Kai had planned this trip to the smallest detail,but her journey was anything but straightforward. Over two days, she wove a dizzying web of misdirection, taking backroads through Georgia, detours into Alabama, and circling back more times than she could count. She switched vehicles twice—each rental paid for in cash.

  By the time she reached Jackson, Mississippi,she was exhausted but alert. The black SUV in her rearview mirror had been with her since crossing the Alabama border, its persistence gnawing at the edges of her calm.

  It started subtly. The SUV maintained just enough distance to avoid suspicion, but Kai was already on edge. As she approached a wide,empty stretch of highway, she made her move. Her rental car, a dull gray sedan, swerved suddenly to the right, speeding onto an off-ramp toward the outskirts of Jackson. The SUV followed, its tires screeching as it adjusted course.

  Kai pressed the gas pedal hard, weaving through the quiet streets of a residential neighbourhood, her sharp eyes scanning foropenings. The SUV stayed close, gaining on her when the streets straightened out. She took sharp turns, cutting through alleys and side streets, but the SUV remained relentless.

  Heart pounding, she spotted a busy strip ahead, teeming with bar-hopping college students. Music and laughter spilled into thestreet, and cars crawled through the chaos. Kai smirked grimly, muttering to herself, “Perfect.” She swerved into the crowd of slow-moving cars, forcing the SUV to slam on its brakes. She glanced at the rear view and grimaced as she saw the SUV following a fewcar lengths back. “Persistent buggers!” The sedan crawled along, blending into thecongestion of headlights and pedestrians. Kai scanned for a place to ditch the car. Spotting an open spot near a club, she pulled in abruptly, yanking her duffel bag from the back seat. She abandoned the rental, ducking into the throng of people and slipping into a noisy bar.

  From her position near the window, Kai watched as the black SUV pulled up to the abandoned rental. Three individuals in suits emerged, their movements calculated. One of them crouched by the front tire, reaching into the rim and pulling out a small black box. Herstomach dropped. A tracker.

  They’d had her marked from the start, and she hadn’t even noticed. Her fingers curled intofists, frustration bubbling under her calm exterior.

  The suited figures returned to their vehicle, speeding off into the night. Kai took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus and slipped into the restroom at the back of the bar. Pulling out one of her burner phones, she dialled a familiar number. Marta’s voice answered almost immediately.

  “Please tell me you’re fine,” Marta said in a rush.” Kai smiled. “I’m fine,” she replied quietly. “But they’re on to me.”

  “What?!” Marta’s voice rose, her snakes hissing audibly in the background. “They had a tracker on the car,” Kai explained sighing in irritation. “I ditched it and I’m clear for now, but they’ll know I’m not far.”

  Marta groaned. “Damn it, Kai! I knew this was a bad idea.” Kai’s voice softened. “I’ll handle it, Mar. I’m heading to a Fae contact I know. They can get me new wheels. I’ll call you once I’m on the road again.”“Alright Kai, you better. Please be careful, okay?” Marta begged “Always,” Kai promised, hanging up.

  Kai left the noisy bar, slipping through the shadows of Jackson’s side streets until she reached her destination. The entrance wasinconspicuous—a rusted metal door at the end of a dimly lit alley. A faint glow emanated from beneath the frame, and a small plaque with an image of a Satyr playing a lute. Kai knocked twice, then once, then three more times—a pattern she knew well. The door creaked open, revealing the glinting eyes of a doorman whose glamour flickered faintly. Inside, the hidden Fae bar was alive with energy. Glamours dropped like coats at the door, revealing creatures of every shape and size. The air was thick with magic and the hum of conversations in languages both human and not.

  Kai spotted her contact at a table near the back—a sly-looking Hobgoblin named Drix. He raised a hand in greeting, his sharp teeth flashing in a grin.

  “Drix,” Kai said as she approached, her tone low and steady. “I need a car. Something fast and untraceable.” The Hobgoblin cheekily gave her a wide, sharp toothed grin. “Kai! What no hello?! You don’t call, you don’t write!” He morphed his features into a horrifyingly ugly pout. “I’m hurt!”. Kai snorted. “Drix, how are the kids? They eat anyone yet?” She snarked. Drix’s laughed making a choking gurgling sound. “Nah! Though not for the lack of trying!” Kai rolled her eyes. The Hobgoblin sobered and gave her a piercing look. He leaned back, stroking his wiry beard. “So what’s the occasion, sweetheart? Running from someone, or just planning a joyride?” Kai’s expression didn’t change. “Does it matter?” Drix chuckled. “Not to me. But it’s gonna cost you.” Kai slid a small stack of bills across the table. “I figured. Just get me something by dawn.”Drix counted the cash, his grin widening. “You’ve got it sweetheart!”

  Kai rented one of the private rooms above The Cellar, knowing she’d need a few hours of rest before the next leg of her journey. But first, she needed food—and thankfully, the bar served it. Drix had promised to send her a message when he secured a vehicle, so all she had to do now was wait. Odds were it would take a few hours, but knowing Drix, it wouldn’t take longer than necessary. Kai ordered her meal to be brought to the room and retreated upstairs, map and research in hand.

  Settling into the modest room, she spread her notes out on the wooden table. New Orleans was the destination, and she needed to be there by tomorrow night. With Drix handling transportation, she had confidence things would fall into place—though she couldn’t help but reflect on how she’d come to trust him.

  Six months ago, she’d been in a bind. A reckless driver had T-boned the truck she was using for a delivery, leaving her stranded with a damaged axle and a ticking clock. With no time to deal with insurance or the typical rental process, someone had pointed her to The Cellar.

  It was there that she met Drix, the intimidating little Broker who thrived in the shadows. With a grin sharp enough to cut glass and a reputation for always delivering on his promises, he’d found her a replacement truck in hours. It wasn’t cheap, but it was fast—and it got her where she needed to go. Since then, she’d known Drix was someone she could rely on. Even if he was a bit on the shady side.

  A soft knock at the door roused her from her nap. She blinked awake, realising she’d dozed off on the leather couch. Stretching, Kai glanced at the door, where a folded note had been slipped beneath. Retrieving it, she skimmed the short message before tearing the paper into small pieces. Tossing the scraps into the flame of one of the candles on the mantle, she watched them burn to ash. The note was clear: her ride was ready. A taxi was waiting behind the bar to take her to the next step of the journey.

  Kai grabbed her things, slung her duffel bag over her shoulder, and headed downstairs. The air outside was cool and quiet as she slipped into the waiting cab.

  The taxi ride was silent, just the hum of the engine accompanying the faint glow of streetlights flashing by. Kai didn’t ask questions, and the driver didn’t offer any conversation.

  About thirty minutes later, the cab pulled up to a nondescript grey warehouse at the edge of the city. The building looked abandoned, its metal exterior weathered and unmarked. Stepping out, Kai barely had time to glance at the departing taxi before it disappeared down the street. She approached the warehouse cautiously, testing the latch on the door. It gave way with a soft click, and she slipped inside, locking it behind her. The interior was dimly lit, the overhead bulbs casting pools of yellow light across the concrete floor. In the center of the space sat a sleek black Dodge Charger with dark tints and a polished surface gleaming even in the low light. Kai let out a low whistle, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Drix, you’ve outdone yourself,” she murmured. As she approached the car, she noticed a sealed envelope tucked under the windshield wiper. Plucking it off, she tore it open and pulled out a simple note:

  “Fast, untraceable, and ready. Full tank. Don’t get caught sweetheart!!.”

  “P.S. Drive through wall to get out.”

  Taped to the bottom of the note was a set of keys. Kai palmed them, her smirk widening as she circled the car and slid into the driver’s seat. The leather interior was pristine, the faint smell of polish lingering in the air. She turned the key, and the engine roared to life—a deep, satisfying growl that promised speed and power. “Well,” Kai muttered to herself, gripping the wheel, “looks like I’ll be getting to New Orleans in style.”

  Shifting into gear, she eased the Charger forward towards the side wall and just as she got too close the wall flickered and faded out revealing the street outside. “Nice!” Kai exclaimed as she pulled out of the warehouse and onto the empty streets, the faint echo of her tires the only sound in the pre-dawn quiet.

  Kai’s hands gripped the wheel as she drove the Charger down the highway, the early morning sun casting a golden haze over the road ahead. The steady rumble of the car’s engine was the only sound, until her phone buzzed on the passenger seat. She picked it up with a quick glance. A message from Marta lit the screen: “I know how they found your vehicles. They’re watching the rental companies. Also, I’m pretty sure they know where you’re heading—just not the exact coordinates. Keep your eyes peeled! They probably have the roads watched too. And remember, anyone can be Fae! Trust your instincts, Kai! They haven’t failed you yet!” Kai cursed under her breath, shoving the phone back onto the seat. “Fantastic,” she muttered. “They’re a step ahead.” From there on out, she would have to be very careful about making pit stops. The less people she interacted with the better.

  Just as she passed the faded Welcome to Louisiana sign, blue lights flared in her rearview mirror, followed by the sharp sound of a siren.“Crap!” Kai hissed, glancing at her speedometer. She hadn’t been speeding. Her stomach sank as she flipped on her hazards and pulled over onto the shoulder. “Just what I need!” She grumbled With a steadying breath, she reached into the glove box and grabbed the forged rental paperwork, her ID, and her Advanced Delivery License. She kept her movements calm, but her senses prickled. Something felt… off. She kept her eyes on the mirrors as the cruiser idled behind her for a long moment before the doors swung open. Two officers stepped out, their uniforms crisp, their expressions unreadable. They exchanged words too low for her to hear, then began their approach. Kai’s breath hitched when the officer on the right subtly drew his sidearm, holding it low against his thigh. Kai snapped her head to the left mirror and saw his partner do the same. Then, as if confirming her worst fears, both reached up and flicked off their body cameras. ”What….” She said to herself in disbelief. Her heart leaped in her chest. This is a trap. That’s when she saw it—a flicker across the face of the officer on the left. A glamour shimmering, revealing for a quick second sharp, reptilian features beneath. Marta’s words echoed in her mind: Anyone can be Fae. Trust your instincts. Kai’s instincts screamed at her to act. With a deep breath, she threw the Charger into reverse and slammed her foot on the gas. The car screeched backward, barreling toward the two officers. The one on the left dove out of the way, rolling to the side of the road. The other wasn’t as lucky. The Charger clipped him, sending him sprawling onto the pavement. Kai didn’t wait to see the aftermath. She shifted into drive and punched the gas. The Charger roared forward, tires screeching as she bolted down the highway.

  In her rearview , she saw the remaining officer scramble to his feet, his gun drawn. He sprinted back to the cruiser, leaving his partner behind. Moments later, the siren wailed again, the cruiser speeding after her. Kai’s grip tightened on the wheel as the Fae officer gave chase, his car closing the gap. The Charger’s engine growled as she pushed it to its limit, weaving through obstructing traffic. Her years of driving coming in very handy.

  A sharp crack split the air, and her side mirror exploded. The bastard was shooting at her. “Damn!” she snapped, yanking the wheel to the right sliding onto a side road, foot still on the accelerator. The Charger fishtailed slightly before righting itself, dirt and gravel kicking up behind her. The cruiser followed, matching her speed. Another shot rang out, this one grazing the rear bumper. Kai’s jaw clenched as she swerved, narrowly avoiding an oncoming truck.

  The road ahead curved sharply, leading onto a narrow bridge. Kai smirked. “Let’s see how you like this!” She peeled back into the oncoming lane, the Charger skimming the edge of the bridge railing. The cruiser tried to follow, but Kai jerked the wheel at the last second, forcing the Fae officer into a near-collision with an oncoming van. He corrected, but it cost him precious seconds. Seconds Kai took advantage by pulling ahead. Just then she spotted a construction site straight ahead, the road narrowing further. She slammed the brakes, making a hard turn left onto a dirt access road.

  The Fae cruiser followed, but the uneven terrain worked to her advantage. The Charger skidded around a corner, throwing up a cloud of dust and debris creating temporary cover. The officer tried to follow, and flew through the cloud but as Kai hit the main road again, she heard the screech of tires and the sickening crunch of metal. She glanced in the rearview mirror just as the cruiser came flipping out of the cloud of dust and crashing on its side, sparks flew from the metal sliding against pavement, smoke curling into the air. Kai beat her her hands on the steering wheel. Her breath coming in gasps as her adrenaline pumped. “Gaah! That was way to close!” She breathed out. Kai kept her foot on the gas too wired to slow down. “Let’s not do that again!”

  By the time Kai reached New Orleans, the gas gauge was teetering on empty and she was forced to pull into a narrow alley. She killed the engine, and grabbed her bag. The Charger had served its purpose well, but now it was time to disappear again.

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  Kai slipped out of the alleyway. Her senses on high alert. The city pulsed with life, the streets packed with tourists and locals alike as the noon sun gave little shade and lots of heat. Her gaze flicked over the buildings, searching for a sign of a Fae establishment. Finally, she spotted it: a subtle rune etched into the corner of a brick wall, almost invisible to human eyes. She ducked into the doorway, stepping into what looked like a modest café.

  The moment Kai entered, the energy in the room shifted. Conversations faltered, and heads turned. Kai stood in the doorway, her chest rising and falling with adrenaline-fuelled breaths. Her dark eyes swept the room, taking in every face, every movement. Her presence crackled like static electricity, an almost tangible force that made the air hum.

  The Fae in the room froze. Some felt the overwhelming power radiating from her and mistook it for killing intent. Chairs scraped against the floor as a few slipped out the back, eager to avoid whatever storm she brought. Others, however, sensed something older, deeper. A forgotten aura clung to her like a second skin, ancient and dangerous.

  Then someone noticed the ADL insignia on her bag. The realisation rippled through the room like a wave.

  “That’s her,” someone whispered. “Delivery Fae,” another murmured.“Whoever done gone and pissed her off is a fool.”

  Kai’s gaze swept over them, her expression unreadable. Then, without a word, she stepped further inside, letting the door shut softly behind her. She stepped up to the counter, the weight of her presence trailing her like a storm cloud. The poor barista behind the counter froze the moment her shadow fell across him, his hands trembling as he fumbled with a towel. His wide eyes darted up to hers for a fraction of a second before quickly looking away.

  “Wha…what can I ge…get you?” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “Sweet ice tea. Lipton, if you have it,” Kai said, her voice calm but heavy with exhaustion. She let out a tired sigh, more from weariness than anything else.

  The barista’s face paled further, mistaking the sound for menace. He gulped audibly and reached for a cup, his hands trembling so much that it nearly slipped from his grasp. “And one of your deli sandwiches too,” Kai added, her tone even, though clipped with fatigue. “No mustard. Please.” He jumped, then squeaked out the total, his voice barely audible over the quiet murmurs of the café. It wasn’t until then that Kai noticed the fear in his demeanor. His shaking hands, the way he avoided eye contact—it hit her with a sudden wave of guilt. Sighing softly, she pulled out her wallet, paid for her order with her card, and then hesitated. Digging into the side pocket, she pulled out a $50 bill and slid it across the counter toward him.The barista froze, staring at the bill as though it might bite him.

  Around the room, other Fae turned to watch, their curiosity piqued. “Sorry,” Kai said quietly, her voice carrying a genuine note of contrition. The barista blinked, clearly stunned by the shift in her tone. “You’re not the one I’m angry at,” she continued, her words slow and deliberate. “That wasn’t fair on you. Please accept this as a way of apology.”

  The room seemed to hold its breath as Kai inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, centering herself. The electric tension that had been crackling around her vanished, dissipating as if it had never existed. In its place stood a woman who, to the untrained eye, appeared calm and unassuming. The weight of her presence was gone, leaving the barista blinking in bewilderment. The other Fae exchanged glances, whispering amongst themselves. Whatever they had just witnessed, it had shaken them. Kai, entirely unaware of the fire she’d stoked, picked up her bag and walked to a back table. She slung her bag down and collapsed into a chair, her exhaustion finally catching up with her.The barista stood frozen for another moment before shaking his head, snapping out of his stupor. He quickly began preparing her order, his movements more efficient now, though he occasionally cast glances toward her.

  The rest of the café remained on edge. Quiet murmurs filled the air, the Fae patrons speculating wildly about the infamous delivery driver and the overwhelming power she’d accidentally unleashed. Whether she knew it or not, her reputation had just grown exponentially.

  From a shadowed corner of the café, a figure sat quietly, watching. Their presence, while subtle, carried its own weight—like the whisper of a blade drawn in silence. This was no ordinary Fae, but a high-ranking member of the Unseelie Court. Their sharp, ageless features were hidden beneath a hood, though their piercing gaze never left Kai.

  They had been just as affected as the others when she entered, though their centuries of experience allowed them to mask it better. Still, they could not deny the truth: the power that had filled the room was unlike anything they had felt in millennia. It wasn’t just powerful—it was ancient. And hauntingly familiar.

  As they watched her interaction with the barista, their mind raced. The way the energy around her crackled, almost suffocating in its intensity. The way it pulled at the very essence of the room, like a tide pulling out to sea. The way it disappeared with a single breath, leaving behind only questions. “This power…” they muttered under their breath. “No, it couldn’t be.”But doubt crept into their thoughts. Memories long buried resurfaced, images of an era when beings walked the earth who could bend reality to their will, who could bring Fae and mortal alike to their knees.“Could it?”

  They blinked, as if splashed with cold water, when the oppressive aura vanished completely. What stood in its place was a tired woman with a quiet presence, entirely unremarkable compared to before.

  “What just happened?” they murmured, their sharp gaze narrowing as they watched Kai claim a seat in the back.

  Their fingers tapped lightly on the table, a gesture of unease. One thing was clear: this woman, this delivery driver, was dangerous. Standing, the Unseelie agent pulled their hood lower and slipped out the front door. This was no longer a matter of idle curiosity. The court would need to be informed. Whatever was happening, it was bigger than they alone could handle .

  Kai remained oblivious to the scrutiny. Her mind was elsewhere, turning over plans and contingencies. Her objective was clear: collect the package tonight. Waiting was too dangerous now. As she sipped her tea and ate her sandwich, she mapped out her approach and by the time she finished her meal, she had settled on a plan.

  Tonight.

  Meanwhile, in a penthouse suite on 5th Avenue overlooking Central Park…

  A male figure lounged in a high-backed chair, its design resembling that of a throne. The room was bathed in dim, ambient lighting with the city’s glow filtering in through floor-to-ceiling windows behind him. In one hand, he grasped a delicate crystal tumbler. The crimson liquid within, catching the faint light in mesmerising swirls.

  Before him, two hooded figures knelt on the polished marble floor, their postures rigid with fear. The air in the room was cold, oppressive, heavy with an unspoken menace.

  “Well…?” The figure’s voice was a deadly drawl, sinister and sharp as a blade. He leaned back, the shadows clinging to his features, masking his expression.

  Neither of the kneeling figures dared to look up. One shifted slightly, as though nursing an injury, while the other spoke, their voice trembling despite their attempt to remain composed.

  “My Lord, forgive me, but our prey is proving… more elusive than expected. They managed to escape us. But we know where to look now—New Orleans, my Lord. That is where they are heading. They will lead us straight to it.”

  For a long moment, there was silence. The figure in the chair swirled his drink lazily, as though contemplating the weight of this failure. Then, a savage growl erupted from him, reverberating through the room like thunder.

  “And who,” he hissed, his tone laced with barely contained fury, “is responsible for such incompetence?”

  The figure on the right flinched but finally spoke up, their voice a low hiss. “It wasssn’t our fault, your Lordssship. It wasss mayhem in the streetssss. I barely esssscaped with my life!”

  The Vampire Lord moved faster than human eyes could follow. One moment he was seated, the next, standing, having seized the speaker by the throat, yanking them upright as though they weighed nothing. The hood fell revealing very lizard like features as their clawed hands scrabbled at the iron grip around its neck.

  “You dare make excuses to me?” the Vampire Lord snarled, his voice dripping with venom. The reptilian’s slit pupils expanded, almost round with panic, as it choked and kicked helplessly in the air.

  A sickening snap echoed through the room, and the Rougarou’s body went limp. With an air of disgust, the Vampire Lord dropped the corpse unceremoniously onto the marble floor. Blood pooled beneath the twisted neck, the still-open eyes staring blankly into the void.

  “I do hate incompetence,” the Lord drawled, retrieving a pristine white handkerchief from his pocket and meticulously wiping his hands clean. With a flick of his wrist, he motioned toward the shadows.

  A towering figure stepped into the faint light, a goliath of a man with golden hair and an air of violence about him. Without hesitation, the blond bent down, grabbed the corpse by the ankle, and dragged it away, the sound of scales scraping against the floor reverberating in the chilling silence.

  The Vampire Lord turned back to the remaining figure, who trembled but remained kneeling, head bowed. “Now,” he said, his voice like ice, “I want no more failures. Is that clear?”

  The remaining subordinate nodded quickly, their hood bobbing. “Y-Yes, my Lord. I already have a plan in motion. And a fail-safe, should it come to that. I will handle it personally this time. The mistake was relying on fools in my stead.”

  The Vampire Lord’s crimson gaze gleamed from the shadows as he leaned forward, resting his chin on a pale hand. “Very well,” he murmured. “I will hold you to that.”

  “And the other matter?” the kneeling figure asked hesitantly, their voice barely above a whisper. “Have you located Her?”

  A low chuckle rumbled from the Vampire Lord. “Her? Yes, we found her… briefly. But they have a witch protecting their movements—concealing them. She is shielded, hidden from us. Every time we get close, they vanish.”

  The figure stiffened, fists clenching at their sides. “A witch?”

  “Indeed. It’s clever. But no matter,” the Vampire Lord said dismissively, swirling his drink once more. “That particular issue will be resolved shortly. For now, your focus will remain on the Aegis driver. They are the true threat to my plans. They must not succeed!”

  The figure nodded deeply. “I will not fail you, my Lord.”

  “See that you don’t,” the Vampire Lord said, his voice dropping to a lethal purr. “Fail me again, and I’ll use your skull as my chalice.”

  The subordinate swallowed audibly, their body trembling with barely concealed terror. Without another word, they scrambled to their feet, bowing deeply before retreating from the room.

  The Vampire Lord watched the door close behind them, a faint smirk curling at the corners of his shadowed lips. He leaned back into his throne-like chair, lifting the glass to his lips as he gazed out at the city below.

  But his mind was not on the glittering lights of of The Upper East side, nor the sprawling park across the way. No, his thoughts were far darker—focused on conquest, revenge, and blood.

  “Soon…” he murmured, his voice sending a chill through the empty room. “Soon it will all be mine.”

  He sipped the crimson liquid, his smirk widening, as the cold, menacing silence settled once more.

  The hooded figure strode quickly through the opulent lobby of the Vampire Lord’s skyscraper, his boots echoing on the polished marble floors. The sleek modernity of the building, with its glass and steel design, contrasted sharply with the tension radiating off the vampires he passed.

  He pushed open a heavy door to a side room filled with waiting vampires, the air thick with restless energy and unspoken grievances. The low murmur of voices silenced instantly as he entered.

  “Let’s get going,” the figure snapped, yanking off his hood and revealing his face: a vampire with sharp features, black hair slicked back, and a prominent scar running down the left side of his cheek. His cold, piercing eyes scanned the room, daring anyone to speak out.

  “Solan, where’s the stupid lizard?” one of the group muttered, referring to the Rougarou.

  “Where do you think he is?” Solan barked, his tone sharp enough to make the offender flinch. “Dead. You’re lucky you weren’t the ones to screw up this time. Lord Vaelen is not pleased!”

  The group muttered among themselves, uneasy glances exchanged. Solan raised his voice over the noise. “Enough! We move out now! Grab your gear. You twelve are with me. The rest of you, head to the rendezvous location.”

  He paused, his gaze hard as he scanned the room. “If this plan doesn’t work, we regroup there and proceed with Plan B. No excuses, no failures.”

  The vampires scrambled into action, strapping on weapons and checking their gear. Solan slung twin shoulder holsters over his red shirt, the black leather blending seamlessly with the tactical vests they all wore. Black slacks were tucked neatly into combat boots, the uniformity of their appearance broken only by the assortment of weapons they carried—guns, blades, and other various gear, each carefully chosen for the job ahead.

  “Ross!” Solan barked. A lanky vampire with a gaunt face and quick, fidgeting fingers stepped forward, a tablet-like device in one hand.

  “Power the pillars,” Solan ordered. “This is search and destroy.”

  Ross nodded, kneeling before a complex array of glowing runes carved into the floor and surrounding a set of intricately designed pillars. With a practiced hand, he activated the runic relay, lines of energy sparking to life and weaving together to form an unstable, shimmering veil of light between the pillars.“Alright!” Solan called, the shimmering glow of the veil reflecting in his cold eyes. “Move out!” With the order given, Solan and his team stepped through the veil, disappearing from the room. The dozen vampires emerged moments later in a dimly lit alley off Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The air was thick with humidity and the faint scent of alcohol and food from the nearby festivities. The sound of jazz music played faintly in the distance, contrasting with the deadly intent of the intruders.

  “Spread out,” Solan ordered, his voice low but commanding. “Find her. Don’t engage unless absolutely necessary.”

  Back at the relay, Ross remained behind with the remaining six vampires. He activated additional runes on the relay, the light shifting as it recalibrated.

  “Right! Our turn. Let’s go!” Ross commanded, leading his group through the veil. They emerged in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Blue Ridge, Georgia. The faint scent of mildew and decay filled the air, and the eerie quiet of the remote location was broken only by the distant sound of nocturnal wildlife.Ross motioned to his team. “Fan out and secure the perimeter. I don’t want any surprises while we wait.”

  As the vampires moved to obey, Ross turned back to the runic relay they had transported with them, now glowing faintly in the center of the warehouse. He traced his fingers along the lines of runes, ensuring their functionality.

  “Let’s see if this plan works,” Ross muttered to himself, a grim smile playing on his lips.

  Back in New Orleans, Solan’s group dissolved into the shadows of the French Quarter, their movements silent and calculated as they began their hunt.