Chapter 02
Seiden District, Edith.
Everything had gone smoothly at the Calvard Police Headquarters. René Kincaid finally wrapped up the last of the paperwork on his desk, letting out a long sigh of relief. Finally, he thought, stretching his arms behind his head and leaning back in his chair. Time to rest.
Just as he was settling in, a knock on the door broke the silence.
He turned his gaze to the door. "Come in."
The door opened to reveal his superior, Kilika Rouran. She was a striking woman, her aquamarine eyes sharp and perceptive, her long, straight black hair flowing past her waist. Despite being shorter than René, who stood tall with swept brown hair, silver eyes, and glasses, Kilika exuded an undeniable aura of authority. She smiled calmly as she stepped inside.
"Hello, René. I see you've finished your paperwork."
René nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Just wrapped it up. Is there something you need?"
Kilika's smile widened slightly. "Actually, yes. I have a task for you. As you know, Almata is finished. Gerard Dantes has been defeated, and the mafia organization is disbanded."
"Of course, I remember. You'd have to be living under a rock not to. What's the task?" René asked, curiosity piqued.
Kilika began explaining, "Up until now, Almata's headquarters in Edith—including those in the Vantaille District, Tyrell District, Auber District, Riverside, Central Station Street, and Centre Marche—have been abandoned and are now up for sale."
René raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess, the police department wants to buy them to use as stations in those areas?"
Kilika nodded. "That was the plan. But someone beat us to it. All of Almata's properties have been bought by a single individual."
"Oh, really? Who's that?" René asked, intrigued.
Kilika crossed her arms. "According to our information, his name is 'Lord Kain.' He's a nobleman from Erebonia."
"A nobleman?" René repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Not exactly who I'd expect to be snapping up former mafia headquarters. Then again, I'm not well-versed in Erebonian nobility."
Kilika nodded in agreement. "It struck me as odd too. The fact that he's from Erebonia makes it even more suspicious. Why would a nobleman purchase so many properties in Edith all at once?"
René shrugged. "Good question. Maybe he's planning to turn them into a large estate, or maybe he just wants to buy up half the town. Erebonians are rich enough to pull that off."
Kilika chuckled softly. "That could be it, but I suspect there's more to this than meets the eye. René, we fought long and hard to rid Calvard of Gerard and his crew, to make these streets safe again. The last thing I want is for an Erebonian nobleman to bring in another criminal group—or worse, something that could threaten our city. That's why I need to ask you for a favor."
René leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Whatever you need, I'm on it."
Kilika's smile returned. "I want you to meet this Lord Kain and get a read on him. Gather as much information as you can—discreetly, of course."
René thought for a moment before nodding. "Got it. I've dealt with Erebonians before, so I know to be respectful. I'll meet him."
He leaned back in his chair, then asked, "But is that all? You don't want me to find out how he managed to buy up all of Almata's old headquarters?"
Kilika smirked. "Of course I do. You're sharp, René. I've already had Roy make a few calls about this nobleman. Lord Kain insisted that if we want to talk, we should come to him in the evening, after sunset. He claims it's because he has important business to attend to during the day."
René raised an eyebrow. "That's odd. Sounds like Lord Kain is a very busy man. What kind of business do you think keeps him occupied all day?"
Kilika shrugged. "That's what I want you to find out. Good luck." With that, she turned and left the office.
As Kilika exited, René's thoughts lingered on this mysterious Lord Kain. There was something off about the whole situation—something that made his instincts buzz. This wasn't just a routine investigation.
...
René left work just before sunset, heading out to meet the enigmatic Lord Kain in person.
He walked through the streets of Edith, the last light of day fading into night. The city was quiet, the only sounds the occasional car passing by and the hum of streetlights flickering to life. As he made his way to the address Roy had given him, the city seemed to take on a different feel, as if it were holding its breath in anticipation.
When René arrived at his destination, he looked up at the massive building. It was an impressive structure, clearly expensive, with an air of exclusivity about it. Double-checking the address on his phone—Vantaille District, No. 66—he confirmed he was at the right place.
Approaching the front doors, René hesitated for a moment before ringing the doorbell. He wasn't sure what to expect—a maid? A butler? Or would Lord Kain himself answer? The possibilities churned in his mind.
But when the door swung open, revealing nothing but pitch-black darkness, René froze. The eerie silence was unsettling, and he found himself staring into the void beyond the threshold, uncertain of what to do next.
Cautiously, he stepped inside. "Hello? Is someone there?" he called out, his voice swallowed by the darkness.
With the lights now on, René could finally take in the interior of the building. He stepped cautiously into the foyer, his eyes scanning the space for any sign of life—Lord Kain, a staff member, perhaps a maid. But the grand hall was eerily empty. He called out again, his voice echoing through the space.
"Hello? Is there anyone here?"
Footsteps echoed from somewhere deeper in the house, growing louder with each passing second. René paused, turning toward the source of the sound, anticipation knotting in his stomach. He watched the staircase that led up to the upper floors, waiting to see who would emerge.
A figure appeared at the top of the stairs—a young man, almost boyish in appearance, descending slowly. He had short, dark brown hair combed into an undercut, and his crimson eyes seemed to glow, standing out starkly against his pale skin. Dressed in all black—a long coat, shirt, trousers, and polished Chelsea boots—he looked almost spectral, like a shadow come to life.
René studied the figure before him. The man was slight, almost delicate in stature, yet there was something unnervingly unnatural about him—his eyes, his skin, the way he moved. This is Lord Kain? René thought, his mind reeling. He's so young…
Forcing a polite smile, René addressed the figure. "Hello. Are you Lord Kain?"
The young man smiled, a cool, measured expression as he looked down at René. "Indeed, I am Lord Kain. I'm pleased you could make it, Mister Kincaid."
René's eyebrow arched in surprise; the young lord already knew his name. His smile faded into a more neutral expression. "Right. I suppose you were expecting me, then."
Lord Kain's smile widened slightly as he took a few steps closer. "I anticipated that my recent activities might draw attention from the government and police, especially considering the previous owners of these estates."
René nodded, stepping closer as well. "You're correct. The higher-ups are very suspicious. Buying up the properties of a fallen crime syndicate so quickly… that's not something an ordinary person does."
Kain chuckled, an amused glint in his eye. "Oh? Is that so? I've been considering a move to Edith for some time now. With the syndicate gone, I saw my chance and took it."
René narrowed his eyes, sensing an undercurrent of mockery in the young lord's words. He crossed his arms, unconvinced. "Really now? You just 'saw your chance and took it'? That sounds like a convenient story."
Kain smirked, undeterred. "Please, Mister Kincaid. I'm merely an upstanding citizen of Zemuria, no different from you. Why don't we discuss this over dinner? I imagine you've had a long day working for the Intelligence Division."
René eyed the nobleman skeptically but decided to play along. "I suppose I could eat. Sure, I'd love to join you."
"Very well," Kain said with a smile, gesturing for René to follow him. The agent trailed behind as they moved to the dining room, where a lavish spread awaited them—bread, vegetables, fruits, a roasted chicken, and a bottle of wine, all perfectly arranged on the table.
They took their seats, and René's eyes lingered on the food, his mouth watering at the sight of the succulent chicken. He'd been so wrapped up in work that he hadn't eaten all day, and now his stomach growled in anticipation. Chuckling, he remarked, "This looks extravagant… How do I know it's not poisoned?"
Kain laughed softly. "What would I gain from poisoning you?" He rose gracefully from his chair and poured wine into René's glass with careful, practiced movements.
René chuckled back, still wary. He twirled the glass, watching the deep red liquid swirl inside before raising it to his lips. "You do realize I'm here to investigate you, don't you?"
Lord Kain scoffed, his smile never wavering. "And I have nothing to hide, Mister Kincaid."
René wasn't so sure. "A high-class nobleman suddenly moves to Calvard, buys up former mafia headquarters, and gives vague reasons for his actions… Doesn't that strike you as suspicious?"
Kain chuckled again. "All right, the truth then, Mister Kincaid. The times have changed. Up until the Great Twilight, Erebonia was a force to be reckoned with. But recent events—the Erebonian Civil War, the Great Twilight—have drained Erebonia's resources. Not to mention the crown prince joining a terrorist organization, which has caused quite a stir in high society. I wanted to distance myself from it all and start anew in Calvard, a land that has advanced significantly over the past two years, thanks to Erebonia's postwar reparations."
René listened carefully, his mind racing. Kain's explanation made sense, but something still felt off. He took a sip of wine, considering his next words. "You're quite the political thinker, Lord Kain. But I still find it odd that a nobleman would suddenly uproot himself from Erebonia and buy so many properties. It's unusual, to say the least."
Kain smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Is it? To open a business, one must be bold. The more places I acquire, the easier it is to attract customers. I'm sure my actions have already made the headlines."
Oh, he's good, René thought, impressed by the young man's poise and sharp mind. But he wasn't convinced just yet. Smiling slightly, he responded, "Of course, that makes perfect sense. You're an up-and-coming businessman, doing what's necessary to expand your empire."
He sighed, still holding his wine glass. "But I find it hard to believe that someone as savvy as you wouldn't anticipate that your sudden activities in Edith would draw the attention of the Intelligence Division."
Kain laughed. "Oh, I expected it, Mister Kincaid. That's why we're having this little chat over dinner."
René couldn't help but chuckle. This young lord is sharp, he thought. Smooth, calculating, and fully in control of the conversation. He was impressed but still on guard. "I see… So you knew the Intelligence Division would be watching you from the start, and you wanted to smooth things over?"
Kain's smile remained as he replied, "But of course. In Erebonia, I earned respect through lineage and upbringing. But in a republic like Calvard, such things matter less. Here, respect is earned through hard work and ambition. I have no intention of being a nobody, Mister Kincaid."
René was beginning to understand why his superiors were so wary of this man. Kain was smart, sly, and ambitious—a dangerous combination. Still smiling, René chuckled. "You must be quite the force to be reckoned with, Lord Kain. You've got the mind of a veteran politician."
Kain's smile remained, but René sensed something darker beneath it—something dangerous. "I've had quite a bit of experience with politics, thanks to my ancestors. But enough about me. You must be tired and hungry. Please, enjoy the meal."
René could sense the subtle tension in the air, but he chose to play along. With a sarcastic but cheerful tone, he reached for a leg of roasted chicken. "Of course. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hungry. Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Kain."
The chicken was tender, juicy, and delicious, and René found himself eating quickly, the day's hunger catching up with him. As Kain refilled his wine glass, he offered an apology. "I'm sorry for the modest welcome, Mister Kincaid. My servants are still busy packing up my belongings in Erebonia, preparing to move them to Edith. I hope you don't mind my personal attention."
René chuckled, slowing his pace slightly. "It's fine. Honestly, it's a unique experience to dine with a mysterious noble like yourself, even if I'm here on business. I don't often get the chance to enjoy such fine company."
He paused to take another sip of wine, then asked, "Speaking of your servants… may I ask you something, Lord Kain?"
Kain's smile didn't waver. "Of course, Mister Kincaid."
He returned the smile, a subtle curve of his lips, before posing his question. "You mentioned your servants are occupied in Erebonia, packing your belongings, correct? So, does that mean you're all alone in this vast place?"
Kain nodded slowly. "Indeed, I am. I may appear young to you, but I've always been more... secluded than my peers. I don't mind the silence of solitude. In fact, I relish the shadows where I can be alone with my thoughts."
The agent chuckled, taking another bite of chicken. "Ah, quite the introvert, then. Most people loathe being alone, you know. But I suppose an introverted noble like yourself is a rarity." He chuckled again, this time with a touch of mockery. "I bet you could have any woman you wanted, though. A 'young, up-and-coming businessman' like you? The ladies must be swarming."
The young lord laughed softly. "I suppose... but there was one woman who filled me more than any other. Since she departed from life, no one else has managed to fill the void she left behind."
René raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "She must have been extraordinary to ensnare a cold, introverted man like you."
Kain nodded, his smile tinged with melancholy. "She was remarkable, full of grace and elegance. Wiser than any woman I've met since."
René was taken aback by the sincerity in Kain's voice. "I didn't expect such a serious reply... Guess that's why you've stayed clear of high society's women, eh?"
"For now, perhaps. Who knows? My move to Calvard is a new beginning. Maybe I'll find a woman who can quench my thirst..." Kain paused, then added, "for companionship."
The agent laughed, detecting the young lord's proper way of speaking. "Of course, 'purely for companionship.' You've got your priorities straight, eh, Lord Kain?"
"Indeed, I do. And you, Mr. Kincaid? Has any lady ensnared your heart?"
René laughed, then sighed dramatically, slumping back in his chair with a sarcastic grin. "'A lady who ensnared my heart'? Me? Hah... A man like me has no time for love, Lord Kain. Not with a job like mine."
Kain giggled. "I see... a busy man is wedded to his work, I suppose."
"Quite so. An agent like myself can't afford the luxury of free time and fun. I have a job that demands my constant attention. Especially since I'm so ambitious."
"Ambitious?" Kain asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
René chuckled, taking a sip of wine. "Of course. I'm one of the most promising members of the intelligence department. I aim to rise through the ranks, perhaps even to the position of Director-General."
Kain smirked at René's ambition. "Is that so? Then our little dinner chat may benefit me greatly in the coming years."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Lord Kain. Just because I might become Director-General one day doesn't mean I'll be your personal crony, bending to your every whim." He took another sip of wine, then continued. "In fact, if I do rise to power, I'd be more of an obstacle to you. Should I catch even the faintest whiff of something suspicious in one of Calvard's largest estates being owned by a young stranger, I'll be on you like a hawk."
Kain's eyes narrowed, and in an instant, the wine glass in René's hand exploded. The agent cursed as shards of glass cut into his hand, blood dripping down his fingers.
"Damnit!" he yelped, grabbing a napkin to staunch the bleeding. He glared at Kain, but the young lord seemed unfazed, his gaze fixed on René's wound with unnerving intensity.
After a moment, Kain snapped out of his trance and approached René, taking his wounded hand in his own. The agent froze, unsettled by the young noble's sudden closeness and the piercing look in his eyes.
"W-What are you doing...?" René stammered.
Kain's voice was flat, emotionless. "The glass was old and could be dirty. We shouldn't risk infection, Mr. Kincaid."
René raised an eyebrow at the strange remark, his annoyance giving way to unease. "I... I'll be fine. It's just a little cut. I'll get it treated later."
But Kain didn't let go. His grip tightened as he pulled the napkin away, exposing the bleeding wound. "I insist. It's the oldest treatment in the world." Without another word, he pressed his lips to René's wound and began to suck the blood.
René jerked in surprise, trying to pull his hand away, but Kain's grip was unyielding. "Wh-What the hell are you doing?! Stop!"
Kain continued, his mouth warm and wet against the wound. René felt a chill creep down his spine as the young noble's face hovered over his hand, drinking the blood with an eerie calm.
"Stop! It stings, damn it!"
With a desperate tug, René wrenched his hand free and stumbled back, his heart pounding as he clutched his injured hand. Blood still dripped from the wound as he stared at Kain, shock and confusion mixing in his gaze.
"What the hell was that?! Were you just... sucking my blood?"
Kain's expression was unreadable, his voice as cold as ice. "You don't understand, René... I only want what's best for you." His crimson eyes locked onto René's, and a wicked smile crept across his lips, sharp and sinister.
René's breath quickened, fear gripping him as Kain's demeanor shifted. The young lord's eyes glinted with something dark, something dangerous. The blood dripped steadily from René's fingers as he pressed his back against the wall, trying to distance himself from the increasingly menacing figure before him.
"W-What do you mean...?"
Kain's smile widened, an ominous grin that sent chills through René's veins. With a swift, effortless motion, Kain hurled the table across the room. The dishes shattered as they hit the ground, the sound echoing in the now tense silence.
René's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the display of strength, a cold dread settling in the pit of his stomach. He took another step back as Kain advanced, his heart thundering in his chest.
"What the hell are you doing? What do you want from me?!"
Kain's grin twisted into something cruel, his eyes gleaming with sadistic glee. "I would like to spend more time with you, my dear agent. The night is long, and I have business to attend to during the day." His laughter was low, almost a growl.
René's fear escalated as he backed into the wall, his pulse racing. The young lord's pupils had contracted into tiny, crimson points, surrounded by a sea of white sclera. He felt trapped, adrenaline coursing through him as he struggled to maintain a facade of composure.
"S-Stay back... Don't come any closer!"
Kain's grin grew wider, revealing elongated canines, sharp and predatory. His fingertips seemed to extend, nails sharpening into claw-like points. "Don't worry, my friend... all I need from you... is a little sip."
René flinched as he saw the transformation, his breath catching in his throat. The sight of those fangs and claws, more beast than man, sent a wave of terror through him. He pressed harder against the wall, as though he could somehow disappear into it.
"A... A sip...?"
The wound on his hand throbbed in time with his quickening pulse, fear and adrenaline pumping through his veins. He could feel the darkness closing in, his vision beginning to blur as panic set in.
"Stay away from me, damn it!"
But Kain closed the distance with terrifying speed, seizing René and lifting him effortlessly off the ground. The agent cursed, struggling in vain against the young lord's vice-like grip.
"Let me go! Put me down!"
Kain only hissed, a serpentine sound, before baring his fangs and sinking them into René's neck. The young lord's lips closed around the wound, and he began to drink, his slurping sounds filling the room.
René gasped in pain, the sharp sting of fangs piercing his flesh sending a shock through his system. The sensation of his blood being drained was nauseating, and terror overwhelmed him as he realized how helpless he was.
"AGH! It hurts! Stop it! Stop!"
He thrashed in Kain's grip, but the young lord's hold only tightened, drawing more blood with each agonizing pull. His vision grew dimmer, the room spinning as his strength ebbed away.
"Stop... this... you bastard... let me... go..."
Kain continued to drink, indifferent to the agent's weakening state. René's struggles slowed, his body growing heavy and cold, the life draining out of him with each passing second.
"Please... stop..."
His voice was barely a whisper as the darkness closed in, his eyes fluttering shut. The last thing he heard was the sound of his own blood being siphoned away, the world fading into a cold, endless night.
...
The following afternoon, René Kincaid awoke slowly, the haze of unconsciousness clinging to his mind like a fog. Disoriented, he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. His heart sank as he took in the bleak reality: he was confined to a small, barren room. The windows were barred, and the door was locked from the outside. The stark, claustrophobic space only deepened the dread gnawing at his insides.
René pushed himself upright, his back pressed against the cold, unforgiving wall. His head spun, and with it came the memories of the night before. The sharp recollection of Lord Kain's fangs sinking into his neck sent a shiver down his spine. His fingers instinctively traced the twin punctures on his throat, the wounds still tender. The young noble's sadistic pleasure in feeding on him was as vivid in his mind as the chilling touch of Kain's skin.
He scanned the room, desperately searching for any means of escape, but all he found were the relentless bars and the unyielding door. His attempts to stand were met with weakness; the blood loss had drained more than just his strength. His legs wobbled beneath him, forcing him to lean heavily against the wall for support. Panic began to rise within him, clawing at the edges of his mind. He was a prisoner, at the mercy of a monster.
René staggered to the door, throwing his weight against it, but it didn't budge. The frustration and fear that had been simmering within him now boiled over. He turned to the windows, but the sight of the iron bars extinguished any hope of escape. He slammed his fist against the door in helpless rage.
"Dammit... how the hell am I supposed to get out of here?" His voice trembled with the realization of his powerlessness. The room seemed to close in on him, the walls pressing tighter, the air growing thinner.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of footsteps echoing outside the door. René's heart skipped a beat, his breath caught in his throat. Every muscle in his body tensed as he waited, the seconds stretching into eternity. The footsteps grew louder, closer, until they stopped just outside. Then, with a slow creak, the door opened.
Lord Kain entered with an air of casual indifference, his expression a mask of cold amusement. The young noble surveyed René, a smug grin curling his lips. "Hello, Mister Kincaid," Kain's voice dripped with mockery. "I trust you've become acquainted with your new accommodations."
René clenched his fists, a storm of anger and fear raging within him. "'Accommodations'? You mean this prison, you bastard! You locked me in here!"
Kain's laughter was a dark, sinister sound that echoed off the walls. "I suppose that's one way to put it, Mister Kincaid."
René's anger flared, but he fought to keep his composure. "You kidnapped me, locked me in this room like an animal. What do you want from me? Why am I even here?"
Kain's eyebrow arched in feigned surprise. "Oh, come now, Mister Kincaid. Surely, you can figure that out for yourself."
The taunt only fueled René's frustration. "Don't give me that bullshit! I know you... you drank my blood last night. You bit me like some damned beast!"
Kain's smile widened, revealing the sharp tips of his fangs. "Ah, you finally get it. What gave it away? My pale skin? My red eyes? Or perhaps it was the way I feasted on you like a delicacy?"
René recoiled slightly, the memory of that horrific moment flashing before his eyes. "You're a vampire... a real vampire."
Kain's sinister grin deepened. "Indeed. We are known by many names: Dead Apostles, Strigoi, Nosferatu... take your pick. But yes, Mister Kincaid, I am what your kind would call a vampire."
A cold dread seeped into René's bones. He had heard the tales, the legends of creatures that fed on the living, but he had never believed them—until now. Standing before the embodiment of those nightmares, he felt the weight of a terrifying truth settle over him like a shroud.
"So... it's all true," René whispered, his voice trembling with the revelation. "Everything I've heard... everything I thought was just myth... it's real."
Kain's eyes gleamed with dark amusement. "And since you know the stories, I hardly need to spell out what comes next... for you, or for your precious Edith."
The mention of his town jolted René from his stupor. "Don't you dare touch them! Leave Edith alone!"
Kain's mocking laughter sent a chill down René's spine. "Oh, my dear agent, you truly believe you can stop me? I plan to drain your town dry, to turn its people into my army of the undead. You can try to stop me... or you can submit. Serve me, and perhaps I'll let you live."
René's fists clenched in impotent rage. "And if I refuse?"
Kain's grin widened, a predator's smile. "Then you'll stay here, rotting in this room, providing me with your blood until you have nothing left to give."
The weight of the ultimatum crushed René's spirit. "So that's it? Either I become your slave, or I die here?"
Kain's voice dripped with malevolent glee. "Precisely. Or, if you prefer, I could tear you apart piece by piece, devour you as slowly as that chicken you had yesterday."
René's blood boiled, his anger giving him a fleeting burst of strength. "You're a monster."
Kain's expression darkened. "I've been called worse. But your defiance amuses me. It's always more satisfying to break someone who thinks they can resist."
René glared at him, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I'll never serve you. I'd rather die than help you destroy Edith."
Kain's laughter filled the room, a sound devoid of humanity. "Ah, that fire... I'll enjoy extinguishing it."
With a casual flick of his wrist, Kain produced René's phone, holding it up like a prize. "While you were out, I took the liberty of exploring your personal life. Quite the circle you have... especially these two." He turned the screen toward René, revealing a photo of him with Van and Elaine, smiling together in happier times.
René's heart lurched, fear clenching like a vise around his chest. "What... what do you want with them?"
Kain's smile turned wicked. "I think they'll make excellent playthings. Especially the lovely Elaine... such a beauty."
Panic surged through René. "No! Leave them alone! I'll do anything, just don't hurt them!"
Kain's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Then you know what you must do. Here, take your phone." He tossed it to René, who caught it with trembling hands. "Message your friends. Tell them you'll be away. And inform your superiors that you've decided to join forces with me for the next two weeks."
René's fingers trembled as he typed, each word a betrayal of everything he stood for. When he finished, he handed the phone back to Kain, who barely glanced at the screen before hurling the device to the ground and crushing it underfoot.
"I don't think you'll need that anymore," Kain said with a smirk. "But don't worry, I've memorized their faces. I'll be sure to give them my... personal attention."
René's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear and rage threatening to consume him. "Don't you touch them! I'll do whatever you want... just leave them out of this!"
Kain's response was swift and brutal. He lunged forward, grabbing René by the throat and lifting him effortlessly off the ground. René gasped for air, his feet kicking helplessly as he dangled in the vampire's grasp.
"I own you now, René Kincaid," Kain hissed, his eyes burning with a malevolent fire. "And soon, your friends will belong to me as well."
Tears of frustration and fear welled up in René's eyes as he choked out his defiance. "I... I hate you... you monster..."
Kain's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down René's spine. "Hate me all you want, my little blood bag. But that will only make it sweeter when you beg for mercy."
As Kain's fangs glistened in the dim light, René braced himself, the cold dread of what was to come settling over him like a death shroud. He was trapped, powerless, a pawn in the hands of a creature who delighted in his suffering. And as the vampire leaned in to claim what was his, René knew there would be no escape. Only darkness.
