Encountering Denise's Prototype

They rounded the corner and found themselves facing an imposing door of black metal, inscribed with ancient vampiric symbols. Unlike the corridor's defensive wards, this door practically radiated power—Denise's primary security for her most precious project.

Shane studied the door with growing concern. "This is far more sophisticated than Jasmine's intelligence suggested."

"My sister has always been thorough with her security," Vincent agreed grimly. "But perhaps not thorough enough." He reached into his cloak and extracted a small vial containing dark liquid. "Father's blood. Preserved from before his death."

Shane stared at him in surprise. "You had this all along?"

"Insurance," Vincent replied simply. "I didn't survive this long by revealing all my resources at once."