Chapter 67: The Meeting

The rain had returned, drumming lightly against the windshield as they drove through the dark, narrow streets of Prague's outskirts. The city lights had faded behind them, replaced by the twisting roads and dense forests that framed the path toward their destination. Alexander gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes scanning the road ahead while Serena sat in the passenger seat, her nerves on edge.

In the back seat, Rebecca kept a close eye on the *Sangreal*, which was securely fastened inside a reinforced containment case. The artifact's faint glow flickered through the seams of the box, casting an eerie light in the otherwise dark car. Even sealed away, its presence felt oppressive, as if it was aware of the world beyond its prison and waiting to be unleashed.

The estate Alexander had mentioned loomed ahead, barely visible in the misty rain. It was an old, sprawling mansion, the kind that looked like it had seen centuries pass without change. The stone walls were weathered, overgrown with ivy, and the wrought iron gate creaked open as they approached, as if welcoming them into its shadows.

Serena couldn't shake the feeling that this was a bad idea. Relying on someone with questionable motives wasn't how they had planned to handle this, but there was no other option. The *Sangreal* was becoming more active with each passing hour, and they were running out of time. If they didn't find a way to contain it soon, they risked far more than just losing control of the artifact—they risked the lives of everyone around them.

"You sure about this guy?" Serena asked, glancing at Alexander as they pulled up to the front of the mansion. The headlights cast long shadows across the stone steps, making the building seem even more ominous.

Alexander nodded, though his expression was tense.

"I don't trust him. But he knows things—things we can't get from anyone else. We don't have much of a choice."

Serena frowned but didn't argue. She trusted Alexander's instincts, even if she didn't like the situation they were walking into. They couldn't afford to be picky.

As they stepped out of the car, the cold night air hit them, the rain falling harder now. Rebecca stayed behind momentarily to make sure the *Sangreal* was securely contained before following them up the stone steps. The mansion loomed above them, its windows dark and uninviting, but as they approached the heavy wooden doors, they swung open, revealing a tall, thin man standing in the entrance.

He was older, with sharp features and a gaunt face that gave him an almost skeletal appearance. His eyes were cold, calculating, and they swept over each of them with a discerning gaze. He wore a tailored suit, immaculate despite the rain, and his lips curled into a small smile as they approached.

"Alexander," the man said in a voice that was low and smooth, with a hint of an accent Serena couldn't place.

"It's been some time."

Alexander's expression remained neutral, but Serena could see the tension in his posture. "Adrian," he said simply, his voice cool.

So this was the man they were relying on. Adrian's eyes shifted to Serena and Rebecca, his smile widening slightly as he studied them. "And these must be your companions. I assume you wouldn't have brought them here unless the situation was truly dire."

Serena crossed her arms, resisting the urge to snap back at him. Something about Adrian made her skin crawl, but they needed him. For now, she would have to play nice.

"We need your help," Alexander said, getting straight to the point. "We've found something—something dangerous. We need to contain it before it's too late."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his smile never faltering. "Ah, so it's true. I had heard whispers, rumors about your little adventure. It seems the legends were not just stories after all." His eyes flicked to the case Rebecca was carrying. "And that must be it."

Rebecca stepped forward, her expression guarded. "The *Sangreal*. We need a way to neutralize its power, or at the very least, keep it from activating."

Adrian's eyes gleamed with interest. "The *Sangreal*. I must admit, I didn't expect to ever see it with my own eyes. You've certainly found something extraordinary." He paused, considering them.

"But you didn't come here to admire it, did you?"

Serena clenched her fists, her patience wearing thin.

"We need answers. Do you know how to contain it or not?"

Adrian chuckled softly, clearly amused by her outburst.

"Of course, my dear. I know a great many things. But nothing in this world comes without a price."

Serena shot a glance at Alexander, who remained calm, though she could see the frustration simmering beneath the surface. Adrian was playing games, and they didn't have time for that.

"What do you want?" Alexander asked, his tone cold.

Adrian's smile widened. "Nothing too extreme. Just a favor—a simple one, really. You see, artifacts like the *Sangreal* have a way of attracting attention. There are others—powerful people—who are interested in relics like this. If you do this one small task for me, I'll ensure that the *Sangreal* is taken care of."

Serena's stomach twisted.

"What kind of favor?"

Adrian turned, gesturing for them to follow him inside.

"Come in, and I'll explain. I'm sure you'll find it reasonable."

Serena hesitated, but Alexander gave her a slight nod, indicating that they should follow. They didn't have a choice. As much as she hated it, they needed Adrian's help.

Inside, the mansion was even more imposing. The walls were lined with dark wood paneling, and the air was heavy with the scent of old books and dust. They followed Adrian through the grand entryway and into a large study, where a fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Adrian took a seat behind a massive mahogany desk, folding his hands neatly in front of him as he regarded them with a knowing smile. "The favor is simple," he began, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather. "There's another artifact—one that I've been searching for. It's less volatile than the *Sangreal*, but still of great value to me. If you retrieve it for me, I'll help you contain the *Sangreal*. Permanently."

Serena felt a chill run down her spine. Another artifact? The last thing they needed was to get involved with more dangerous relics.

"And what's stopping you from using this artifact for your own purposes?" Alexander asked, his eyes narrowing.

Adrian's smile didn't falter. "Nothing, really. But I assure you, my interests are purely academic. I have no desire to wreak havoc on the world. I simply wish to collect and preserve these fascinating pieces of history."

Serena didn't believe him for a second, but they were out of options.

Rebecca stepped forward, her voice steady. "And if we agree? You'll contain the *Sangreal*? No tricks?"

Adrian's gaze flicked to her, and for a moment, his smile faded. "No tricks. I'll honor the deal."

Serena exchanged a glance with Alexander. They were walking into dangerous territory, but they didn't have a choice.

"Fine," Serena said, her voice firm. "We'll get your artifact. But you'd better hold up your end of the bargain."

Adrian's smile returned, wider than before. "Excellent. I knew we'd come to an agreement. I'll provide you with the details of the artifact's location. And once you return, we'll deal with the *Sangreal*."

As Adrian leaned back in his chair, the firelight flickering in his eyes, Serena couldn't help but feel that they had just made a deal with the devil. But they had no choice. The *Sangreal* had to be contained.

Now, all they had to do was survive long enough to do it.