The evening sky draped over Blackwood as Viktor, still nursing the wounds inflicted by the werewolf attack from Taran last night, made his way to Lord Eric's Castle. The air hummed with tension, and the streets bore the hushed whispers of a town on edge.
Approaching the castle, Viktor was recognized by the guards who, with utmost respect, ushered him through the grand gates. His history with Lord Eric, the man who had become like a father to him and his dead sister Hannah, after the tragic loss of their parents at their original hometown of Vadaloz, had forged a bond that transcended the ordinary.
As he entered the castle, Viktor was led through the labyrinthine halls until he reached the chamber where Lord Eric held court. The lord looked up from his seat, acknowledging Viktor with a nod. Pleasantries were exchanged, but the weight of the situation hung heavy in the air.
"My Lord,' Viktor began, his tone laced with concern, "please tell me what is truly happening in Ipsich. Is the vampire situation as dire as they say?"
Lord Eric's expression mirrored the gravity of the circumstances. "Yes, Viktor, it is indeed dire. The vampires, numbering twenty according to our reports, sought to create an easy access point into Blackwood. Our guards and hunters intervened, but not before half of Ipsich fell victim to their brutality."
Viktor sighed, a deep crease forming on his forehead. "I wish I could be of assistance. Ipsich is suffering, and my hands feel tied."
Lord Eric, understanding the sentiment, replied, "I wish you could too, Viktor. Your loyalty to Blackwood is unwavering."
The conversation shifted, and Viktor revealed the details of his hostage, Taran, who was responsible for the injuries he sustained, and the unsettling events of the previous night involving Ethan. Lord Eric listened attentively, his gaze reflecting both concern and understanding.
"When Ipsich settles, and our guards and hunters return, I would like Ethan to be tested for sorcery," Viktor stated, his request hanging in the air.
Lord Eric raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the weight of the proposal. Sorcery had long been banned in Blackwood, but he recognized Viktor's genuine concern. "Consider it done," he affirmed, a promise that held the weight of their shared history and familial connection.
As the conversation reached its conclusion, Viktor bid Lord Eric farewell, a sense of duty compelling him to return home. However, just as he left the castle grounds, a familiar voice called out to him. Turning, he saw Gerard approaching, a look of urgency etched on his face.
"There's something I need to tell you," Gerard began, drawing closer. "And you might not like it, but you have to know."
Viktor, intrigued by the unexpected revelation, urged Gerard to tell him whatever it is.
—---------
That evening as Ethan returned home from his encounter with Mara in the forest. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he headed straight to the backyard, where Taran, bound and chained, awaited.
Taran's eyes met Ethan's as he approached, a mix of weariness and anticipation in his gaze. Ethan wasted no time, diving into the revelations of the encounter with Mara and the other colleagues.
"I met your sister…Mara and your two other colleagues," Ethan began, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "She's quite the wild one for such a petite girl."
Taran, his stoic expression unchanged, replied, "Yes, she has always been small but mighty. I hope she did not injure you?"
Ethan, matching Taran's tone, responded with mock sincerity, "No, she was as gentle as a dove. Just a sweet, kind lady."
Taran, well aware of Ethan's sarcasm, retorted, "I don't know about her being a lady, but if you say so."
Ethan shifted the conversation to the plans for the following day. "I told them about our plans, and they agreed to help," he informed Taran.
Taran, somewhat surprised, asked, "You mean my sister cajoled them into agreeing to risk getting captured to rescue me?"
Ethan, his smirk revealing his amusement, affirmed, "Yes, that's pretty much it."
As the weight of their impending actions settled, Taran revealed a change in plans. Ethan, curious, inquired about the alterations. Taran, leaning against the fence, spoke candidly, "Well, the one who hired me to come to Blackwood wants to help with the escape."
Ethan's eyebrows shot up in curiosity. "Who is this person, and how did they send you a message?" he pressed.
Taran hesitated for a moment, as if weighing the decision to divulge the information. Finally, he began to recount the brief backstory of why he found himself in Blackwood. "I was hired by a close family friend to help rescue his werewolf son from Blackwood before he transforms."
Ethan, intrigued, probed further, "Can you tell me who this is?"
Taran's gaze shifted, contemplating the revelation. "No," he replied. Ethan persisted, his words laced with sincerity, "You know you can trust me. I'm trying to help you here."
Taran's response held a blend of caution and acknowledgment. "It's not that I don't trust you Ethan. I have a 40% trust in you, and that's more than most people could ever get. You will know the person who hired me tomorrow night."
The air between them pulsed with unspoken uncertainties, burdened by the weight of secrets yet to unfurl. With the moon ascending higher in the night sky, its silvery glow casting enigmatic shadows over the backyard, Ethan found himself tethered to the hope that everything would unfold according to plan. The rescue of Taran lingered as a paramount goal, not solely for any ulterior motive but to avert Mara's unleashed wrath; that young girl scared him just after a limited encounter and she left such an impact.
As Ethan prepared to leave him in the secluded space, Taran seized a moment of quiet desperation to ask a question, his voice hushed with urgency.
"Ethan, can you smell anything?" Taran's eyes darted between the shadows, seeking reassurance.
Ethan, with a quick inhale, replied, "Yes, I perceive someone. It's Celeste, she is close by."
Taran's expression shifted, a mix of concern and realization. "She's been around since morning, the first person I saw today. She asked me questions, all about why I'm in Blackwood. I think she's spying for your father."
Ethan, cognizant of Celeste's connection to his father, offered a calm assurance. "She's very close with my father, but she's mostly harmless. Don't worry, I'll handle Celeste."
Taran, however, remained unconvinced. "I don't think she's harmless."
Ethan, displaying a quiet confidence, placed a reassuring hand on Taran's shoulder. "She is a kindhearted person so trust me, I'll handle her."
Nearby, Celeste lingered in the shadows, concealed among the bushes near the backyard. Eager to gather information for her father, she strained to overhear their conversation. However, her efforts proved futile, catching only fragments of Ethan's reassurance to Taran.
As Ethan moved toward the cottage, Celeste wrestled with frustration. She wished she had more to report to her father. Since she hadn't been there when Ethan arrived, she missed a crucial opportunity to get something her father would appreciate. The loyalty to Viktor drove her actions, but the secret exchange eluded her ears.
From her concealed vantage point, Celeste pondered her next move. Her curiosity and loyalty to her father fueled her desire to unearth the secrets lurking in the night. As Ethan made his way back into the cottage, Celeste remained hidden, contemplating how to extract more valuable information without alerting Ethan to her secret activities.