The wind had picked up, swirling through the trees with an eerie howl that sent chills down Mary's spine. The forest felt like a living entity, one that watched and waited, its dark branches twisting into grotesque shapes against the pale light of the moon. The silence had returned after the brutal encounter with the werewolf, but Mary couldn't shake the feeling that something else was lurking just beyond the reach of the trees, something far more dangerous.
As Lela knelt beside the fallen werewolf, Mary's mind raced. The revelation that this creature had been sent after them felt like a heavy weight on her chest. They were being hunted, and whoever had orchestrated it wasn't going to stop until they got what they wanted.
"So, who exactly is after us?" Mary asked, her voice unsteady but determined. She wanted answers, wanted to understand why her life had been turned upside down. She had enough of being kept in the dark.
Lela stood up slowly, her eyes never leaving the lifeless body of the werewolf. "I don't know yet. But I have an idea."
Mary stepped closer, feeling the need to press for more information. "What do you mean, 'an idea'? Do you know who's behind this?"
Lela's expression darkened, and for a moment, she looked almost haunted. "There's a group. They've been tracking vampire bloodlines for centuries, looking for individuals with… unique abilities. They call themselves the Valtari Order."
The name sent a cold shiver down Mary's spine. She had heard whispers of such groups in the past, but never imagined she would become their target. The Valtari Order were said to be an ancient and powerful faction, operating in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Their goal was unclear, but one thing was certain: they never left survivors.
"They hunt us?" Mary asked, incredulous.
"They hunt those like you," Lela corrected, her voice low. "Those with powers that can't be easily controlled. You've only begun to feel the changes in you, but they've likely sensed it. The power inside you is something they want to use for their own purposes."
Mary felt her breath catch in her throat. She had always known there was something different about her, but hearing it out loud—hearing Lela confirm her fears—made it real. The abilities that had begun to manifest inside her, the strange powers she couldn't fully control, were not just a gift. They were a weapon. A weapon that others wanted to control.
A sudden rustling in the trees broke through Mary's thoughts, and she instinctively reached for her sword. Her eyes darted to the shadows, but there was nothing there. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck rise, and her senses sharpened as she waited for whatever threat was about to reveal itself.
Lela's gaze flicked around the clearing, her posture rigid with caution. "We're not alone," she muttered under her breath. "Get ready."
Mary's heart began to pound in her chest as she tightened her grip on the hilt of her saber. The air felt charged, as if the very earth was holding its breath, waiting for the next move. She knew they couldn't afford to be caught off guard again.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the clearing with eerie calm. A man. But not just any man. He was tall and imposing, his eyes glowing faintly with a supernatural light. His features were sharp, angular, almost ethereal. There was an air of coldness about him, a presence that made the air around him feel colder, heavier. He was no ordinary vampire.
"I was wondering when you two would show up," the man said, his voice smooth, almost mocking. "I have to say, I'm disappointed you took this long. I was expecting a bit more of a challenge."
Lela's eyes narrowed as she straightened, her sword at the ready. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice laced with venom. "And what do you want?"
The man smiled, a chilling expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ah, always so serious. My name is Dante, and I'm here on behalf of the Valtari Order." He took a step forward, his gaze flicking to Mary. "We've been watching you, Mary. You're not as hidden as you think."
Mary instinctively took a step back, her heart hammering in her chest. How could he know her name? Had they been following her all this time?
"Why are you following me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you want?"
Dante's smile grew wider, though it lacked any warmth. "It's quite simple, really. The Order wants you, Mary. You have something we need."
Lela tensed beside her, her grip tightening on her sword. "Over my dead body," she hissed, her eyes blazing with fury.
Dante's smile didn't falter. "Perhaps. But I think you'll find that your death would be quite unnecessary. We'd prefer to have you alive, after all. You're far more useful to us that way."
Mary felt a surge of panic, but she quickly suppressed it. She couldn't let fear control her. Not now. Not when she had a chance to fight back.
"Why don't you tell me what you want with me first?" Mary said, trying to steady her voice. "What makes me so special to your Order?"
Dante tilted his head, considering her question. "You're more than just a vampire, Mary," he said, his tone almost admiring. "You have the ability to wield an ancient power, one that even the most powerful vampires only dream of. And that power is growing inside you."
Mary's stomach twisted. The power. The strange, uncontrollable energy that had begun to surface within her. Was this what he was talking about? Was she really the key to something that could give the Valtari Order even more control over the vampire world?
Lela stepped forward, positioning herself between Mary and Dante, her stance defensive. "If you think you can just take her without a fight, you're gravely mistaken."
Dante chuckled, the sound like ice scraping against stone. "I don't think you fully understand the situation. You're outmatched, Lela. We've been preparing for this moment for a long time. The Order will have Mary. Whether you like it or not."
Without warning, Dante's hand shot out, and the air around them seemed to vibrate with energy. A bolt of dark, crackling power shot toward Lela, but she was ready. With a swift motion, she deflected the strike with her sword, the impact sending a shockwave through the air.
Mary's heart raced as the battle unfolded in front of her. She had never seen Lela fight like this—so fierce, so desperate. The sword flashed through the air, striking with incredible precision, but Dante's speed was unnerving. He moved like a shadow, slipping between Lela's attacks, always one step ahead.
"You can't win, Lela," Dante taunted, his voice mocking. "You're fighting against fate."
Lela's eyes blazed with fury, her sword moving faster than Mary could track. But despite her skill, it was clear they were outmatched. Dante was toying with her, slowly pushing her back.
Mary's mind raced. She couldn't just stand there and watch. She had to do something. The power inside her surged again, its presence so strong it almost hurt. She had to control it. Had to use it.
Taking a deep breath, Mary focused on the sensation inside her, the energy that had been growing ever since she had turned. It was like a fire waiting to explode. She reached for it, tried to channel it, and suddenly, everything around her seemed to slow.
Dante turned just in time to see her move. His eyes widened with surprise, and for the first time, there was a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze.
"You…" he muttered.
And then Mary released the power.