3. Remina

The living room felt charged with the remnants of the confrontation. I sank onto the couch and watched the door, waiting for Gi-Gi"s return after her brother, Slade, had stormed out. My thoughts swirled with the unease of our first meeting, where tension had crackled in the air, and I had been met with suspicion and hostility.

As I contemplated the encounter, a nagging feeling tugged at my thoughts. Strangely, I found Slade"s brooding nature and the stubborn protectiveness he exhibited toward Gi-Gi oddly endearing. It was as though there was more to him than met the eye, hidden beneath layers of rough exterior. His fierce loyalty to his sister was a trait that commanded respect, even if it was directed at me with suspicion.

Slade was a striking figure, exuding a rugged and primal charisma that hinted at his fierce shifter heritage. My eyes had been unable to stop tracing the contours of his tall and muscular frame, a strong build that stood at an imposing height. He moved with a certain grace, a blend of power and agility that was unmistakably wolf-like.

What truly captivated me were his eyes—intense orbs of golden amber that held an almost predatory glint and contrasted with his dark skin. When those eyes bore into me earlier, I caught a glimpse into the animalistic instincts that lay beneath the surface. Slade was everything I usually went for in a man.

But I wasn"t about to let him know that. It grated on my nerves that he had the nerve to demand I meet the council tomorrow as if he could order me around. He might be a werewolf, but I was a force to be reckoned with in my own right.

A sly smile played on my lips as a mischievous idea took hold. If he thought he could dictate my actions, he had another thing coming. I decided that I would be fashionably late to the council meeting, not because I had anything to hide but simply as a fuck you to Slade.

The next morning, I decided to do a little investigating before meeting the council. Bypassing the council building, I headed straight to the vampire district of the compound. I wanted to start my investigation into the rogue vampire"s life before he had turned feral and, hopefully, unearth some clues that could lead me to him.

The atmosphere in the vampire sector was markedly different from the rest of the compound. It was a place where shadows lingered, a stark contrast to the more open and communal areas of the rest of the compound.

On the street, the vampire sector"s structures rose like regal monoliths, their gothic architecture a work of art. As I walked through the winding alleyways, wary eyes followed my every move.

It was no secret that vampires were not particularly fond of me. My reputation as the Order"s witch and my role in dealing with rogue supernaturals had earned me a hostile reception in most supernatural communities. But I was used to that; I had learned to embrace the role of the outsider. Their disdain didn"t bother me in the least.

I approached a group of vampires who were gathered outside a dimly lit tavern, their cold gazes locking onto me. I could practically feel the hostility emanating from them. The vampire closest to me, a tall figure with raven-black hair and piercing crimson eyes, sneered in my direction. "You are a long way from home, witch. Are you lost?" he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I matched his gaze, refusing to show any sign of intimidation. "Just passing through, darling," I replied, my tone laced with sass. "Looking for some information. You wouldn"t happen to know anything about a vampire named Lucius, would you?"

The vampires shared an uneasy glance, clearly reluctant to assist me. It was no surprise; they often closed ranks when an outsider sought their help. But I wasn"t easily deterred.

"Listen," I continued, leaning closer and fixing them with a determined look. "I know you don"t like me, and I"m not particularly fond of your lot either, but we have a common interest here. A rogue vampire threatens all of us, and the quicker I find him, the better for everyone. Unless you want even more of the Order on your doorstep looking for him."

My words seemed to strike a chord as their expressions shifted from open hostility to reluctant consideration. The vampire I had initially addressed stepped forward, still cautious but more willing to engage.

"The last thing we want is more of your kind here," he conceded, his crimson eyes narrowing. "The sooner you're gone, the better. What do you need to know?"

I smiled, satisfied that I had broken through their initial resistance. "That"s the spirit. Lucius was part of this coven before he turned rogue. Anything you can tell me about him would be greatly appreciated."

The vampires exchanged glances once more, then finally nodded. Before I could get excited that my morning search might be a fruitful one, another figure of dark allure stepped out of the shadows. His vampire grace was evident in every step. His presence alone sent a shiver down my spine.

He approached our group, his eyes locked onto me with a predatory gleam. "Well, what do we have here?" The newcomer purred; his voice as seductive as it was menacing.

One of the vampires in my makeshift informant circle, a lean and wiry figure with crimson eyes, stepped forward. "The Order"s witch, sir," he replied with a respectful nod.

The vampire"s gaze never moved from me as he said, "I see." With a subtle gesture, he dismissed the group, who quickly bowed and vanished in a blur of movement. The vampires melted into the shadows, leaving me alone with the formidable vampire.

His tone was laced with hostility as he finally addressed me, "Investigating in my sector without having the courtesy to come and see me first?" he hissed, his crimson eyes narrowing in accusation.

Every detail of his appearance spoke volumes of a man unafraid to embrace his inner darkness. His lean form was clad in all black. A tailored, fitted shirt that hugged the contours of his lithe physique. Dark trousers, perfectly tailored, accentuated the grace in his movements and the subtle sheen of polished boots completed his look.

I squared my shoulders, unwilling to back down, even in the face of a vampire as powerful and enigmatic as this one. This had to be the council member for the Vampires of Astur. "I didn"t realize I needed an invitation, Ryatt," I retorted, my tone carrying a hint of defiance as I let him know I knew exactly who he was.

He chuckled, a dark, melodic sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "I had heard you were reckless. But this isn"t the human world; this is our domain. You should know better than to waltz into the vampire sector unannounced."

My lips curled into a wry smile as I met his gaze head-on. "I"ve never been one to follow the rules, especially when it comes to your kind. I"m here on official business, and I don"t need your permission to do my job."

Ryatt"s predatory smile widened, revealing gleaming fangs. "Oh, it"s not permission you need, little witch. It"s cooperation. You see, I control this sector, and I control the information. If you want to know something, you should"ve come to me first."

Ryatt"s aura exuded danger, but I refused to cower before him. "I don"t need your cooperation, Ryatt," I retorted, my voice laced with contempt. "I'll get the answers I need one way or another."

Ryatt"s eyes gleamed with an icy intensity; his fangs barely visible as he spoke. "You may think your status makes you untouchable, but the orderl isn't here now. It would be so easy to make a little witch disappear."

I refused to back down, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cower. "Is that a threat, vampire?"

Ryatt"s vulturous grin only widened, and he stepped closer, invading my personal space. His presence was intoxicating and dangerous, a combination that sent a shiver down my spine. "Not a threat, Remina. Just stating the facts."

I kept my expression stony, refusing to acknowledge his attempt to disarm me. "Don't mistake me for weak, Ryatt. It will be the last thing you do."

The unspoken challenge echoed between us. I knew that my interaction with the vampire council member would be far from easy, but I hadn"t anticipated just how confrontational he would be. I was used to resistance and hostility, but Ryatt"s power and charisma made him a formidable adversary.

Ryatt"s blood red eyes bore into mine, his voice dripping with condescension. "Go ahead and try to get your information, little witch, but I can assure you. You'll be back, begging for my help."

I clenched my jaw, unwilling to give in to his dominance. I couldn"t deny the undeniable attraction of Ryatt"s power and presence, but I refused to be intimidated.

Ryatt finally stepped back, his predatory smile still lingering. "Oh, and Remina. I do look forward to seeing you on your knees."

Before I could respond, he flashed away and left me glaring at the space where he had stood seconds before.

I fucking hated when they did that; it was creepy as hell.

My first encounter with Ryatt hadn"t gone as expected, but I wasn"t deterred. I was sure the vampire sector held the secrets I was chasing, and I was set on unraveling them, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

I continued my investigation. The vampire sector was a maze of narrow, dimly lit alleys and centuries-old buildings that loomed like silent sentinels. I could feel the eyes of the vampires watching my every move.

As I navigated the streets, I noticed a young vampire lurking to the side. He couldn"t have been older than a teenager, with an impish glint in his eyes and a playful grin on his face.

"What brings a pretty witch like you to our neck of the woods?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I studied him cautiously. He was much younger than the other vampires I"d encountered in this sector, and his demeanor was surprisingly casual. He mustn't know who I was.

"I"m looking for some information," I replied, keeping my guard up. "I need to find someone from your area."

The teenager"s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Information, huh? Well, everything comes at a price. What are you willing to offer in exchange?"

Perfect. I was used to turning to bribery to get what I wanted. "What do you want in return?"

His grin widened, revealing his slightly elongated fangs. "I"ve heard about a special magical item—a ring that turns into a dagger. I want one. Get me one of those, and I"ll tell you what you want to know."

The item he described was well in my wheelhouse. It was a dark artifact created by a witch. I had crafted several for myself and was a fan of using them in covert assassinations.

They were an item used mostly for protection and since the dark mages were wiped from existence, except me, they had become a coveted item. This kid drove a hard bargain.

"Deal," I said, not letting my expression show how easy this was for me.

The teenager"s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good choice, witch. Now, here"s your clue: Lucius used to live on Scarlet Lane, near the old chapel. That"s all you"re getting from me."

I committed the information to memory, thankful for the lead. "Thank you," I replied, ready to leave.

As I turned to go, the young vampire called out to me. "Don"t forget, you owe me that ring. You better hold up your end of the bargain."

I nodded, understanding that the vampire world had its own set of rules and codes. A deal was a deal.

Returning to Gi-Gi's apartment, I retrieved a blank piece of metal I used for such spells and got to work. With a few murmured words and a small input of my dark magic, I was staring at a ring. It was an ominous piece of craftsmanship, unassuming until activated, revealing a hidden dagger.

Armed with the ring and a clue, I left a note on the counter for Gi-Gi, who was out, and continued my relentless pursuit of Lucius.