I watch over her as she goes about her daily life, unaware of the supernatural forces at play. The bond between Jade and Alyssa seems to radiate a unique energy, a force that draws me deeper into the mystery surrounding them.
As I continue my watch, I catch glimpses of other supernatural beings lurking in the periphery—shifters, witches, and even a few ancient entities whose motives remain shrouded in secrecy. The city is a tapestry of hidden alliances and covert conflicts, and I cautiously navigate its intricate threads. The only way this city can thrive is by maintaining the balance.
I’m knee-deep in the intricacies of WealthBloom, my current project when Seraphina’s call disrupts my focus. My phone buzzes, and her name flashes across the screen. Hesitantly, I answer.
“Gabriel, we’ve got a situation. Another vampire attack,” Seraphina’s voice is urgent, and this news settles in my gut.
“Damn it! Where?” I ask, my mind already racing ahead to assess the threat.
“The library on Monroe Street. Seven casualties. The same coven Jake was in,” she informs me, and a surge of frustration mixes with concern. These vampires are pushing boundaries, breaching the treaty we’ve upheld for centuries.
“Alright, I’ll deal with it,” I reply, my tone clipped. Swift action is necessary; there is no time for pleasantries.
“There’s more. We need a forgetting spell for Alyssa. We have been working with her nurse to keep her in a coma until we figure this out,” Seraphina continues. The stakes just got higher, and I feel the pressure building.
“Got it. I’ll talk to Mariya about it. We can’t afford any loose ends,” I say, running a hand through my hair as my responsibilities as a protector amplify.
Ending the call, I take a deep breath before dialing Mariya. The phone rings, and she answers with a warmth that momentarily eases the tension.
“Hey, Gabe. What’s up?”
“Mariya, we’ve got a problem. Another vampire attack, and we need a forgetting spell for the woman you helped me find. Her name is Alyssa. Seraphina is aware, but we need your expertise,” I explain in a rush.
“Another attack? Gabriel, this is getting out of hand,” Mariya responds, concern lacing her voice. “I’ll start researching the spell. Let me know when you’re on your way home.”
“I will,” I say, ending the call and running a hand over my face. The unpredictable chaos of my life has become a constant.
I grab my coat and head out. The drive to the library is a blur of frustrated thoughts. The coven responsible for the attack has crossed a line and needs a reminder of the consequences.
Arriving at the library, I scan the surroundings, my senses on high alert. Seraphina’s information was correct – the aftermath of the attack is evident: police cars, flashing lights, and the murmur of bystanders.
I spot one of the vampires from the coven, lingering on the outskirts. I approach, my tone firm, “Vlad, you’re part of the coven that breached the treaty.” It’s not a question.
The vampire eyes me defiantly. “What’s it to you, Protector?”
“It’s everything to me. We’ve had enough. You broke the treaty. There will be no further warnings. Obey it, or face the consequences.”
The vampire smirks, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “You can’t control us, Gabriel. We’ll do as we please.”
“If you or your coven lays a fang on another human, Vlad, there will be consequences. And call off your friends. I see them hanging around the hospital. Do you know what happened to Jake? The same waits for you unless you act wisely.”
“I am not scared. None of us are.”
“We’ll see about that,” I retort and walk away.
After dealing with the vampire, I head home, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Mariya is already researching the forgetting spell, and I update her on the situation.
“What’s going on, Gabriel? Seven people is a full-on attack. Should I maybe strengthen the wards around the house?”
“That won’t be necessary. I don’t think we have to be worried about them attacking us. The attacks have been centered on humans so far.”
“Okay. So, we need to get Alyssa the serum. How do you suggest we do that?”
“Leave that to me. How soon can you get it done?”
“Maybe tomorrow evening. But there is one thing: she needs to wake up for us to ensure it works.”
“Great. I will talk to the Elder so they can get her out of the coma by then.”