Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

MERCY

M ercy woke the next morning with an incredibly sharp clarity in her mind. She wouldn't have been surprised to be just the littlest bit sore from Hunter's amorous attention, but she hadn't been. Greg had come in and rolled his eyes before checking her vitals and leaving them.

The events of the past few days rushed back like a flood, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, she felt a sense of destiny settling over her. It was as if she and Hunter had always been meant to be together. She lay next to him for a moment, staring at the ceiling, letting her thoughts organize themselves. There was no time for self-pity or hesitation. She had been given a new life—one she hadn't chosen—but it was hers now, and she would make the most of it.

Her body felt different, stronger, more alert. She could hear every creak in the old abbey, every distant conversation. The faintest scent of the forest beyond the walls reached her, and she inhaled deeply, even knowing her lungs no longer needed to inflate, but still, she inhaled, as her sense of smell was even more keen than before. She could feel the energy that surged through her new vampire senses. But it wasn't just the vampirism. She now recognized the fae part of her that had always been there, humming beneath her skin, and her shifter blood still pulsed with the call of the falcon. She wasn't just one thing anymore—she had become many things.

And she was going to use every ounce of that power to finish what they'd started.

Sliding out of bed, Mercy quickly dressed in the combat gear that presumably Hunter had laid out for her, pulling on her boots with sharp, deliberate movements. Hunter was already awake, standing by the window, his gaze distant as he looked out over the misty landscape. He turned when he heard her approach, his expression unreadable.

"You're up early," he said softly, his voice a low rumble. "I thought you might like to rest and figured that was more likely to happen without me pestering you."

Mercy laughed as she hugged him from behind, laying her head on his strong back. "Pester me all you like," she said, grabbing a jacket and pulling it on. "But we need to move. If I've learned one thing from the Shadow Sisters, it's that people who have become a target for others need to be moved to safety as soon as possible…"

"You can take her…"

"No way. That's not my job. It never has been. There is a small circle within the Shadow Sisters who will take Elyria some place safe. And if you think you're going after that vampire by yourself, think again. I'm not staying here while you go off and have all the fun. We either go together or separately. Your choice. See how that works? Me giving you a choice in something that concerns both of us?"

Hunter groaned. "Any idea how long you're going to throw that in my face?"

"I think a thousand years or so should do it."

He chuckled, but then his brow furrowed slightly as if he hadn't expected such firm resolve from her so soon after everything that had happened. He folded his arms across his chest, studying her for a long moment.

"You're sure about this?" he asked, his tone serious. "There's no going back from here, Mercy. The vampire that escaped is dangerous, and going after him will be no easy task."

Mercy's eyes narrowed, a fire burning behind her gaze. "I'm not sitting around while you chase after him. I'm not some helpless bystander. I've been fighting my entire life, and I'm not going to stop now."

Hunter's lips quirked into a small smile. "I don't doubt your abilities, Mercy. But this is more than just a simple hunt. That vampire is old, powerful. He's been gathering forces. And I've been around since the Neolithic Age and gained a millennia of experience."

Mercy crossed her arms, mirroring his stance. "Fae. Shifter. Vampire hybrid," she shot back. "I think I can handle myself just fine."

Hunter's smile grew, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. He stepped closer, his gaze locking with hers, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with the tension that had always existed between them—an intensity that went beyond their newfound connection.

"Fair enough," he said, nodding after a pause. "But if we're going to do this, we do it together. And we make sure Elyria is safe first."

Mercy relaxed slightly, satisfied that he wasn't going to argue with her about staying behind. She couldn't bear the thought of being left out of the fight. The vampire that had escaped needed to be stopped—and the witch who had orchestrated everything needed to die as well.

"Agreed. But that vampire needs to join his witchy partner in Hell," Mercy added, her voice firm.

Hunter arched an eyebrow, a sardonic grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Feeling a little bloodthirsty, are we?"

Mercy blinked, and for a split second, she realized with a jolt of surprise that he was right. There was a part of her that did feel a little bloodthirsty—a hunger that wasn't just about survival. It was about justice, about vengeance. And… she liked it. She liked the idea of hunting him down, of delivering the punishment he deserved.

Her mouth curved into a small, satisfied smile. "Maybe a little," she admitted.

Hunter's eyes gleamed with amusement, but he didn't mock her for it. Instead, he nodded, a shared understanding passing between them. "Good. You'll need that edge."

There was a knock on the door, and Brie stepped into the room, her expression serious but composed. She glanced between Mercy and Hunter before speaking.

"I've talked with the other Shadow Sisters," she said, her voice steady. "We're going to offer Elyria a choice between staying here or relocating her. She'll be safer someplace else, but that means only a handful of people will know where she is. A new identity, new location. It's the only way to keep her out of reach from anyone who might try to use her."

Mercy nodded, her chest tightening slightly with relief. Elyria was a magnet for trouble—her fae-shifter heritage alone made her a valuable target for anyone looking to exploit her power.

"I still think she'd be safer somewhere else," Mercy said, glancing at Hunter. "The abbey is secure, but Elyria is too valuable. People will come for her—fae, magic users, shifters. She's a rare prize."

Hunter nodded in agreement. "You're right. She could draw in more trouble than you're prepared for here. Every clan, nest, or pack will want to get their hands on her. Keeping her hidden is the best option."

Brie gave them both a small nod. "Either way, we'll take care of her. I take it you two are going after the vampire?"

Mercy felt a sense of satisfaction settle in her chest. This was the right plan. Elyria would be safe, and they would deal with the enemies who had set this entire chain of events in motion.

Hunter turned back to Mercy, his expression serious once again. "We need to move fast. The vampire won't be easy to track, but I have a few leads."

Mercy's eyes flashed with determination. "Then let's get started."

They left the abbey just as the first light of dawn began to break through the trees. The air was crisp, a cold wind tugging at their clothes as they moved swiftly through the forest. Mercy kept pace with Hunter, her senses heightened as she scanned the area for any signs of movement.

The hunt had begun.

Hunter's tracking skills were unmatched, but Mercy's heightened abilities made her just as formidable. She could smell the faint trace of the vampire's scent on the wind, mingled with the damp earth and the scent of pine. It was faint, but it was there, leading them deeper into the wilderness.

"Do you think he's working alone?" Mercy asked, keeping her voice low as they moved.

Hunter shook his head. "No. He's got allies. There were too many signs of organization in his movements. We need to be prepared for a fight."

Mercy's grip tightened on the hilt of the blade strapped to her waist. She had fought vampires before, but this was different. This wasn't just about survival—this was about stopping a greater threat, about preventing more bloodshed.

They moved in silence for another hour, the forest growing denser around them. Hunter's eyes were sharp, his senses attuned to every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig. Mercy's heart raced with anticipation, her blood humming with the familiar rush of adrenaline.

Finally, they reached a clearing, the scent of the vampire stronger now and mixed with the faint, acrid smell of magic. Mercy stopped, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the area.

"He's close," she murmured.

Hunter nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his own weapon. "Be ready."

They crept forward, every step measured, every movement deliberate. And then, just as they reached the edge of the clearing, Mercy saw him.

The vampire stood in the center of the open space, his back to them, his pale skin gleaming in the dim light. He wasn't alone. Two figures flanked him—one a fae with silver hair, the other a shifter, his wolfish features sharp and predatory.

Mercy's body tensed as she prepared for the fight.

Hunter's hand came up, signaling for her to wait. "We need to be smart about this," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "We take out the shifter first. Then the fae. The vampire's mine."

Mercy nodded, her grip tightening on her blade. She knew how dangerous this fight would be, but she wasn't afraid. She was ready.

Hunter moved first, slipping through the shadows with the stealth of a predator. Mercy followed, her movements fluid and silent as they approached their targets.

In a blur of motion, Hunter lunged at the shifter, his blade flashing in the dim light as he struck. The shifter let out a strangled cry, his body crumbling to the ground before he even had a chance to react.

The fae spun around, her eyes widening in shock, but Mercy was already moving. She slashed her blade through the air, the steel cutting through the magic that the fae had barely begun to summon. The fae staggered back, her hands glowing with raw power, but Mercy was faster.

She drove her blade into the fae's chest, the force of the blow sending the woman to the ground in a heap.

It was over in seconds.

Hunter stood over the fallen shifter, his breathing steady, his eyes locked on the vampire. The pale creature snarled; his fangs bared as he realized he was cornered.

"This ends now," Hunter growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The vampire's eyes flicked to Mercy, his lips curling into a twisted smile. "You think you can stop me?" he hissed. "You don't know what's coming."

Mercy felt a surge of anger rise up, but she kept her focus. The vampire was trying to bait them, to make them lose control. But she wouldn't fall for it.

"We're not here to talk," she said coldly, stepping forward. "We're here to finish this."

The vampire's smile faltered, and for the first time, Mercy saw a flicker of fear in his eyes.

Hunter moved with lethal precision, his blade flashing through the air as he struck. The vampire dodged, moving with inhuman speed, but Hunter was relentless, driving him back with every blow.

Mercy circled around, her own blade at the ready. She wasn't going to let him escape. Not this time.

"Stay back, my beloved," said Hunter. "This one is mine."

"What if he kills you?" she teased.

"Then kill him and make it very, very painful."

Mercy grinned at the other vampire. "Will do."

The vampire lunged at Hunter with terrifying speed, his fangs bared and his eyes glowing with an unnatural fury. Mercy's instincts screamed at her to join the fight, to defend the man who had saved her life, but she held back. This was Hunter's fight. He needed to finish this, and she needed to trust him to do it.

Hunter moved like a shadow, sidestepping the vampire's charge with a smooth, practiced grace. His eyes remained locked on the creature's every movement, calculating, patient. The vampire hissed, frustrated by his inability to land a blow, and swiped at Hunter with razor-sharp claws. The sound of the air slicing around the vampire's hand was a deadly warning of the damage those claws could do if they connected.

Mercy's breath hitched, but Hunter remained unfazed. He ducked under the vampire's swipe and retaliated with a sharp punch to the ribs, his fist a blur of power. The impact reverberated through the clearing, and the vampire staggered back, clutching his side, a snarl ripping from his throat.

"You're slower than you look," Hunter said, his voice cold, taunting.

The vampire's eyes blazed with anger, and he rushed forward again, faster this time, his claws extended, aiming for Hunter's throat. A jolt of fear shot through Mercy, but Hunter reacted with precision. He spun, narrowly avoiding the vampire's grasp, and in the same motion, drew his blade—a curved, ancient weapon designed for killing creatures like this.

The vampire hissed again, baring his fangs as he lunged once more, this time with an even more frenzied speed. His body blurred as he shifted into the supernatural realm of speed that made vampires so dangerous. But Hunter was ready. He anticipated the movement, turning just in time to bring his blade up in a defensive arc. Metal clashed against claws in a violent screech, sparks flying as the two forces collided.

For a moment, they were locked in a deadly dance, Hunter using every ounce of his millennia-old experience to deflect the vampire's relentless strikes. The vampire snarled and growled, his face twisted in fury, but Hunter remained calm, his focus absolute. Mercy watched, her muscles tensed with the urge to leap into the fray, but she reminded herself—this was Hunter's fight. She would be ready if he needed her, but for now, she would trust him.

Suddenly, the vampire shifted tactics. He feinted to the left, then spun on his heel and launched himself into the air, aiming to drop down on Hunter from above. A sudden wave of dread hit Mercy as she grasped the vampire's intent, but before she could even shout a warning, Hunter was already in motion.

With lightning speed, Hunter rolled to the side, avoiding the deadly strike as the vampire crashed to the ground where Hunter had stood only moments before. The vampire snarled in frustration, his claws digging into the earth as he struggled to regain his footing. But Hunter was already moving again, his blade gleaming in the pale light as he went on the offensive.

He slashed at the vampire's exposed back, the blade slicing through the creature's flesh with a sickening sound. The vampire let out a howl of pain, staggering forward as blood sprayed from the wound. But even injured, the vampire was still dangerous. He twisted, his face contorted in rage, and lashed out with a wild strike, his claws aimed directly at Hunter's chest.

Hunter barely managed to block the blow, his blade catching the vampire's claws in mid-air, the force of the impact sending a shudder through his arm. Mercy could see the strain in his movements now, the weariness that came from battling a creature as strong and relentless as this one. But Hunter wasn't giving up. He pressed forward, driving the vampire back with a series of swift, brutal strikes.

Each blow was calculated, precise, and designed to wear the vampire down. But the creature was cunning. With a roar of fury, the vampire caught Hunter's wrist in a crushing grip and twisted, forcing the blade from his hand and sending it to the ground.

Mercy tensed, ready to spring into action, but Hunter didn't falter. In one fluid motion, he stepped into the vampire's grip, using the momentum to drive his elbow into the creature's jaw with a bone-cracking force. The vampire's head snapped back, his grip loosening just enough for Hunter to break free.

Hunter didn't waste the opportunity. He moved swiftly, retrieving his blade from the ground and driving it upward in one clean motion, plunging the weapon into the vampire's side. The creature screamed, the sound ripping through the air like a wild animal in agony.

Blood poured from the wound, dark and viscous, but still, the vampire fought on. He lashed out blindly, his claws slicing through the air as he staggered back, trying to put distance between himself and Hunter. But Hunter was relentless. He closed the distance in an instant, his expression hard and determined.

With one final, brutal strike, Hunter drove his blade deep into the vampire's chest, the sharp tip piercing through bone and flesh until it reached the heart. The vampire's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening in a silent scream as his body convulsed.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Then, with a final, agonized cry, the vampire's body disintegrated into ash, collapsing in on itself until there was nothing left but a pile of gray dust at Hunter's feet. Hunter kicked it around, mixing it with the dirt.

Mercy stood frozen for a fraction of a moment, her chest heaving as she took in the aftermath of the battle. It was over. The creature that had been their enemy was nothing more than a memory now, its existence wiped clean from the world.

Hunter slowly sheathed his blade, his movements calm and steady, though Mercy could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He turned to her, his expression softening as their gazes met.

"Well fought," she said, her voice quiet but filled with a deep sense of finality. "You didn't need my help."

Hunter's lips quirked into a small smile, his dark eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and something deeper, something warmer. "I always need you, Mercy. But some battles… some battles, I have to fight alone."

Mercy held his gaze for a long moment, feeling the weight of his words settle in her chest. She understood what he meant—there were battles that only he could fight, just as there would be battles that only she could face. But they were stronger together. And together, they would face whatever came next.

Hunter stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers in a subtle, intimate gesture. "But it's good to know you've got my back."

Mercy allowed herself a small smile, the tension in her body slowly unwinding. She felt a surge of satisfaction wash over her. She wasn't just a falcon-shifter anymore. She wasn't just eyes in the sky. She was a fae warrior. She was ready for whatever came next.