"Let me understand this clearly," Derek inquired, fixing his gaze on the group. "You're suggesting that a vampire is engaging in a spree of killings, intentionally drawing attention from both humans and supernaturals to the fact that it's a vampire behind these acts. Is my understanding correct?"
"Yes, sir," Anderson affirmed.
Derek's pointed question lingered in the air, punctuated by a charged atmosphere that permeated the room.
Serafina, having reviewed the case files, interjected with solemn clarity,
"If no one else is going to voice it, then I will," Serafina interjected, her tone carrying the weight of someone who had carefully assessed the case files.
"It appears that this vampire is deliberately emulating the notorious rampage of the 70s."
The revelation struck a nerve, prompting a wave of apprehension and realization to wash over the group. The startling implications coalesced, leading Vanessa to vocalize their collective unease. "Are you suggesting that someone is attempting to replicate the bloodthirsty spree characteristic of Damien's blood rage?"
"Or perhaps the perpetrator seeks to declare to the supernatural world that the infamous 'blood rage' vampire still exists—bearing in mind that only one vampire in history has been associated with such brutality," she added, her words resonating with a somber gravity.
"Considering the current sequence of events, this can't be a mere coincidence," Serafina mused, the weight of her words commanding the group's rapt attention.
Derek, not one to mince words, addressed the heart of the matter, "Only we and the Benneth sisters are privy to the knowledge regarding Damien's identity as the 'blood rage' vampire. However, it's worth noting that Vladimir Nabokov also shares this knowledge. Furthermore, it's likely that the Benneth sisters have informed their mother of Damien's involvement in her sister's demise. We must consider the implications of her reaction and the potential fallout. Madame Veronica, particularly with her animosity toward the Voltorie lineage and the vampire realm at large, wouldn't hesitate to wield this knowledge to incite dire actions within the supernatural council."
Unfazed, Damien brazenly declared,
"I find it rather amusing that you assume I care about the entire supernatural realm knowing. They trembled in fear at the mere mention of my name before, and they continue to do so now," Damien stated unequivocally. "They cowered then, and they still do so now whenever I pass. They failed to vanquish me in the past, when I had nothing to lose. What makes you think they could do so now, especially considering that I am aware of my father's survival?"
"Or now that you've found someone who truly loves you and has brought an abundance of light into your life," Serafina said, locking eyes with him as she observed a subtle shift in his countenance.
"What have you done, Damien?" she pressed, her eyebrow arching in a display of both curiosity and concern, her unyielding gaze fixed upon him as he exhaled a plume of smoke into the space between them.
----
In the quaint little town, Lauren and her partner Stephanie were gearing up for a visit to the local police department when an unexpected interruption diverted their attention. It was a typical morning, with the sunlight streaming in through the windows and a gentle breeze wafting through the open doors.
Lauren had just stepped out of a refreshing cold shower, while Stephanie, went to answer the insistent doorbell. To her surprise, the delivery of a sumptuous meal on a wheeled buffet awaited her, accompanied by a rather conspicuous box that seemed to demand attention.
As the door closed behind her, the room was enveloped in an air of curiosity as she carefully examined the peculiar package.
The label bore Lauren's name, with the sender identified as Marcel Bruce. Evidently, this was a gesture intended solely for Lauren. Stephanie set the package down on one of the elegantly upholstered sofas, opting instead to indulge in the inviting spread that had been bestowed upon them.
Midway through her meal, Lauren emerged from her room, radiating an air of readiness as she dashed towards preparing herself for the day's impending errand. Surprised by the unexpected feast that had materialized before her, she inquired, "Did you order breakfast?"
Stephanie shook her head, responding, "No, I didn't, but it seems someone has. Look!" Her hand gestured towards a note that had accompanied the mysterious delivery,. "It reads: 'Hope you love the fits Luo, and don't miss breakfast. Marcel'."
Lauren found herself in a state of disbelief as she processed the fact that the mysterious meal and accompanying dress were courtesy of Marcel. Perplexed, she read and reread the note with a sense of incredulity, silently hoping that Stephanie hadn't orchestrated this elaborate facade. "What if the meal wasn't from him?" she pondered aloud, casting a teasing glance at her partner, who was eagerly savoring every morsel. Internally, she couldn't help but playfully label her, "Such a glutton."
With cautious certainty, Lauren seized her cellphone, dialing Marcel's number. "Good morning, Marcel," she greeted, hoping to confirm the unexpected generosity that had greeted her day. Before she could delve into the details, Marcel, with a chuckle, preempted her unvoiced query, acknowledging his anticipation of her call.
Relieved by the revelation that this unexpected surprise was indeed from someone she knew, Lauren felt a sense of comfort and warmth, dispelling the lingering unease that had quietly shadowed her for the past two weeks. While she hadn't disclosed this personal mystery to anyone, the subtle feeling of being discreetly followed had haunted her.
Expressing her gratitude, she acknowledged Marcel's kindness, although she couldn't shake the sense that there was more to this intriguing gesture. "Thank you for the meal and the dress. You really didn't have to," she stated simply, a mix of delight and bewilderment coloring her words.
In his characteristic manner, Marcel dismissed the significance of his actions. "It's nothing really. See you tonight, then," he remarked, abruptly ending the call before she could further articulate her thoughts.
Resolving to put the matter aside for the time being, Lauren proceeded to savor her own meal before the duo departed their hotel room.
As they approached the precinct, the atmosphere buzzed with an unusual fervor. A throng of locals, spanning generations, had congregated outside the office, forming a queue while collecting small packages.
As Stephanie gracefully exited the car, Lauren found herself intercepted by an incoming call, the shrill ringtone cutting through the silent air. It was Anderson from Apex, and as she answered, the morning unfolded with an unexpected revelation.