhere, deep in the Carpathian Mountains, a vampire in hibernation felt the faintest tremor in his chest—the first whisper of a soul returning.
But Kieran, lost in darkness, didn't recognize it for what it was.