The mysterious figure emerged from the darkness, his features obscured by the hood of his cloak. He approached the grand, ornate door of a castle adorned with ancient symbols.
"Enter," a low, commanding voice called out.
The figure pushed open the door, revealing a dimly lit chamber. A shadowy figure sat on a throne-like chair, exuding an air of dominance as he gazed down at the kneeling figure.
"Proceed with your report, Shadow 1."
"Yes, my lord," the figure began. "I have successfully located the estate."
The man on the throne leaned forward, intrigued. "Proceed."
"It is inhabited by three individuals: Kael, Sabrine, and the potential Chosen One."
"I see. What is the security like?" he inquired.
"Formidable but not impenetrable. I discovered a secret passageway that will aid in the infiltration of the estate."
"What about the artifact? Have you confirmed its presence?"
"I have yet to see it myself, my lord, but even from outside the estate, I could sense the artifact's strong aura."
"This is good. Is that all?"
"I also observed a human leaving the estate."
"Interesting. Have agents monitor this individual; he may prove useful later."
"You've done well, 001. What do you plan to do next?" the man asked, a smile creeping onto his face.
"With your permission, sir, I request additional resources to further observe the estate and gather more intel on the artifact's exact location."
The smile vanished. "Why do you need more resources? You claim to sense the artifact's presence, do you not?"
"Yes, sir, but I believe it prudent to observe the estate longer before taking action—"
"Enough! If you can indeed sense the artifact, what more is there to discuss?"
"But my lord—"
"Who gave you permission to speak?" he interjected, unleashing a potent aura that pinned the subordinate in place, making it difficult for him to breathe. Blood trickled from his nose as he gasped for air.
"You will take two other agents with you and infiltrate the estate in two days. Am I clear?"
"Y-Yes, sir," the subordinate struggled to reply.
"Good," he said, releasing his aura. "I expect perfect results from you. You are dismissed."
---
Back at the estate, Alastair stayed in his room, staring out the window as his thoughts wandered back to recent events. On one hand, he was glad that Jake had taken the whole situation so well; on the other hand, he couldn't shake the concern for both their safety. As much as Alastair hated to admit it, Kael was right: Jake was human and inherently weaker, both physically and mentally. If he were captured by hostile vampire forces, he would likely reveal everything he knew—and Alastair wouldn't blame him.
Just then, he heard a knock on the door. It was Sabrine.
"What are you thinking so intensely about?" she asked.
"To be honest," Alastair replied, "it's Jake. I can't help but feel that he's not safe out there."
"I can understand that," Sabrine responded. "It was a risky move sending him back like that, but it was our best option. Anything else would have been either unethical or just plain wrong."
"I know, but maybe I'm just overthinking things."
"No, you care about your friend. That's all there is to it. All of this is natural—human. So don't feel bad about it. Emotions are strengths, so don't ever forget that."
"Thanks again, Sabrine. You always know what I need to hear."
"It's alright. What are friends for if not to help each other?" Sabrine said, heading toward the door.
As she left, Kael was standing by the door. Sabrine met him with a teasing smile. "Not going to apologize?"
"What do I have to apologize for?" he replied.
"Not me, Alastair," she responded. "You should apologize to him."
"I'm not going to apologize to him either. I did nothing wrong. True, I may have been a bit extreme, but it was all for his safety. He'll learn to understand that soon enough," Kael said.
"Oh really? Then why are you here?" Sabrine asked, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"I happened to be passing by, that's all," Kael said, his face slightly flustered as he turned and swiftly left.
Sabrine giggled to herself but couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. Had she made the right choice? Was it really fine to leave Jake alone, sending him back without any form of protection or way to communicate if needed? She couldn't help but feel that the decision to let him go, although right, wasn't safe. 'I'm probably just overthinking it,' she reassured herself.
Meanwhile, in the castle, 001 and two other agents were seen making preparations to leave. As they donned their cloaks, 001 gave out orders.
"The plan is simple: you have one objective—obtain the artifact. We will enter the estate through a secret passageway I assume is left unmonitored. From there, we will make our way to the artifact. Mind you, all of this must be accomplished without us being spotted. However, if for some reason that condition is jeopardized, you are free to terminate anyone who causes it," he concluded.
"We cannot fail. We must succeed for the Order of the New Dawn."
"For the Order of the New Dawn," the others replied in unison. They soon sank into shadows, moving forward at a pace barely visible to the human eye as they made their way toward the estate.
In the throne room, the master was communicating with someone through an orb-like device.
"Is there any progress, Sylvester?" a deep, husky voice on the other end asked.
"Yes, we found the artifact. I've sent one of my subordinates to retrieve it," he replied.
"Good."
"yes, soon our efforts will yield results and he shall bring this world to glory
"Indeed. We're counting on you, Sylvester. Don't mess it up."