reets, the glow of the city skyline a faint silhouette in the distance. H

hless grip on the world had turned it into a place where humans were nothing more than cattle, and vampires ruled without mercy. Every fiber of Cassandra's being sc

ire in years. She had no

nestled on the edge of the city. Julian stopped at the door, his ha

ed, but Cassandra could sense something more

r voice tinged with wariness. "I don't trus

ce in his expression. "You don't have to trust me. B

the silence. Inside was a dimly lit sanctuary, its high ceilings adorned with forgotten sy

mpires alike, all seated around a large table, discussing something in hushed tones. It was a far cr

table. One woman, a vampire with silver hair and sharp features, glanced up at them as they approached. She had

manding. "I've heard about you. Not many humans have the gut

Cassandra replied stiffly.

us. I'm Elena Ravencroft. This"-she gestured to the man beside her, a werewolf

er eyes shifting between them. "

ld. "We've been fighting Valerian for years, but we're sca

," Elena continued, her voice soft but firm. "We need someone who knows th

to Julian. "You're asking

l vampires are the same. Some of us

r voice sharp. "You all look like you're trying to pl

e same, do you? There are more of us out there who want to end this war

ed into her for as long as she could remember. They were monsters-bloodthirsty, evil creatures. But now

. But you're a skilled fighter, and we need you. We need everyone who's willing to help. Valerian's plans are

h. She knew Valerian was dangerous, but thi

im down yourselves?" she a

is too powerful, and his reach is too wide.

their words, but still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She didn't know these

t last, rising from her seat. "Bu

ment in her gaze. "We'll give you time. But remembe

d of doubt and uncertainty. But as she reached

ra. You don't have

'm not alone," she muttere

made her heart race. She spun around, her hand instinctively go

going to make this easy," he sai

I'm not making anything easy

sion sharp. "Good. Becaus