Chapter 15

    Chicago, August 2004

    A shining black limousine moved slowly through the crowded streets of the big city. The road from the airport seemed to be endless. The man at the back seat drummed his fingers impatiently on the leather upholstery. He was nervous and couldn’t hide it. He wished the meeting he was going to was already over now, but instead he felt as if the time has stopped just to torture him.

    After about an hour the limousine left the city center and headed towards the suburbs. The man could watch the charming houses with sleepy, well-kept gardens. Children playing in playgrounds, people walking in parks. Such a sight might have been relaxing, but the man felt a rush of irritation. Maybe because since hundreds of years he himself couldn’t enjoy a lazy summer afternoon?

    His life was different. He had the power and he despised ordinary people. Once he believed that supernatural beings and humans may live in peace. Then it all began. People started to hunt for vampires, shape-shifters and witches. ‘They’re just stupid! They don’t know us! And unknown just scares them!’ He thought with disgust and turned his gaze from the life outside the window.

    Finally the car turned into a side street. Slender trees grew on either side, creating an almost completely shaded tunnel. The road meandered for another several miles. The man felt less and less comfortable. When suddenly an impressive estate appeared in front of his eyes, his throat felt dry. He shook of quickly. He couldn’t allow himself for any kind of weakness. He and Claudius were equal.

    The limousine stopped in front of the wide marble steps. The chauffeur got out and quickly circled the car to open the door for his passenger. The man stepped out with no rush and buttoned his jacket up. Calmly, almost stately, he climbed up the steps to the front door, which opened before he could even raise his hand. The butler bowed low and gestured for the visitor to follow him.

    The old man even didn’t dare to look at the guest. The vampire could smell fear, but the servant didn’t show it. He led the man to the large bright living room. The tall windows were open, allowing the fresh air to blow into the room. Strangely, the air here was not as heavy as outside.

    - Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable, sir. My master will join you soon. – The butler, if it was possible, bowed even lower and left the rom.

    The man walked around the room admiring the tastefully decorated interior and antiques. ‘Claudius for sure loves splendor!’ He thought contemptuously. He himself preferred modern architecture and it was visible in his properties. Before he could take a seat on the antique couch, the door opened and another servant came in, pushing a cart with coffee. She bowed her head low.

    - Good afternoon, sir. – The girl spoke quietly. – Would you like a tea or coffee? Or maybe you would prefer some other drink? – She asked almost apologetically.

    - I’d have some whisky. – He answered watching the girl carefully. – Plain.

    - Of course, sir. – She bowed again and prepared his drink. – Anything else, sir?

    - That’s all! – He waved his hand impatiently.

    - Excuse me, sir. – She said and left the room immediately.

    For the next ten minutes the man was wondering why the servants express such fear toward him. ‘Obviously they know who I am, but still their master is the one they should be scared of.’ He thought. Then the door opened widely and a very tall, handsome man came in. his eyes were dark green with an ice expression. Raven-black hair fell in curls over his broad shoulders. His whole posture almost screamed ‘dangerous’. ‘And cruel!’ The vampire thought. He was a bit afraid of Claudius, but he couldn’t express it. They were to cooperate.

    - I’m glad you’ve found time to visit me! – Claudius said.

    - We have few things to discuss, don’t you think? – The guest answered.

    - Indeed. Please sit down. – He invited and took the opposite seat. – So, what brought you here? – He asked with a smile that could freeze your blood.

    - It’s Isabo. – The vampire uttered.

    - What about her? – Claudius lifted his eyebrow. – As far as I know she’s dead. My men took care of it few years ago.

    - They did. – The man admitted. – And they also liquidated other hunters who could be a threat for us.

    - Then what’s the problem?

    - Isabo had children.

    - They’re just kids. – Claudius chuckled. – And as we know, they have no powers. There’s nothing to worry about!

    - Actually, their power has been woken up this June. – The vampire almost whispered.

    - What?! – Claudius growled and jumped up of the couch. – And I don’t know anything about it?!

    - I’ve heard that Rufus ran into them in Missoula. – The guest explained. – He tried to kill the girl but he failed.

    - They all must die! – Claudius yelled in a voice that no one could argue. – You know the prophecy!

    - It’s only a tale! – The vampire scoffed,

    - You idiot! – He got mad. – It’s true! Next generation has a warrior who will be powerful enough to thwart our plans and destroy us!

    - But who is he?

    - That’s the problem! We don’t know that! But Isabo said something before she died. – Claudius smiled to himself.

    - What’s that?

    - She said that the warrior has already been born. And I assume that it’s one of her children.

    - How can you say? – The vampire doubted.

    - If it’s not one of her spawns, then how could she know? – He pointed out.

    - But which one?

    - Probably the oldest one, but he has a twin brother, so we can’t be sure. Find out! – Claudius ordered. – Or kill them all, if you wish. I don’t care.

    - The prophecy says that the warrior will posses two powers. Your son is a hybrid! – The vampire noticed.

    - Gabriel is our assassin. And the warrior will posses at least three powers! Or even more! That’s why he’s so dangerous! – Claudius explained. – If one of Isabo’s children is the awaiting warrior, we’re lost!

    - I’ll take care of it! – The vampire promised.

    - Hope so! I don’t want you to disappoint me and regret we came to an agreement! – Claudius warned his guest.

    - We have a deal! – The vampire growled. – I won’t fail!

    - Good luck then! – Claudius said with a sly smile, hinting that the visit is over.

    ‘I’ve got to check those kids!’ The vampire thought when he left the mansion and got into his black limousine. ‘It’s time to talk to Rufus and Ian. They’ll keep an eye on them and if necessary, they’ll take care of everything!’ He smiled to himself. ‘But first, I’ll take a look on them personally.’ He was already organizing everything in his mind.

    It’s not that he was like this for his whole life. Once he believed that something might change. That he might change something. That’s why he joined The Shadow Coalition. Because he wanted to make the world a better place for his kind and all supernatural beings. But he was disappointed. The years passed by and everything as still the same. What’ more they have an agreement with humans now! That was humiliating for him! He perceived people as weak and pathetic creatures.

    That’s why he decided to join his forces with one of the most powerful vampires form The Dark Abyss – Claudius. He too was disappointed in the moderate policy of the Great Council and decided to take matters into his own hands and restore the vampires to their rightful place. Thus he was the perfect partner to work with.

***

    If Claudius was a scary vampire, then Rufus was at least one hundred percent worse. His dirty blond hair fell over his shoulders, casting shadows on his evil, almost grotesque face. But it was his eyes that froze the vampire’s blood. Crystal blue, but remaining of an ice-cold water which may become your grave.

    Rufus was well-known for his cruelty and fascination with death. This vampire was for sure a psychopath. And his companion was much more like him. Ian, the werewolf was a beast in human form. The rumor says that long time ago he was captured in  his wolf form for few years and now, he was more like a wild animal than a human being. 

    The vampire knew that there was nothing that could stop those two from killing. And being paid for it only makes it more pleasurable for them.

    - So you want us to take care of Isabo’s kids? – Rufus asked with a flash in his eyes.

    - Not yet! –The vampire answered. – Keep an eye on them! Watch their every move and report! As soon as we find out which one is the chosen one you’ll be able to get rid of him.

    - Won’t it be easier if we just kill them all? – Ian asked and his lips widen in a grimace.

    - We can to it for free! – Rufus proposed. – You’ll only pay for one, the rest is on us!

    - No! – The vampire shouted. – You idiots! This may bring more harm to us! If they all die The Shadow Coalition will be alarmed and our plans may be revealed!

    - Then how do we know which one is to be liquidated?!- Ian growled.

    - I’ll find out! You just need to watch them! For now!

    - I’ve met them in Missoula. – Rufus said. – The girl has strong aura. But it might be only an impression.

    - She’s more alike her mother. And you’ve met her while killing Isabo. She’s just familiar for you. – The vampire suggested.

    - Perhaps.

    - Just focus on the oldest twins. – He said. – I suppose that one of them is the warrior.

    - And when we’ll be sure? – Rufus asked.

    - You’ll kill him! – The vampire’s eyes darkened.

    - With pleasure! – Rufus smirked, already planning how to commit this crime.