Chapter 11: A Fool Errand

As Adrian and Gabriel exited the Balcony Garbriel called one of the maids over, her movements graceful and precise as she curtsied before him. "Escort Adrian to one of the available guest rooms," he instructed.

The maid nodded and gestured for Adrian to follow. The young man reluctantly complied, his body still aching with exhaustion and his mind swirling with confusion. As they walked, Adrian observed the grandeur of the estate, its marble floors and ornate chandeliers. Paintings of long-forgotten landscapes and faces lined the walls, and the faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.

When they reached his assigned room, Adrian was surprised by its elegance. The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, and intricate Gold patterns bordered the edges. A large bed with velvet sheets stood in the center, flanked by matching nightstands and a tall wardrobe. The room's refinement felt overwhelming.

"Is it to your liking?" the maid asked politely, her hands clasped in front of her.

"It's… nice," Adrian muttered, though the opulence only deepened his unease.

"Please ring the bell if you need anything," the maid said before leaving the room.

Alone, Adrian sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. The events of the past few days played in his mind like a chaotic reel—his death, his transformation, his encounter with Eliana and Gabriel, and the horrifying truth of what he had become.

Still, amidst the chaos, one thing stood out clearly: his old life. His family, his friends, his belongings everything that tied him to his humanity. He needed those reminders now more than ever.

Ignoring Gabriel's stern warning about venturing out alone, Adrian decided to return to his apartment. "I'll be quick," he reassured himself, though deep down, he knew it was a foolish risk.

Draping himself in a hoodie to obscure the crest on his chest and any hint of his vampiric transformation, Adrian snuck out of the estate. The streets felt colder and darker than he remembered, and every shadow seemed to conceal a hidden threat.

Unbeknownst to Adrian, Étienne had spotted him slipping out. The younger DeLacroix sibling, ever watchful and skeptical, decided to follow. "What's the idiot up to now?" he muttered under his breath, his annoyance tempered by a sense of responsibility.

Using his heightened abilities, Étienne kept a safe distance, watching as Adrian navigated the city streets, oblivious to the dangers that lurked around every corner. When Adrian reached his old apartment building, it was eerily quiet. The door to his unit was slightly ajar, just as he had left it in his haste. Stepping inside, he was hit by a wave of nostalgia. The place still looked like he had left it earlier, the scattered papers on his desk and Ramen were just as he had left them.

He moved quickly, gathering a few clothes, framed photos of his family, and a couple of sentimental trinkets. His chest tightened as he looked at a photo of himself with his parents and younger sister. They were smiling, blissfully unaware of the fate that awaited them.

As he packed the last of his belongings into a bag, a chill ran down his spine. Something felt… off.

Adrian stepped out of the apartment, clutching his bag tightly, and froze. Across the street, a group of figures huddled together in the shadows. At first, he thought they might be drunkards or loiterers, but the faint gleam of their crimson eyes told a different story.

They were vampires.

One of them sniffed the air, his head snapping toward Adrian. "You there," the vampire called out, his voice smooth but menacing. "Come here."

Adrian's heart raced. "Sorry, I think you've got the wrong guy," he stammered, taking a cautious step back.

The vampire's lips curled into a predatory grin. "Oh, I don't think so."

Before Adrian could react, another vampire grabbed a nearby dumpster and hurled it at him with unnatural strength. Adrian barely dodged, the heavy metal container crashing into the wall behind him.

"Look, I don't want any trouble," Adrian said, his voice trembling.

"Trouble? We just want to play," another vampire sneered, advancing toward him.

Adrian tried to back away, but his path was blocked by a third vampire. Panic set in as he realized he was surrounded.

"Run," Adrian whispered to himself, but his feet felt rooted to the ground.

One of the vampires lunged, tearing Adrian's shirt in the process. The crest on his chest was revealed, glowing faintly in the dim light. The vampires froze, their predatory expressions shifting to one of recognition and hunger.

"A DeLacroix crest," one of them hissed. "He's one of them!"

Before Adrian could process their words, they attacked.

Adrian braced himself for the worst, but just as the first vampire lunged, a bubble of air formed around their heads, cutting off their oxygen. They clawed at their throats, gasping and struggling as Étienne appeared, dropping from the shadows like a vengeful spirit.

"You're lucky I followed you, idiot," Étienne growled, grabbing Adrian by the arm.

The rogue vampires fell to the ground, writhing as the air bubble dissipated. Just as they began to recover, a group of hunters appeared at the end of the street. Their weapons gleamed under the streetlights, and without hesitation, they opened fire.

Étienne didn't wait to see the outcome. Dragging Adrian with him, he disappeared into the night, moving at a speed that left Adrian disoriented and breathless. When they were far enough away, Étienne released Adrian, who stumbled and nearly fell.

"Eliana's idiot," Étienne snapped, his crimson eyes blazing with anger. "Didn't my father warn you not to go out alone? Especially into territory like that?"

"I just wanted to get some things," Adrian muttered, clutching his bag.

"You think that's a good enough excuse? You were in another vampire's territory, you fool! If their leader had found you, it would've been over. And worse there were hunters lurk around there too. You're lucky to be alive!"

Adrian looked down, guilt and frustration warring within him. "I didn't think it'd be that dangerous."

Étienne ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "You're a hybrid with a crest. That makes you a target for everyone vampires and hunters alike. Next time you want to do something stupid, don't."

Adrian nodded reluctantly. "Thanks… for saving me."

Étienne scoffed. "Don't thank me. Just don't make me do it again."

The two made their way back to the mansion, Adrian silently vowing to heed Gabriel's warnings from now on.