Chapter 13

Agnès hesitated, her heart pounding at the thought of what lay ahead. But as she looked into Kain's eyes, the fear began to fade, replaced by a sense of inevitability. "Let's wait until we leave," she finally said, her voice steady. "I'm not ready... not yet."

Kain nodded, his expression understanding. "As you wish, my dear. We have all the time in the world."

Meanwhile, Van and René left House 88, the heavy door closing behind them with a resounding thud. Van's shoulders slumped under the weight of everything that had just transpired. His expression was solemn, his thoughts distant. René, walking beside him, maintained a composed facade, but the turmoil beneath was unmistakable—his heart ached with a pain he fought hard to hide.

The journey back to Van's office was suffocatingly silent, both men lost in their own thoughts. Van couldn't escape the image of Agnès, wrapped in that cape, her silhouette etched into his mind like a cruel reminder of their loss. Every step felt like a struggle against the tide of memories threatening to overwhelm him.

René walked quietly beside him, his expression as stoic and unreadable as always, but Van noticed the slight tightening of his jaw, the almost imperceptible hunch in his shoulders. René's emotions, though well concealed, mirrored Van's own—hurt, betrayal, and a deep sense of loss.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached Van's office. Van unlocked the door with a weary hand, pushing it open without bothering to turn on the lights. The darkness felt appropriate. He collapsed onto the couch, burying his face in his hands, the weight of everything pressing down on him like an unbearable burden.

René followed him in, quietly taking a seat across from him. The room was silent, save for the sound of their shallow breaths, each man drowning in his own sea of emotions.

Van was the first to break the silence, his voice thick with pain. "Can you believe it, René?" he asked, looking up at his friend with weary eyes. "She chose him... just like that. After everything... after all we've been through, she just... left us for a vampire."

René's gaze was equally solemn, his voice steady but laced with a quiet rage. "Especially that vampire. The same one who held Elaine and me captive, who sucked our blood. The same vampire who invaded Aramis, hypnotized students, and turned one of our friends into his pawn. The same monster who killed innocents and plunged Edith into darkness."

Van let out a bitter laugh, the memories of Kain's atrocities still fresh in his mind. "Yeah... seems like the perfect choice, doesn't it?" His fists clenched, the anger simmering beneath his skin. "A blood-thirsty monster who's brought nothing but suffering... and she just gave herself to him."

The silence returned, thick with unspoken pain. Van's mind raced with a storm of emotions—anger, sadness, betrayal. René leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes, trying to maintain his composure, but the tension in his body betrayed the turmoil within.

Suddenly, the door opened, and the rest of their team entered. Kevin, Bergard, and Feri stepped into the room, their faces tired and resigned.

"We tried a few more Almata bases, but there's no sign of Kain," Feri reported, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Van's jaw clenched at their words, the frustration building up inside him. "Damn it," he muttered, his fists tightening once more.

Bergard's gaze swept the room before settling on Van. "Where's Agnès?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Van flinched at the mention of her name, the pain still raw. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check. "She's... not here," he managed to say, his voice hoarse and strained.

Kevin's eyes widened, noticing the sorrow in Van's voice. "What... what do you mean?" he asked quietly, stepping forward, his concern growing.

Van took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the floor. The words felt like lead in his mouth, almost too heavy to speak. "She... she's with him. She left... with Kain."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Kevin's face reflected disbelief and shock, while Bergard's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. Feri looked as if she'd been struck, her eyes wide with hurt. René kept his eyes closed, his face a mask of stoic calm, but the tension in his body betrayed the deep anger and disappointment he felt.

His voice cut through the tension, cold and measured. "We arrived at House 88 and found Kain performing some kind of ritual. We attacked him, but... he overpowered us. Agnès came in, and he offered her a deal: join him, and he would spare Edith."

Van's eyes darkened at the memory, his expression hardening. "And she accepted... just like that."

Finally, Kevin spoke, his voice a mix of disbelief and desperation. "What... what are you talking about? There's no way... she wouldn't just... leave you... for him!"

Van's hands clenched tighter, his knuckles turning white. He looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. "She did, Kevin. She chose him. She chose a bloodsucking monster over us. Over her friends."

Kevin shook his head, refusing to believe it. "There has to be a mistake."

Van let out a bitter laugh, the sound harsh and pained. "Oh, really? And how well do you know her, Kevin? Because it sure looks like she had no problem leaving us for that monster."

Kevin fell silent, the weight of Van's words sinking in. Bergard's fists clenched at his sides, his face a mask of barely contained fury. Feri stood frozen, her hands covering her mouth, struggling to process what she had just heard.

Van continued, his voice growing more bitter with each word. "Face it, guys. She chose him. She chose the one who's caused all this chaos and destruction... over us. Her friends."

In a burst of anger, Bergard punched the wall, the sound loud and jarring in the quiet room. Kevin flinched, and Feri jumped, her eyes wide with shock.

Feri's voice trembled as she spoke, her disbelief clear. "But... why? Why would she do that? She knows what he is, what he's done."

Van shook his head, his voice filled with bitterness. "I don't know, Feri. Maybe she was bewitched by his words. Maybe the temptation of power or immortality was too strong. Or maybe... she saw something in him that we didn't. Whatever the reason, she made her choice."

Bergard's voice was low and dangerous, his anger barely contained. "I don't care what her reason was. She chose to side with a monster. I can't forgive her for that."

Kevin's voice shook with emotion as he spoke, desperation creeping into his tone. "But... she's your friend, Van. You can't just... write her off like that."

Van looked at Kevin, his expression resolute. "Can't we? She betrayed us, Kevin. She sided with our enemy. How can we forgive her for that?"

Kevin's gaze dropped, unable to meet Van's eyes. Bergard's voice was cold and unyielding. "He's right, Kevin. She made her choice. We can't just ignore that."

Feri nodded slowly, her expression resigned and sad. "I don't want to believe it either, Kev, but... she's betrayed us."

The room was heavy with sorrow, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all. Van's expression was stern, his eyes hard. Bergard clenched his fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Feri looked close to tears, her body trembling slightly. Kevin was torn, his eyes darting between his friends, searching for answers that weren't there. René remained stoic, his gaze locked on Van.

Van finally spoke, his voice weary but determined. "There's nothing more to discuss. Agnès has made her choice. We have no choice but to continue on without her."

Feri looked at Van, her voice filled with doubt. "But... if Kain said he'd abandon his plans if Agnès joined him, doesn't that mean... Edith is safe? And... if we keep pursuing him, we might have to fight her."

Van's jaw tightened, the thought of facing Agnès in battle almost too painful to bear. "Yes, that's true. But do you really think Kain can be trusted? Just because he says he'll abandon his plans doesn't mean he actually will. He could be playing us for fools."

Bergard nodded in agreement, his voice gruff. "I wouldn't put it past him. He's a manipulative bastard. He'll say anything to get what he wants."

Van took a deep breath, his expression hardening as he spoke. "And we can't afford to take that risk. We can't trust Kain, no matter what he promises."

Feri looked down, her voice small and filled with uncertainty. "But... what can we do? We're out of options. Edith is cut off from the rest of Calvard, and we're running out of time."

Van let out a long sigh, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. "I know. Things are bad. But we can't give up. We have to find a way to stop Kain, no matter the cost."

Kevin's voice was laced with doubt as he spoke. "But... how? He's too powerful. And now he has Agnès. We're outnumbered, outmatched. What can we do?"

Van's jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with determination as he spoke, his voice resolute. "We find a way. We always find a way. Outnumbered, outgunned—it doesn't matter. We've got each other. We've got our skills, our knowledge, and the will to see this through. Surrender isn't in our vocabulary. We'll stop Kain, save Edith, and if it costs us everything, so be it."

Bergard's fists clenched, his expression as unyielding as Van's. "Damn right. We're Spriggans. We don't quit. We'll drag that bastard down, even if it kills us."

A sudden knock on the door broke the tension. Feri flinched, her heart pounding, while Van's body instantly tensed, his eyes snapping toward the source of the sound. He signaled his companions with a sharp glance; Bergard and Kevin mirrored his readiness, muscles coiled for a fight. Feri's hands trembled slightly, her nerves on edge, while Renato remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the door.

"Who's there?" Van's voice was sharp, laced with suspicion.

"It's me, Elaine. I've brought Miss Renne with me," came the familiar voice from the other side.

For a moment, the room fell into stunned silence as the Spriggans processed the unexpected announcement. Van's eyes widened, and he let out a small breath, his body relaxing slightly.

"Elaine and Renne? What are you two doing here?"

Renne's voice followed. "I need to talk with you. May we come in?"

Van exchanged quick, silent glances with his team. Their nods were unanimous. He turned back to the door. "Yeah, come on in."

Elaine entered first, dressed in her bracer outfit, though bandages covered the bite marks Kain had inflicted on her. Renne followed, wearing only a nightgown and a purple jacket. The exhaustion was visible on both their faces.

"We just came from the hospital," Elaine began, her voice heavy with worry. "We heard that all orbal networks in Calvard have been shut down. What's going on?"

"Kain," Van answered grimly. "He used some kind of EMP to disable every orbal device in Calvard—trains, cars, security systems, ARCUS units…even the internet. We're completely cut off from the world."

Renne's eyes widened with alarm. "This is bad. Without orbal tech, Calvard is paralyzed."

Van nodded, his expression dark. "Exactly. And that's exactly what Kain wants. He's isolating Edith to execute his plans without interference."

Renne and Elaine exchanged somber looks, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Renne then asked quietly, "And how is Agnès? Is she okay?"

The room fell silent. The Spriggans exchanged uneasy glances, their faces clouded with sorrow. Finally, Van spoke, his voice tinged with resignation. "Agnès...she's alive. But she's working with Kain now."

Renne gasped, her shock mirrored by the dark fury in Elaine's eyes. "What? Agnès is working with him?"

Van nodded, the bitterness evident in his tone. "She struck a deal. Kain would spare Edith if she joined him. We tried to stop her, but…"

Elaine stomped her foot in anger, her frustration boiling over. "Damn you, Kain! First, you hurt her, and now you've twisted her to your side? Is nothing sacred to you?" Tears welled up in her eyes as she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. "This is my fault…If I hadn't been there and encountered Agnès when he followed me—"

Van softened at her words, moving closer to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Elaine, this isn't on you. None of us could have seen this coming. Don't carry that burden alone."

The other Spriggans nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with sympathy. Feri's eyes were brimming with tears, while Bergard's jaw was tight, his inner conflict evident. René remained stoic, though his gaze was fixed on Elaine with an unusual sorrow.

Renne composed herself, taking a deep breath before speaking again. "I feared this would happen. Kain's had her in his sights ever since he bit her in the dorms."

Van's eyes narrowed, anger flaring once more. "You knew this was coming, and you didn't tell us?"

Renne looked down, guilt heavy in her voice. "I'm sorry... I wanted to, but I was traumatized. Kain almost seduced me with his promises, too. He knows how to worm his way into your mind, finding your darkest thoughts and pulling them to the surface. And when I defied him, he had the students…do unspeakable things to me. It felt like being back in Paradise…"

The room erupted in shock, horror, and barely contained rage. Feri let out a choked sob, while Bergard's hands curled into fists, his knuckles white. Kevin's face went pale as he trembled. Only Van and René remained composed, though their expressions were dark and full of promise.

Van's voice was low, filled with cold fury. "That monster… But don't worry, Renne. We'll make him pay for what he's done to you. You have our word."

Renne nodded, steeling herself. "That's why I'm here. I need to tell you something. Mark Miller visited Agnès to examine her bite mark. Shortly after, Kain attacked us, and Mark was killed."

Van's brow furrowed in confusion. "Mark Miller? What was he looking for in Agnès' bite?"

Renne sighed, a shiver running through her. "He said it was unusual for Kain not to kill or turn his victims immediately. When he examined Agnès' bite mark, he started laughing…like a creep. When I asked what was wrong, he told me Kain had selected Agnès to be his personal harlot."

Van's heart twisted at the mention of Agnès being turned into Kain's "personal harlot." The very thought of her being used like that made his blood boil with a mixture of rage and disgust. The other Spriggans reacted similarly, their faces going pale, eyes darkening with a shared sense of revulsion.

"Harlot?" Van echoed, his voice low and dangerous.

Renne nodded, her voice steady despite the horror of what she was relaying. "Yes. That's the word Mark Miller used. When I protested, saying I wouldn't let Kain claim her, his response made my blood run cold."

Van's expression darkened further, his fist clenching in anticipation of whatever cruel twist was coming. He locked eyes with Renne, his gaze intense. "And what did he say?"

Renne took a deep breath, bracing herself. "He suggested that it would be better to give Agnès to Kain. He muttered something about her being 'the answer.'"

The Spriggans stared in disbelief. Bergard looked like he'd been physically struck, while Feri's eyes were wide with shock, and Kevin's face flushed with anger.

"The 'answer'?" Van repeated, incredulous. "What the hell does that mean?"

Renne pressed a hand to her forehead, the weight of the situation clear on her face. "Miller rambled on about horror movies from his world. He mentioned an old film called Nosferatu." The Spriggans looked at her in confusion. Van's brow furrowed. Nosferatu—that was the name Roger and Feri had used to describe Kain when this whole vampire mess began.

Van's mind raced, trying to connect the dots. "Wait, so 'Nosferatu' not only refers to the vampire itself, but also refers to that movie?"

Renne nodded. "Yes, it seems so.''

Feri's eyes widened in alarm, darting between Renne and Van. "But what did he mean by calling Agnès 'the answer'?"

Renne sighed, explaining further. "Miller summarized the movie's plot. It's about a vampire named Count Orlok who travels to a city to claim a woman he desires. Along the way, he spreads death and illness. The woman, the female lead, learns from an old text that a woman without sin can defeat the vampire by making him forget the first crow of the cock. She sacrifices herself, letting the vampire drain her all night until the dawn's light kills him."

The room fell into stunned silence as the Spriggans absorbed the story. Van's expression remained stern, while Feri looked visibly shaken.

"So, the woman sacrificed herself to stop the vampire," Van said slowly, his voice low. "Is that what Miller was implying?"

Renne nodded, her face grim. "Yes, that's exactly what he was suggesting."

Van's expression grew darker as he absorbed the implications. He leaned forward, his jaw tight, eyes cold. "So, he's saying we should sacrifice Agnès? Let Kain do whatever he wants to her, hoping it'll be enough to stop him?"

Kevin frowned, deep in thought. "No…"

Van's eyes narrowed as he turned to Kevin. "No? What do you mean?"

Kevin spoke carefully, "What he might be suggesting is that we use Agnès as a distraction—keep Kain occupied until dawn, when the sunlight would kill him."

The Spriggans exchanged uneasy glances, startled by the idea. Van weighed the plan in his mind, considering the risks. "So, we'd be using Agnès as bait, hoping to trap Kain in the sunlight? That's a huge gamble..."

René interjected with a cough, "Hate to break up this tragic tale, but have you forgotten? Agnès has already given herself to Kain. She's likely turning into a vampiress herself, if she isn't already. She'd never allow Kain or herself to be exposed to sunlight now."

Van frowned, recognizing the bitter truth in René's words. Agnès had made her choice, aligning herself with Kain. "You're right. We can't rely on Agnès anymore. She's made her decision."

Elaine's voice trembled with emotion. "She chose to work with that sadistic monster, even after everything?"

Van nodded, his resolve hardening further. "Yes. She's fully aware of who Kain is and what he's done. Yet, she still chose him, even after he bit her and put her through hell. It's like she's completely under his spell."

The room fell silent, the weight of Van's words hanging heavily. Feri bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But why… How could she choose him over us?"

Renne sighed, her voice carrying the heavy truth. "Because Kain is an amalgamation of every dark desire a woman might have…"

The Spriggans were stunned into silence again, trying to process this revelation. Van raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

Renne met Van's gaze, her tone matter-of-fact. "Kain projects an aura that makes you feel understood. He reads your mind, every thought and desire, and manipulates you with that knowledge. He knows exactly what you crave, what you fear, what you're missing. He makes you believe he can give you what you want, no matter how dark or twisted it is."

Van's jaw clenched as he listened, the bitterness rising in his throat. "So, he's a master at exploiting our weaknesses, making us think he's the answer to our deepest desires."

Renne nodded, her eyes cold. "Exactly. He preys on vulnerable people like Agnès, exploiting their insecurities and longings until they're utterly dependent on him. He becomes their everything, invading their mind and body, making them crave him more than anything else."

Van felt a sharp pang in his chest at Renne's words. The thought of Agnès being entirely at Kain's mercy, both physically and mentally, disturbed him deeply. But he kept his face neutral, refusing to let his emotions show.

"So, he worms his way into their mental and emotional space like a parasite."

"Yes," Renne confirmed, her voice turning icy. "He infects their mind and heart, making them crave his presence and depend on his approval. He becomes their drug, their master, stripping away their agency until they're nothing but his puppets."

The Spriggans were horrified, their faces pale as they grasped the full extent of Kain's manipulative power. Feri shivered, hugging herself tightly, while Kevin looked like he might be sick. Bergard's fists were clenched, his anger barely contained. Elaine's face was cold and hard, though her eyes betrayed her shock and fear.

Van, however, forced himself to stay calm. His mind raced, processing everything they had learned. The reality that Agnès was entirely under Kain's control, her mind and body his playthings, felt like a blow to the gut. But he couldn't afford to show it—not in front of the others. He was their leader, and he had to stay strong, no matter what.

"Damn it…" Van muttered under his breath, his voice low and laced with fury. He fought to keep his emotions in check, refusing to let them betray him.

Renne looked at him, a hint of compassion in her voice. "Van…"

He glanced at her, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. In her gaze, he saw understanding. She knew the storm raging inside him, the pain, the anger, the grief. For just a moment, his mask of stoicism cracked, and the turmoil in his eyes was laid bare.

But only for a moment. Van quickly forced himself to regain composure, his expression hardening into a cold, neutral mask. He was the leader; he had to be strong, unshakable. There was no room for vulnerability. He took a deep breath, his voice tight as he spoke. "So… is there any way to snap her out of it?"

Renne shook her head, her expression grim. "No… once Kain's got his claws in, they don't come out. He's a master of mind control, of twisting thoughts and desires. Even if we could separate them physically, he's already planted his hooks deep in her mind. She'd still be bound to him—in mind, body, and soul."

Van clenched his jaw so hard it ached. The thought of Agnès being a puppet to Kain, forever tied to that monster, filled him with a bitter mix of rage and helplessness. "So, there's nothing we can do? We just have to accept that she's lost to us?"

Renne's solemn nod was like a blow. "I'm afraid so. Even the strongest mind can be broken, and Agnès… she was already vulnerable. Kain knew exactly how to exploit that. She's not just lost to us—she's become a part of him, an extension of his will. The only way to free her completely… is to kill Kain."

Van was silent for a moment, his mind racing. Kill Kain? It sounded impossible, but maybe… just maybe… "So if we could somehow kill him, there might be a chance to free Agnès?"

Renne nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. If we destroy Kain, there's a small chance his hold over her might weaken. It's a dangerous gamble, though. Even if we succeed, there's no guarantee she'll snap out of it. The damage he's done to her mind could be irreversible."

Van's eyes hardened, his pain and anger giving way to a fierce determination. "Then that's what we have to do. If there's even the slightest chance to break her free, we have to take it. We have to try, even if it seems hopeless."

Renne met his resolve with a solemn nod. The weight of the situation pressed down on the group like a dark cloud. "You're right… we have to try. For Agnès. But we also have to be prepared for the possibility that… that it might be too late."

Van's jaw tightened, the sense of helplessness gnawing at him once more. "I'm not giving up on her. I can't. I won't accept that there's no hope. We have to try. We have to."

Renne's eyes softened slightly as she looked at him. She could see the depth of his pain, the fierce determination in his gaze. Gently, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand, Van. But we have to be realistic. We're dealing with a level of mental conditioning that's almost impossible to reverse. Even if we succeed, she might never be the same person again."

Van's expression grew harder, but he didn't shake off her hand. "I know. I know it's nearly hopeless. I know she might never come back to us the way she was. But I can't just give up on her. I can't."

Renne tightened her grip on his shoulder, offering a small, reassuring squeeze. "I know, Van. I get it. But we can't afford to let our emotions take over. We have to stay focused, come up with a plan. We're up against an enemy more dangerous than any we've faced before…"

Van took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He knew Renne was right. As much as he wanted to charge headfirst toward Agnès, he understood the need for strategy, for logic. "You're right. We can't let emotions cloud our judgment. We need a plan. A damn good one."