“The Hunt Begins”

London, two years later – The Hunt Begins

The cold of London felt foreign.

Gabriel felt the hard ground beneath his boots, the echo of their steps bouncing off the narrow alleys. Barely a day in the city—and yet the scent of blood, violence, and darkness hung in the air.

Isaac had brought them here just hours ago, had given them a name. Victor Langley. An old vampire, a puppeteer in the underworld. But he was not their direct target. Not yet.

"You are hunters," Isaac had said. "But to hunt, you must first walk through the shadows of hell."

A Deal with Darkness

The tavern was thick with smoke.

Shady figures crowded around the tables—quiet conversations, whispered threats, hidden deals. Gabriel smelled old alcohol, sweat-soaked coats, cold iron.

Behind the counter stood a broad-shouldered man with sunken cheeks, a deep scar running across his forehead. His eyes were watchful—and full of distrust.

Raphael placed a folded parchment on the counter.

"We're looking for information on Langley."

The barkeeper glanced at the drawing, then chuckled softly.

"Many are looking for him."

Michael rested a hand on the counter and leaned in closer.

"But not like we are."

The barkeeper let the glass in his hand sink, his expression turning more serious. Then, slowly, he raised a hand and nodded toward a table in the corner.

A woman sat there.

Long black hair, a tight cloak, golden rings on her fingers. Her posture was relaxed—but her eyes saw everything.

Isaac took a step back, letting the brothers move forward.

"This is your hunt," he said quietly. "Find a way to make her talk."

As the brothers approached Elara, Isaac leaned against a pillar near the counter.

Gabriel saw it only from the corner of his eye.

Isaac lifted a hand to his temple, as if he had a headache. Just for a moment. Then he lowered it again, his face unreadable as he observed the scene.

Gabriel said nothing. But he took note of it.

Blood on the Cobblestones

Her name was Elara Duvall.

Not human. Not vampire.

Something in between.

"I will put you on Langley's trail," she said coolly. "But I need something in return."

Gabriel leaned forward in his chair. "What?"

Elara smiled.

"A group of vampires has taken refuge in an abandoned manor outside the city. They're not part of Langley's network—but they're a nuisance. Kill them, and I'll bring you closer to your goal."

Raphael pressed his lips together. "How many?"

Elara shrugged. "Five or six. Maybe more."

Michael glanced at Isaac, but he said nothing.

"Decide," Elara said. "Or leave."

The Hunt Begins

The manor was old and crumbling.

Collapsed roof, shattered windows. Weeds growing between the stone slabs at the entrance.

Gabriel drew his sword.

Raphael tightened his grip on his lance.

Michael tensed his muscles.

They stepped inside.

The air smelled of decay and old blood.

The darkness seemed to move.

"Ready?" Raphael whispered.

Gabriel nodded.

Then the night reached for them.

Isaac's Shadow

Isaac lingered for a moment behind them.

He ran his fingers over his chest, as if feeling a slight pressure. His breathing slowed.

Michael, the last to enter, paused and glanced over his shoulder.

"Everything okay?" he asked quietly.

Isaac shot him a look—brief, but sharp.

"I won't interfere," Isaac said. "This is your hunt."

Michael hesitated for a moment.

Then he stepped into the darkness—following his brothers.