I updated! Cookies for me. XD Short chapter, but I'm starting to get the sneaking feeling that this is gonna be WAY more than just ten chapters. That happens to all my stories, unfortunately. I'm going to try to update this and my other fic about once every two weeks, I think, so hang tight for an update!

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June 30

David woke up with an abrupt start, his heart racing as he struggled to make sense of where he was. It took a very long moment for him to recognize the person next to him, and even longer to recognize the room he was in.

Oh.

He exhaled slowly, lifting up the covers. Carefully, trying not to make any noise that would disturb the sleeping Dominique, he padded out of the bed.

His knives lay on the bedstand. David frowned at them, trying to calculate how many blades he could take—at any given time, he always carried at least three, but he needed more this time. With a small grunt, he walked to the closet, touching it with a dab of Vida magic. There was a small click and a hidden drawer slid open, revealing a motherlode of knives.

"You going out already?" a sleepy voice asked.

David turned, grinning at Dominique. "Morning, sleepyhead."

She scowled at him, glancing at the wall clock. It read 9:40, unusually late for her. "Adianna and I were up training last night, no thanks to you," she replied, flopping back down onto the covers. "She'll make a brilliant hunter some day."

"Mm," David said, preoccupied with the knives. Dominique turned, leaning over the edge of the bed, watching him. "They both will, Sarah and Adianna," David continued. "They've got the skill."

"But they need the discipline," Dominique murmured softly. "I'm a little worried about Sarah, to tell the truth. She's too—I don't know, careless with her emotions. Too passionate. One day, she'll get trapped in a corner because she judged according to her emotions, and I don't know what'll happen to her…"

Her voice trailed off. David sighed, glancing at her. "You're too harsh on her, Domi."

Dominique shrugged. "I don't want her to get killed, David."

"Our girls have their own strengths," David said quietly. "Adianna will be an excellent hunter, the one who'll take over your place as head of the Vida clan. Sarah, though—I think she has other strengths. Maybe she'll surprise you, who knows?"

Dominique laughed. "I hope so. In the meantime, I'm going to keep trying." She watched him through lowered lashes as he turned back to the rack of knives, trying to pick the best. "How many do you need?" she asked abruptly.

"I don't know," David admitted. "I'm guessing five?"

"You be careful, David," she said softly. "Ather is bigger prey than anything we've met before."

"I know," David said grimly, "but I can't let this go. I found her aura by luck. I'm not passing up this chance."

"Do you need help?" Dominique pressed, her eyes showing a trace of worry. "I mean, I have full confidence in you, but Ather—she may be weak compared to her fledglings and blood-mates, but she's still very old. Powerful."

"I won't let them take me," David assured her quietly.

Dominique hesitated, then nodded. David knelt by her side, rubbing her hair gently. "Don't worry about me," he said. "I'll come home."

"I know you will," Dominique murmured, lifting her head for his kiss.

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Closing the door behind him, David strode purposefully to the study. Flicking on the light, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a flattened role of maps that looked considerably battered. Carefully, he unrolled it, studying the map for the umpteenth time.

Traces of Ather's unmistakable aura had been detected near Maple and Drustin, an intersection of streets that lay right in the middle of gang territory. Three members had been found dead since then, and a pattern was starting to form. If he was right—if Ather continued the routine, which she would—then he could predict her fourth strike.

A piece of heavy parchment fluttered out, falling to the floor. David picked it up, knowing what it said by heart. He had found it two days before, tucked within the gang sash of the third victim—Ather knew she was being trailed.

I know you are there, hunter, it read in wide, flowing letters. You stink of witch magic, so I warn you now. So many have fallen on my threshold; you cannot hope to defeat me.

It's been such a long time since my last. You want to play, hunter? Last chance to forfeit. If you follow me once more, the game is on.