Mystic Falls IV

As Michael watched, John stood up, wiping his hands on a cloth he'd pulled from his pocket.

"Whoever did this didn't stick around," John said, glancing around the area. "No signs of a struggle beyond the initial fight. They knew what they were doing—up to a point."

Elizabeth knelt, examining the ground near the body. "There's a faint scent of blood trailing that way," she said, pointing toward a side alley. "Fresh enough to follow."

Michael's expression darkened slightly. Camille had left behind more traces than he expected.

John nodded. "Let's move quickly. Whoever it was might not have gone far."

Michael used his Spiritokinesis abilities as he focused on the water tank above the alley. With a deliberate motion of his hand, he broke the tank's supports, causing it to collapse. Water cascaded down in a roaring torrent, drenching John, Liz, and their team. The sudden flood disrupted their movements, forcing them to retreat to higher ground to avoid being swept away.

As Michael moved unnoticed, he used his powers to Spiritokinesis shift objects, marking their surroundings with misleading tracks and diverting attention away from Camille's trail.

"What was that?" Liz asked, coughing as she tried to catch her breath, water dripping from her face.

John, equally soaked, wiped his eyes and looked around with suspicion. "I think I know who killed the vampire," he said, his tone grim.

Liz frowned, her expression sharp. "Who?"

"It has to be the work of another vampire," John replied. "And not just any—this is someone who doesn't want us sniffing around their business. They're skilled, careful, and not afraid to use underhanded tactics to throw us off."

Liz narrowed her eyes. "So, what's the plan? Are we backing off?"

John shook his head. "Not a chance. If they think a little water and a distraction will stop us, they're wrong. We keep digging, but we stay on guard. Whoever this is, they're dangerous."

As the team regrouped and began drying themselves off, Michael smirked from the shadows, satisfied with his work. With a quiet flicker of his form, he vanished, heading back to ensure Camille remained undetected.

They won't trace this back to us, he thought. Not if I can help it.

The next day, John and Liz decided to follow up on their investigation by heading to The Grill, the local restaurant and bar in Mystic Falls. The place was buzzing with activity, a mix of locals and out-of-towners enjoying breakfast or an early drink.

Liz scanned the room as they entered, her sharp eyes catching familiar faces and strangers alike. John, however, headed straight for the bar, signaling the bartender.

"Two coffees," he said before leaning closer. "And a little information if you've got the time."

The bartender, a middle-aged man with a tired but friendly demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Depends on what you're asking."

"Did you see any new faces around here?" Liz asked.

The bartender nodded. "Yeah, one lady just came in this morning. She's having her meal right now, sitting in the fifth booth back near the corner," he said, gesturing subtly.

Liz turned to look and spotted a beautiful blonde woman eating her food leisurely. She had her phone pressed to her ear, using a headset to talk while occasionally taking a bite.

"Thanks," Liz said, slipping the bartender a few bills as she walked back over to John.

"She's new," John said, his tone cautious as Liz nodded, her eyes fixed on Camille. Across the room, Michael was sitting with Camille, casually talking. The headset was a cover, a way to make it seem like Camille wasn't talking to herself.

"Do you think she's a vampire?" Liz asked quietly, sipping her coffee.

John shrugged. "We'll find out soon," he said, adjusting his gear. He opened his bag, revealing a pair of gloves coated in vervain—a natural repellent for vampires.

"What are those?" Liz asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Vervain-coated gloves," John replied simply. "Wear them. Then just go over, make small talk, and do a handshake. If she reacts, she's a vampire. If not, she's just someone new in town."

Liz nodded, putting on the gloves discreetly. "Alright, here goes nothing," she muttered, rising from her seat.

She approached Camille with a bright smile. "Hi," Liz greeted warmly, extending her hand as Michael subtly tensed, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he gauged the interaction.

Camille smiled back politely, shifting slightly in her seat. "Hello," she replied, her voice calm, as she reached out to take Liz's hand.

Michael noticed the damp glove on Liz's hand and immediately used his Spiritokinesis to shield Camille's hand with a subtle layer of his energy, ensuring she wouldn't react to the vervain. As Camille shook hands with Liz, her demeanor remained calm and composed.

"You new here?" Liz asked casually, her tone light but watchful.

"Yes," Camille replied with a polite smile. "I just finished my studies, and I was on my way to start another job when I got an offer here." She had already visited the hospital and secured a position as a psychiatrist. of course by compelling the head there.

Liz nodded, offering a welcoming smile. "Well, welcome to Mystic Falls, then. It's... an interesting town." Her tone held an edge of irony as she glanced around.

"Thank you," Camille said graciously, maintaining her composed exterior, though she could sense Michael's protective presence nearby. She glanced subtly in his direction, knowing he was ready to step in if needed.

As Liz stepped back to rejoin John, she whispered to him, "She didn't react. Either she's human or she's hiding it well."

John frowned slightly, watching Camille carefully. "Keep an eye on her. She seems too put together for someone who just arrived."

Camille returned to her seat, maintaining her calm despite the close call. Michael, visible only to her, appeared beside her with a knowing smirk. "That was close," he said quietly, his voice laced with amusement.

She glanced at him with a wry smile. "Close, but not too close," she replied under her breath, taking a sip of her drink.

Liz, meanwhile, leaned back and sighed. "I'll dig into her background later," she murmured to John. "For now, she's just... someone new."

John nodded, his expression unreadable. "We'll see about that," he muttered as the two prepared to leave the bar.

*******

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A/ N : While waiting for new chap, do check out my new book, In Marvel with Ultimate fantasy System