Page 36 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

"Peace with the werewolves?" he scoffed. "A treaty that shackles us, that limits our freedom!"

Viktor represented a growing faction within the vampire community. Frustrated with the treaty's restrictions, they yearned for a return to the old ways, a time when humans lived in constant fear.

Ignoring Viktor for now, I held up the autopsy photos of the latest victim. The small punctures marring pale skin were stark. Undeniable.

"These wounds," I said, my voice tight, "they resemble… well, you all know what they resemble."

Another wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Faces turned pale, a collective gasp resonating throughout the room. It was as clear as day – the attacks bore the hallmarks of a vampire feeding.

"Someone," I continued, my gaze sweeping across the room, "is breaking the code. And this reckless behavior jeopardizes all of us."

Viktor stepped forward again, his voice laced with suspicion. "What are you accusing us of, Alexei? You've been courting the werewolves for years, practically bending over backward to appease them. Now you suspect one of your own?"

A wave of agreement rose from Viktor's supporters. Disappointment washed over me. The meeting wasn't going as I had planned.

Ana, sensing my frustration, stepped forward. Her slender frame held a surprising amount of authority. "Viktor," she said, her voice sharp as a whip, "silence."

The room quieted instantly. My sister had a way of commanding respect, even from the most unruly vampires.

"We understand your frustrations," Ana continued, calm but firm. "But accusations won't solve anything. We need to find the culprit, and fast. Before things get out of hand and they start a war with us."

“They don’t stand a chance against us. We all know that we are the strongest species here,” one of the vampires added and I took a quick deep breath to tame my anger.

"Enough!" I boomed. "We are all on the same side here. The killings must stop. And we need to work together to find who's responsible."

Ana took over, proposing a plan. We would maintain heightened awareness within the vampire community, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity. Information would be shared discreetly, a united front against the rogue vampire.

Reluctantly, the others agreed. The meeting concluded with a fragile sense of unity, but the tension remained palpable.

As I walked out of the town hall with Ana by my side, a heavy silence settled between us.

"That went well," she said sarcastically, a dry smile playing on her lips.

I gave a humorless laugh. "Not exactly a walk in the park."

"They're scared, Alexei," Ana said softly, her voice laced with understanding. "The treaty has changed things, and not everyone is happy about it."

"I know," I sighed. "But it's the best way to live, we can’t keep living like barbarians. The world is growing, we shouldn’t stick to the old ways."

We walked home silently, the weight of the evening meeting hanging heavy between us.

Finally, Ana broke the silence. "Karla might be onto something with the banshee theory," she said, her voice thoughtful.

I stopped and turned to face her, I had been nurturing the same thoughts myself. "A banshee? Seriously?"

"We both know a vampire wouldn't be foolish enough to feed so carelessly," she continued. "Especially now, with the number of things at stake here."

Ana was right.

"They know the consequences," I stated, my voice tight. "The treaty with the werewolves hangs in the balance."

"Exactly," Ana agreed. "Which is why I think the culprit might be something… else."

We discussed the possibility of a banshee for a moment, the creature's mythological connection to draining souls a chilling possibility. However, the lack of concrete evidence left us with little more than speculation.

"Honestly, Alexei," Ana said with a sigh, "the meeting was more or less a formality. We needed to be seen taking action, to establish a record for posterity."

I chuckled humorlessly. "You mean for the sake of the Supernatural Council?"

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