Dahlia

A bead of cold sweat rolled down Maverick's temple as he leaned against Wolfgang for support. 

He was beginning to suspect that the true problem wasn't Russell's condition, but Griffin's unconventional methods. 

If Griffin had woken Russell normally, there was a chance Russell could still walk, much like Maverick himself was doing.

Griffin straightened and glanced around, his tone casual. "So, have you cleared out this building? Should we head back to the guard office?"

Maverick shook his head slightly. "Actually, we didn't encounter any vampires here. Only Cavendish's men and..."

Griffin cut him off. "A man in black, wearing expensive aristocrat attire?"

Maverick nodded. "Yes."

"I saw him descend from the third floor and walk away," Griffin said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Isn't he a vampire?"

Maverick frowned, his brow furrowing in thought. He was certain the man wasn't a vampire.