The theater was grand, its interior a blend of rich crimson and gold, with a massive chandelier casting a soft glow over the room. Maverick and Julius sat in the VIP box, their seats providing a perfect view of the stage below.
The play had just begun, and the actors moved gracefully across the stage, their voices carrying the weight of a story that was centuries old.
Julius leaned closer to Maverick, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always admired the lead actor," he whispered, nodding toward the man playing the protagonist. "His portrayal is always so genuine and heartfelt. It's like he becomes the character."
Maverick nodded, watching the performance with interest. "I can see why you like him. He's very talented," he replied, keeping his voice low.
As they watched, the plot unfolded with dramatic flair. Julius reached for the small telescope provided in the VIP box, raising it to his eyes for a closer look at the actors.
As he scanned the crowd and the stage, his gaze shifted to the seats below. Suddenly, he stiffened, his expression turning from one of admiration to one of alarm.
"What's wrong?" Maverick asked, noticing the change in Julius's demeanor.
Julius lowered the telescope, his eyes narrowing as he stared at a particular spot in the audience. "There's a vampire here," he said, his voice low and tense. "He's looking right at us."
Maverick followed Julius's gaze and saw the vampire in question. The creature sat casually among the noble, blending in seamlessly.
But what set him apart was the way he stared directly at Julius and Maverick, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He raised a hand and waved, his eyes gleaming with sinister amusement.
"He seems to know who we are." Maverick said his voice was a mix of disbelief and frustration.
"It looks like it," Julius replied, his jaw clenched. "He's doing this on purpose, trying to provoke us."
Julius moved to stand, his expression set in anger, but Maverick quickly grabbed his arm, holding him back. "Wait," Maverick urged. "There are too many people here. If you go after him now, it could turn into a bloodbath."
Julius hesitated, his fists clenched at his sides. He knew Maverick was right; a confrontation in the theater could lead to innocent people getting hurt or worse. Slowly, he sat back down, his eyes never leaving the vampire.
The rest of the play passed by in a blur for Julius. He no longer paid attention to the actors or the unfolding drama. Instead, his focus remained fixed on the vampire, who seemed to be enjoying the performance, occasionally glancing up to see if Julius and Maverick were still watching him.
Maverick, sensing Julius's frustration, leaned in closer. "We just have to wait for the right moment."
Julius nodded, his face a mask of determination. "I won't let him get away," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
As the play drew to a close and the audience erupted into applause, Julius and Maverick kept their eyes on the vampire. The vampire rose from his seat, his movements smooth and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world. He exchanged a few words with his companion before making his way toward the exit.
Julius and Maverick stood up, their eyes locked on their target. "Now's our chance, Let's go."
Julius ran frantically through the crowd, his eyes scanning for any sign of the vampire. Maverick followed closely behind, his gaze darting through the sea of faces. The once-keen sense Julius had for detecting vampires was dulled by the mass of people.
Just as frustration began to take hold, Maverick's eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure slipping into a narrow alleyway. "Julius!" he called, pointing toward the alley. "There!"
Julius's head snapped in the direction Maverick indicated. Without a word, he bolted toward the alley, with Maverick right on his heels. The crowd thinned out as they left the main street, and the noise of the city faded into the background. They ran for some time, the alleyway growing darker and more secluded with each step.
Suddenly, Julius stopped in his tracks, his senses on high alert. He pulled Maverick behind him, shielding him with his own body.
"Wait," Julius said, his voice low and tense. "There are more vampires here. They're coming toward us."
Maverick's eyes widened as he realized the gravity of their situation. "If things get dangerous, you need to get out of here," Julius insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Before Maverick could respond, the alley was filled with the sound of approaching footsteps. In the shadows, the figures of several vampires emerged, their eyes glowing ominously in the dim light.
And there, standing on the rooftop above them, was the vampire in noble attire, looking down at Julius and Maverick with a smug smile.
"Hi, there." The vampire greets them with a smile.
The vampire appeared to be a tall young man with a face that could easily be described as handsome, even beautiful, exuding an air of elegance and authority.
He had short, dark hair, perfectly styled and glossy, framing a face that was both regal and sinister. His skin was pale, almost ethereal, contrasting sharply with the darkness of his hair and the crimson of his eyes.
Maverick clenched his fists, his gaze locked on the noble vampire. "Julius, you should go after him," he said, his voice urgent.
Julius shook his head, his eyes never leaving the vampires surrounding them. "No, Maverick. We need to stay together. It's too risky."
But before they could make a move, the noble vampire leaped down from the roof, landing gracefully in front of them.
"Nice to meet you." The vampire greet Maverick.
In a swift motion, he grabbed Julius by the collar, lifting him effortlessly into the air. Julius struggled, but the vampire's grip was like iron.
Maverick watched helplessly as the noble vampire pulled Julius closer, whispering something into his ear. The distance and the low murmur of the vampire's voice made it impossible for Maverick to hear the exchange.
Whatever was said, it seemed to strike a chord with Julius, who remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"Let him go!" Maverick shouted with anger in his eyes.
The noble vampire laughed, a cold, chilling sound that echoed through the alley. "Sure. I'll return the trash back to you."
With a flick of his wrist, he threw Julius into the air and delivered a powerful kick, sending Julius crashing to the ground.
Maverick's heart pounded as he rushed to Julius's side, but the damage was already done. Julius lay on the ground, dazed and hurt from the impact.
"Let's go, we are done here." The noble vampire commands the rest of his subordinate.
As Maverick knelt beside Julius, the noble vampire and his entourage of vampires turned and began to leave, disappearing back into the shadows of the alley.
Maverick watched them go, his fists clenched in anger and frustration. He looked down at Julius, who was slowly coming to, his face contorted in pain.
"Julius, are you okay?" Maverick asked, his voice filled with concern.
Julius nodded weakly with a smile on his face, wincing as he tried to sit up. "I'll be fine," he said, his voice strained.
"Let's get treatment for now." Maverick helped Julius to his feet, his mind racing with thoughts of what the vampire might have whispered to him that could make him lose his fighting spirit and let them hurt him like this.
Unexpectedly, Julius suddenly let out a loud laughter. "Maverick, let's go back and have a drink, both of us."
Maverick and Julius stumbled into the inn, exhaustion evident in their every movement. The innkeeper glanced at them with concern as they made their way up the stairs to their room.
Inside the room, Julius collapsed onto one of the beds, wincing slightly as he adjusted himself. Maverick stood by the door, watching him carefully.
"We should get you some treatment," Maverick suggested.
Julius waved a dismissive hand. "I'll be fine after a rest. Nothing I haven't dealt with before," he replied with a grin.
Maverick wasn't convinced. "I'm not leaving you alone tonight. We should share a room so I can keep an eye on you."
Julius raised an eyebrow but nodded, too tired to argue. "Fine, if it makes you feel better. Just bring the brandy. It's the best medicine right now."
Maverick left briefly, returning with a bottle of brandy and two glasses. He poured a generous amount into each glass and handed one to Julius. They sit together on beds, the silence between them heavy yet comfortable.
Julius took a sip of the brandy and let out a contented sigh. "Ah, just what the doctor ordered," he joked weakly, attempting to lighten the mood. He looked at Maverick and smirked.
Maverick knew that Julius was trying to mask his pain with humor, but he also understood the need to let him cope in his own way.
By the time dawn broke, both men were heavily intoxicated, the brandy bottle nearly empty. Julius's eyelids were drooping, and Maverick felt his own eyes growing heavy.
"Get some rest, Julius," Maverick murmured, his voice thick with sleep. "I'll be here if you need anything."
Julius nodded, his eyes already closed. "Thanks, Maverick" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Maverick watched Julius for a moment, making sure he was comfortable before settling down himself.
When Maverick woke up in the morning, the sunlight streaming through the window, he instinctively turned to check on Julius. But Julius is nowhere to be found.
"Julius?" Maverick called out, but there was no response. He searched the room, but there was no sign of Julius anywhere.
A sense of unease settled in Maverick's stomach as he realized that Julius had disappeared, leaving no trace of where he had gone.
"Damn it."