The party was in full swing on the ground floor of the Leroux Clan’s hotel in Esbjerg... the only establishment for miles along the Wadden Sea. Loud music pulsed through the air as guests danced, laughed, and chatted beneath the shifting lights.
"Are you too cynical
To believe in a miracle?
Let you slip through my hands,
But could you take a chance on me?
Can you forgive it all,
To believe in a miracle?
Yeah, I put you through hell,
But I’m asking you to believe-
To believe in a miracle."
A beautiful assistant entered the hall and approached Vibeke Mortensen, who was swaying gracefully to the rhythm. Leaning close, the assistant whispered something in her ear. Vibeke’s smile faded a fraction, and she nodded before following the woman out.
The moment the door closed behind them, the music dimmed into a distant thrum. The soundproofing of the hall was immaculate. Vibeke extended a hand, and another assistant immediately placed a phone in her palm.
She lifted it to her ear. "Hello, Mr Z."
"Miss Mortensen," came the low, measured voice on the other end, each word edged with barely restrained anger. "You provided incorrect information. You assured me no Ascendant was guarding the wolf boy... yet my ten elite soldiers were silenced instantly, before they could even send a report. I won’t demand compensation this time. I’ll ensure the funds you deposited are sent to their families instead. Be mindful of this mistake... if there is a next time."
The line went dead with a soft click.
"Mr Z? ...I didn’t know..." Vibeke lowered the phone slowly, staring at the dark screen. Her shoulders sank, the faintest sigh escaping her lips as the weight of what had just happened settled over her.
***
In a dimly lit room, a burly man sat behind a heavy desk. A round black hat cast a shadow over his face, obscuring his features from view. In one hand, he held a cigar, its tip glowing faintly as it released a slow, curling trail of smoke carrying the scent of cedarwood through the room. In his other hand was a phone. He brought it before him and clenched his fist. The metal and plastic cracked with a sharp crunch before crumbling into powder that scattered across the desk.
"Bloody nobles," he snarled through gritted teeth. "You’ve got so much money and influence that I can’t even touch you."
Two slender women standing before him flinched at his words. They wore tight black combat suits that clung to their bodies, every line and curve starkly defined under the dim light.
"Go," he growled. "Clean up the mess. We won’t be taking any more missions in the Kingdom... not for the time being."
The two women exhaled shakily, as though released from a death sentence, then turned and hurried out, closing the door behind them.
The man took a long drag from his cigar, exhaled slowly, and filled the room with a haze of grey smoke. In the darkness, his eyes glowed faintly red.
***
Sebastian received the full report by midnight. Ten vampires of unknown origin had attacked Ethan Raynor. It was still unclear whether their target had been Ethan or Freya. From their vehicle records and surveillance footage, it was confirmed that they had arrived by sea. They had landed at Bridlington and travelled by bus to Manchester. Their sea vessel, however, could not be traced... it must have docked in a surveillance-free zone.
Once in Manchester, they stole two cars from a repair garage and proceeded to Diggle. It was evident that someone had been feeding them information. The primary suspects were the two werewolves later discovered near the scene.
Clan Blanc’s trainee Shadow Guards had led the operation, while the three original Shadow Guards remained focused on protecting Ethan and Freya. As a result, no one had been tasked with capturing enemies alive for interrogation.
The two werewolves were found roughly a hundred metres from the ambush site. The trainee guards had avoided direct combat, as those two were considerably stronger... and besides, Shadow Guards were assassins, not front-line fighters.
Raynor Clan’s security cell soon confirmed the identity of the two werewolves. Both were members of the Greymoore Clan, though they held no significant positions within it. When Sebastian compared their photographs with the surveillance images Eleanor had previously sent via email, the match was exact... they were the same individuals who had been monitoring Ethan and Freya’s movements.
He resolved to visit the Greymoore Clan personally to put an end to the escalating hostilities. At the moment, however, all available hands were occupied with the ongoing election. Every member of Clan Blanc connected to Eleanor was heavily involved in the campaign, leaving little time for other affairs.
Sebastian therefore contacted his patriarch, Dominic Blanc, as well as Fiona Raynor, head of the Raynor Clan, to report the matter. Both gave him the green light to confront the Greymoores directly.
***
"Sebastian Blanc greets the Grand Elder of the Greymoore Clan," he said formally.
"Ah," George replied, his voice carrying both age and dignity. "It has been a long time since anyone from Clan Blanc stepped into our humble abode. I hope this meeting will be pleasant, and that our cooperation may continue in the future."
"Do not worry, Elder," Sebastian said evenly. "I come with no ill intent. I bring two gifts, under orders from Clan Head Fiona Raynor... and a request for your cooperation in the days ahead."
A flicker of puzzlement crossed George’s face, but before he could respond, Sebastian stepped forward and handed him a thick envelope. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
As George looked inside, his expression froze. The envelope contained several photographs... bodies lying lifeless, and two men caught on camera with binoculars, observing from concealment. Though their faces were partially obscured, their clothing made it clear they were among the dead in the earlier photographs.
"Yesterday," Sebastian began, his tone calm but firm, "ten vampires ambushed and attempted to kill Freya Raynor. They failed and were eliminated by her guards. Two werewolves were seen trailing her car and observing her location before the attack. When the ambush occurred, they were found nearby and were also killed. We have identified them as members of your clan."
He paused, then added coolly, "Clan Head Fiona Raynor ordered me to deliver their bodies to you, along with a request that you keep your members in check."
His gaze hardened slightly. "You’re fortunate that Eleanor Raynor is still in the Academy. Otherwise, this would have ended... very differently. I believe you’re aware of her methods... and how many bodies she’s left behind."
Seeing George staring at him in silence, Sebastian inclined his head slightly. "In any case, I’ve fulfilled my orders. Thank you for your time."
He placed a palm over his chest once more and bowed. "I’ll take my leave now, Elder."
Turning, he began walking toward the door.
George spoke hastily behind him. "My clan was not involved in this matter. Rest assured, I will investigate and provide Fiona Raynor with a proper explanation."
Sebastian said nothing. He simply left the hall, with Margot accompanying him to the entrance.
Upon reaching the limousine, he opened the rear compartment and brought out two narrow coffins, setting them gently on the ground. Without a word, he entered the car, and it pulled away down the drive.
Margot and the two guards approached the coffins and opened them. Inside lay two men... faces pale and still. They recognised them instantly. Both had been Lucian Greymoore’s personal guards.
Margot straightened abruptly, her expression grim, and hurried back toward the hall to meet George Greymoore.

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