Time: Evening
Location: Boardwalk
Interaction with: Shay @Potter

Noah left the shop with the dead witch and annoyed cat behind, wearing a satisfied grin as he walked. His freshly stolen coat felt right, the eye patch was a fun addition as well for as long as it took for the eye to regrow. He still had the taste of fresh blood in his mouth and the slightest bit of warmth that a vampire only ever felt after feeding left him more at ease. Noah was thriving on his own, he felt he had achieved the right look, like a badass vampire from a movie. He had a plan, he knew it would work eventually. The killings, the posters, his hunting; eventually it would all come to fruition. He needed the success, he had to prove himself to Drake, show his worth as a vampire. He had decided that is what would fix him, it would fill the void inside that he felt ever since his sire abandoned him. Success, approval, becoming a perfect predator; that was what he needed to feel whole again. Once he got there maybe his sire would return, or maybe he wouldn’t even need her anymore.

Noah was more than ready to leave the boardwalk, it was an unpleasant place. Too full of people, of smells that became too muddled to distinguish, and too loud. He would’ve left, but then he spotted perfect prey, one that strayed from the herd. Vampires were perfectly designed predators, they had sense for spotting exploitable weaknesses. Loners, those who stayed away from groups of people, those with that aura of sadness and pain surrounding them. That was the prey that could be easily taken, ones few would miss, and ones that could be manipulated into walking into New Paeonia. He didn’t have a plan, just the confidence of a vampire looking to toy with what he thought of as easy prey. He approached the hooded woman who looked out at the ocean, his footsteps drowned out by the noise of the boardwalk.

As he got closer he found his nose assaulted by the foul scents of things artificial. A criminal overuse of perfume, and an underlying smell of the harsh chemicals that humans used to dye their hair, combined with more things used to mask that smell like soaps and shampoos. It was all too much, the smells combined into an odor so harsh it burned through his nostrils and down his throat to the point where he could taste it. It was ruining the taste of his last kill, turning his stomach even. A guttural growl crawled out of his throat and the smell alone was almost enough that he was going to walk away. He wasn’t really hungry anyway, just looking to manipulate or kill to fend off boredom. Then he caught another scent, one buried under all that was artificial, one that was familiar. He grinned at the randomness of it all; so much work put into finding the witch only to stumble upon her by chance.

Noah knew he could not simply grab someone in a place so crowded, and the old one he’d met at the club had refused to teach him to compel others. He knew the best chance at a successful capture would be to watch from a distance, to call in more vampires, follow her to someplace more secluded before making any move. Noah knew this but that way was no fun, it lacked flair, and he would have to share the credit. He didn’t like that plan, he had done the work, he deserved the glory. He would not remain some insignificant lackey, he was better than that. Noah was in the mood to gamble, he wanted all the credit, he needed the satisfaction of having completed a mission all on his own. Noah cracked his neck, grinned with unabashed confidence, and strode forward towards Shay.

“Here kitty, kitty, kitty.” He whispered in a voice that was low and menacing. ”I’ve been looking for you. I even put up posters. Do you know how many of your kind I’ve tortured trying to find you? None of them even knew who you were. I think I know why, you’ve got no friends in this town. No one to hide you, and you can try to run but I think we both know who's faster. Just a sad little lost pet, all alone in the big bad world. Don’t you think it’s time you came home? I’m starting to get a real taste for witches, Shay, you don’t want me to develop a habit now do you?” He spoke, savoring every moment, enjoying the opportunity to taunt, threaten, and gloat.

Finn’s mention of New York piqued Vivian’s interest. Back when she was still working and living in hostels, Vivian wouldn’t have imagined making enough money to travel around the country to various cities. As a kid she mostly moved from military town to military town. But after a few pool tourney wins and savings from her bartending job, she managed to move up to NYC for a short while. The tips there were certainly nice, but she didn’t like the cold so much.

“Who would’ve thought a New Yorker would find their way in a small town like this. I loved New York though, good tips, great nightlife.”

The advantages of working in a small town were laid out clearly as Eli explained Finn’s terms of employment. It was apparent there was more leeway when it came to laws and regulations, and that worked out better in Vivian’s favour too. The issue was wrapped up in a jiffy, and before Vivian put in another word, Finn was set to start working the next day.

“Welcome to the team Finn Cooper!” Vivian addressed her new co-worker with a smile. “Beat up some assholes for me-” she paused, “-and hopefully no more furniture as collateral damage.”

Vivian’s eyes glanced at the row of drink orders that have been rolling in, left in a line on the ticket rack by Jimmy, the new server. It seemed like there wouldn’t be much more time for chit-chat, which was unfortunate with this lively bunch.

“I’m glad you enjoyed the drinks,” Vivian replied with a grin as she reached out to accept Ylva’s payment. She made a few quick taps on their POS machine and calculated the appropriate change for the Scandinavian patron. “Let me know if you want me to start a tab too.”

Begrudgingly, Vivian then turned her attention to the piling line of drink orders. She grabbed a tall glass and a bottle of vodka to get started with the first order, a screwdriver. In mid-pour of orange juice, she turned towards Elias with a sly smile. “I’m going to try to get through as many of these orders before my break in ten minutes, then it’s all yours.”

Time: Evening
Location: Dump
Interaction with: Angel @princess

---

"Yes, quickly." Sean agreed as he started roaming the dump on his own. He kicked around random junk and scanned the ground for narrow wheel tracks.

Nothing… Wait! Sean spotted some movement in a large black trash bag. In the distance. Even if it wasn't Remy, someone seemed to be trapped within.

"Hey Red, I think I found something over here!" Sean approached the bag that seemed to move more as he approached. He quickly tore open the bag with his hands, only to be met with dozens of rats pouring out of the bag filled with spoiled meat. His eyes widened as he jumped back, startled. So startled he quickly fired three shots at the bag of rats. "Fuck! How the fuck… Forget it. Did you find anything?"

Sean turned to face who he had assumed was Angel approaching him, only to find a well-dressed blond bearded man walking side by side with a gorgeous well-dressed brunette woman.

Sean sighed.

"Good eveni-..."

"Thought you had me fooled bloodsucker. Time to die bitch." Sean sounded less enthused this time, his expression cold. This time he fired he drew and fired. His sudden action rewarded him as he hit the male's shoulder as he attempted to move out of the way. The round contained Chemical V and the pain of it slowed him enough for Sean to focus on the female. She attempted to immediately rush him in a zigzag pattern as Sean continued firing onehanded. He reached for his belt and pulled out a flashbang grenade just in time to intercept a strike to his chest with it "Ha!" He let out as the impact of her punch detonated the grenade and caused him to fly several feet away.

The ringing in his ears and the almost triple vision was intense. He could barely get himself off the ground from being so disoriented. He grunted as he forced himself up and tried to get a grasp on his senses. He knew his two friends were in worse sorts due to their amplified senses. He managed to reload his pistol as he trudged forward to find the woman writhing and moaning while tightly closing her eyes and clasping her hands over her ears. This time both hands on his weapon for accuracy.

He fired two rounds to the chest of… at the man who was leaning against a broken refrigerator. He had been recovering too fast to be considered for capture. Too dangerous. His eyes fell on the woman. Two more rounds were fired. One for each knee cap. She screamed in pain. Her prey had left her in such a vulnerable state. Blind, deaf, wounded, and alone.

"Almost had me, bitch. Almost..." He took out a syringe and injected the woman in her thigh before moving over to take a seat on a large gutted out speaker. "I bet you have a goon or two attacking Red… They're dead for sure." Sean was very aware of Angel's preference for hunting.

Time: Evening
Location: Alexei’s
Interaction with: Vivian@Pink Khione, Finn@Milkman, Ylva@13org, Valya@Crusader Lord

Eli gave a shrug at the mention of the food, truthfully most of it was barely passable, but most of the clientele came here to drink, not eat. He grabbed a menu listing off various burgers, wings, a few questionable specials, and of course the surprisingly good nacho’s and placed it near Valya. Overall, he found the group likeable, and despite Finn’s earlier door breaking, he seemed pretty humble about the whole vampire fight from the other night, and Eli thought he seemed like a solid guy. There was no animosity between hunter and wolf, and he didn’t see why there needed to be. So long as Finn wasn’t killing people, why shouldn’t they be able to co-exist, to be on friendly terms. Not all supernaturals were monsters, not all humans were innocent, and that was the problem with groups like Operation Humanity, they had no space for nuance, and that just wasn’t how the world worked. This was why places like Alexei’s mattered, a place where supernaturals and humans could exist peacefully, share drinks, and maybe change a few minds.

“Nacho’s are pretty good, the burgers are ok, and for your own safety and the sake of whoever draws bathroom clean up stay away from the chili.” Eli advised. The chili was made whenever meat was getting close to going bad, and in his opinion was never a wise gamble. “Unfortunately your bar staff is contractually required to make sure the alcohol here stays a flowing, so while we can’t join you we’re always around to keep your spirits up.” He added to Ylva, a slight grin at his own pun. “Welcome aboard Finn." He added before he went and grabbed the group another round of drinks before returning to the bar with Viv to work on drink orders.

”Take as long as you need, sounds like you’ve already dealt with enough mayhem tonight, I can handle the bar for a while.” Eli said as Viv mixed up a screwdriver and he started filling a couple of pitches of beer.

---

Time: Evening
Location: Boardwalk
Interaction with: Shay @Potter

Noah let out an amused chuckle at Shay’s comment, as if he cared what his parents thought of him; they were weak and now they were dead. The dog comment, that one ignited rage, to be compared to a filthy pet, the pale shadow of the predator's dogs came from, as if he was no better than a god damn werewolf. He didn’t even get the chance to respond, to unleash that rage, because the next thing he knew a foul substance hit his face, pepper spray. It burned his good eye, making it water as if he was some crying child. It leaked through his eyepatch, burning into the open wound where his other eye used to be. It continued through his nose, down his throat, burning even worse than the unnatural scents that clung to the witch. Fluids leaked from his eyes, from his nose, and Noah hacked and spit a mouthful of spit onto the ground. He barely registered the witches shrieking through the distraction of it. Then the opportunistic witch used his temporary blindness to deliver the lowest of blows; and kicked him in the groin. Noah let out a primal howl of rage and pain, and as he went to lunge towards the witch he found the spot where she had been empty.

Noah could barely see through the swelling in his eye, what he could see was blurred and distorted from tears. He clawed out his own face as if he could scrap the spray from it, but only further set the burning into his skin. He could hear people approaching him, shouting and closing in, but his sense of smell was left useless, his vision was almost as useless. He could see the blurry shapes moving towards him and grabbed the nearest one throwing the human with all his strength towards the others like it was nothing. Noah let out the growl of a cornered predator, and as another rushed towards him Noah grabbed the human and snapped its neck like a satisfying crack. The small crowd backed off some, he knew they were afraid, and he took a small step forward and growled again.

“Shit someone call the cops this freaks hyped up on PCP or something.”

Noah heard a panicked voice from the group of people, and as much as the idea of a huge slaughter appealed to him, he knew he had to get out of there. Noah couldn’t be sure there weren’t hunters close by, he couldn’t risk it after the witch had stripped him of two of his sharpest senses. Noah leapt from the side of the boardwalk, diving into the ocean and using the briny water to flush out the pepper spray from his eye and off his face. This had not gone even remotely close to his plan, the witch had made a fool of him, and he would find a way to make sure she suffered more before he brought her to Drake. Noah knew he could do better than this disaster, he would have to, he had been trained to do better. He would make sure that before he confronted the witch again, she would find freedom so unbearable that she would beg for a cage in New Paeonia. Noah knew he could do this, he knew exactly how to strip the will to be free from someone, because it had been done to him.

Time: Night
Location: l'amour est dans l'air, Ember Grove
Interactions: @HowlsofWinter Veronika

I did not expect to be back so soon, but my presence is needed… at least the venue has some taste, and I can relate to this company.

Alexander thought as he sat quietly at a table set for two. He went with the classic black tuxedo tailored to fit him perfectly as were most of his attire.

His eyes scanned the room and he took in its elegance. The accents of white from the flora and tablecloth gave the restaurant a pure feeling. To be pure. He sniffled and crinkled his nose. The place was full of human guests. The best of their kind, but even then… They amounted to prime livestock in their current form. Some would change, others would serve a purpose for a time. Yet filled with so much impurity.

Alexander did not enjoy liaising with his enemies, but he would not pass up the opportunity of meeting with Veronika Rose Cleveland. He knew that if he wanted to proceed with his plans, he need not waste anymore of his time hunting a witch that may be hundreds of miles away by now. His focus needed to be on acquiring the assistance or even the ignorance of another faction. One that was not in Operation Humanity's sights.

---

The girl blinked for a moment, before letting out a long, defeated sigh and simply handing the coco down to the dog. It was a cute dog, though she wished they'd met under far better circumstances regardless. Actually, why did the dog want the cup of coco? Was it a magical dog? A specialized type of familiar? Well Dante didn't seem able to talk, so maybe the dog could? Hmmm, now wasn't the time for that actually. She was in the middle of being arrested after all, though how was Dante going to go about this?

'And there's the cuff. Lot more comfortable than were used to use on 'test subjects' in my day."

'Tis' far more convenient than the enchanted irons forged in mine own day. One woulds't be drug behind a horse, wrapped in magical chain tightn'd like a serpent coiled about their person. Most fun to see when the prisoner was being belligerent, and yet it hath no fond memory within mine own past of being pulled along by one for a time. I escaped of course, but still.'

'...Noted. Juuuuuust in case I need to escape "ye olde' ball and chain" at some point in the future.'

'Trying to grow a little "bite" here on the fly, aren't you? You are not one to talk right now.'

It only took a moment for Dante's black beaded bracelet to 'cuff' her like a prisoner attached to the door handle of a police car. Or rather, it did at first look like he just made them something like a friendship bracelet set. As it turned out with the feeling of a tug and a jungle of his own bracelet, it was like a 'wireless' dog leash-...oh hell the irony there. Yet to her it was just a blessing it was just her left wrist though! Far preferable to having both hands bound up like in some Hollywood movie-style prison. Even so she would lightly test the bond for a second, staring at the bracelet before simply following along behind Dante without another word.

She would take a sip of her coco with her free right hand holding it, however, before attempting to gesture to Dante once they were beyond the doorway. No use leaving her place open right now for actual thieves to enter at least. After this she'd attempt to use a quick and silent telekinesis to at least close and lock her door on the way out. Keys were still in her pocket, after all, not that she'd had much time to think on that.

Still, without resistance after securing her apartment she would continue to follow Dante regardless.

---

---

"Should we meet again I can give you an address and phone number. Just tell them 'Valya' sent you and they'll give you a good price on the 'rocket fuel' if you're up that way~" the Russian said to Ylva, giving a slight smirk before continuing, a musing and pondering look coming over her face, "A shame about the food, however, though I am more than ready for a few rounds myself! I wonder if they have a nice Nastoika here, considering Akevitt is on the menu. Sweet, dry, as long as it was made well I think a taste of home would suffice before hitting the harder stuff. Even some Ararat brandy would do if the former isn't here, newer than some products but not a bad experience in my opinion."

Even so she looked on as her new Nordic acquaintance spoke to the others to see if anyone else wanted a drink, her gaze almost caressing their faces as if to pick up on any subtle hints they might want to join in. Curious the one boy was from New York, at least since it brought on flashbacks of the last time she'd been there and ran into a rat-eating-...ah, never mind. However, sooner than later Valya would find a menu placed near her as her attention moved over to Elias himself.

He seemed genuine enough, not bad on the humor, but and frankly the mention of avoiding the chili she could only lightly shake her head in mild amusement. Was about time to let loose a bit with the drink and eats, of course within enough reason to not get 'too' drunk and end up later on some local hunter's kill list by accident. Not that she much cared, defending herself to the teeth and fighting was not abnormal in her ever so long lifespan, but she preferred very much to not create bloody trails of needless death and gore.

"Ah, not the first time I've been advised on avoiding a given a bar's chili actually. With that in mind I'll take...hmm, I am very much famished.

Let's go with the largest burger you have, and a side of fully-loaded nachos! I might be dressed well, but my appetite is sure to match it as I and my new drinking buddy here get started~"

With that last line, she gave a slight teasing wink at Elias.

---

---

The afternoon had been quite eventful. Ember Grove had far exceeded Veronika's expectations. Who would have thought she'd encounter three vampires from the Sinclaire Foundation out in broad daylight, just minutes after her arrival?

'Indeed, times have changed.'

The car pulled up in front of l'amour est dans l'air, a luxurious restaurant. Frankly, it looked dull in comparison to her estate's dining hall, but it stood out from the rest of the restaurants nearby. They also specialized in European cuisine - Veronika's personal favorite.

Although she had been a vampire for many years, her palate still had an appreciation for fine cuisine. However, only the finest food prepared by the finest chef could satiate her tastes. Hopefully, the food here wouldn't disappoint.

Loukas assisted Veronika as she existed the vehicle. He walked her to the entrance, and as soon as he spotted Alexander Drake seated at one of the tables, he turned to Veronika with a sour look.

"So this is why you came to Ember Grove? To meet with Alexander Drake?" Loukas narrowed his eyes, and there was venom in his voice as he mentioned Alexander's name. When Veronika didn't saying anything in response, he sighed in defeat and held the door open for her.

"Thank you."

Veronika stepped inside the restaurant and upon closer look, the interior was quite beautiful, and the ambiance was perfect. Loukas escorted her to the table where Alexander sat, and Veronika gave a polite curtsy before taking a seat.

"I'll be waiting in the car." Loukas whispered. Veronika nodded, and he gave Alexander a disapproving look before leaving. As soon as they were alone, Veronika smiled and broke the silence.

"Alexander Drake. You don't look very pleased, being surrounded by all these humans."

Angel was rounding a large pile of garbage when she heard Sean call out. She leaned back on one heel, glancing over to watch Sean shoot a back. She held back a laugh when rats poured out of it. "No, Sean. Nothing as exciting as what you found." She bounced back to her usual footing and then began moving towards the other side of the dump to search, figuring he had the other side covered. She paused when she noticed a duo of well-dressed men coming toward her. Gunshots dimly rang from the other side of the dump, making them both glance in the direction a moment.

She whipped out two swords that had been sheathed on each side of her pant-legs and went forward toward one of them. He looked shocked, but then he charged right back at her. She made a mental note that the other guy had suddenly turned and ran the other way, but continued her assault on her first target. He seemed sure she was going to slice at his chest, leaving the area open as he pounced at her, so she ducked under and slit his ankles, causing him to tumble a bit, hissing.

Swiftly turning around, she sprinted away to give herself some more room then came back at the guy and sliced his arms as he tried to get his footing. He screamed in pain and she kicked his back to the ground and held him there. His arms had come clean off and were lying just a bit away from him on each side in the dirt. Thank God for OH weaponry.

He moved his head to the side and asked, "How are you so fast?"

They were usually caught off guard by her running. The amateur ones like these ones at least. It made it all too easy.

But she had never seen one so quick to run from the battle. She frowned and glanced down at the vampire, "You don't look like you're in the position to ask questions." She planted each of her swords into his shoulder blades, causing him to cry out in pain. "Where's your buddy going?" Though she wanted to chase, she knew she couldn't go too far from Sean in case.

As the vampire neglected to answer as fast as she wanted, she started to twist the swords. She yawned as he started to cry in pain. "I can do this all day, ugly."

"Give me back my arms."

"Nah. Sean! You done over there?"She called over to him, figuring he was long finished.

Time: Night
Location: l'amour est dans l'air, Ember Grove
Interactions: @HowlsofWinter Veronika

Upon Veronika's arrival, Alexander's locked onto her form. His face remained neutral as he took in all of her features. This was their very first meeting after all. Wealth and class were often imitated, but this woman was truly authentic which pleased him greatly. Unfortunately, her escort's demeanor ruined the first impression with his unpleasantness. He didn't return a similar expression and instead remained with tact.

Once Veronika was seated and her servant gone, she spoke first. Bold. He liked her already.

"Pardon me for showing my displeasure. I am just not a fan of eating with them[. But for you, Veronika Cleveland, I can make an exception." A smile etched on his lips as he studied her like a new piece of art. His demeanor was friendly and welcoming.

"I was surprised you accepted my invitation."

Time: Evening
Location: Dump
Interaction with: Angel @princess

---

"Angel!" Sean had shouted back, not knowing what she had actually said. His ears were still ringing even as he tied the female vampire's wrists with razorwire. The vampire was still weeping, which caused his serious facial features to soften. "I hate when you fucks do this. Shut the fuck up and be cool and you might live." Sean then scowled at his captive before grabbing her and carrying her over his shoulder."I'll come to you!" Sean shouted as he walked to where guessed Angel might be.

It took him…. Well, he thought it wasn't too long. As he approached he dumped his captive who grunted.

"Oh shit! You… you disarmed him." A smile crept onto his face as he studied the wounded vampire. "He's probably easier to talk to than she is…" He pointed to the female vampire in a sorry state. "I'm a little deaf by the way. The flashbang punch, y'know. This dude tell you anything?"

Angel glanced over at Sean, "He wasn't alone. His buddy ran for the hills."She told him, speaking louder for him to hear her. She followed his point to the vampire in his grasp and felt her stomach lurch. A flash of a vampire moving past her cell bars came into mind, human screaming in hand. She shook it off. "No. He's not much into sharing. You learn anything?"

She hoped they'd find something out about Remy soon before Trotter noticed they were out. Suddenly, she laughed. It had taken her a moment to catch onto the arms joke. The vampire, under her foot, had gotten the joke immediately and had started tearing up in reaction.

---

What coven? Technically...actually literally she really wasn't part of one. Her mom was, and that'd been a lot of help in the past, but she'd never hopped into joining that particular coven herself. Really hadn't been a matter she'd thought about too much, primarily as her mother had encouraged her to practice magic and get into college a bit first. In the end Charlotte raised an eyebrow at the message, before looking back up at Dante again.

"Eh, my mom is a member of one but I'm not. Never had the time to be honest, my mom's coven usually pitched in if we needed any real help moving or something," the girl said, giving a light scratch of her head with her free hand as she pondered the question, before ultimately giving a small shrug, "I was going to practice magic more and get a bit into college before I started thinking about it more seriously, mostly due to mom telling me to do that. No idea why she wanted me to go about it like that though."

Maybe not the best answer, but it was an honest one. Still, she couldn't help but think the crossed out 'arrest' was slightly funny. As if he was apologizing for taking her in for defending herself from certain death. Otherwise the best she could have hoped for back then was t be eaten and then perhaps have given the wolf terrible indigestion and magical diarrhea at least.

'Zat eez not very funny, but I can see zee other two are getting a kick out of eet in here, non?'

...Yeah, those two were laughing. She could hear it. As serious as they were about this, apparently the thought of giving her potential killer magical diarrhea was amusing for a second. Juuuuuust perfect.

---

Ylva couldn't help but to laugh as she heard Elias' recommendations regarding the chili. Not only she wasn't a big fan of spicy food but she heard quite a few comic tales regarding chili. Enough to earn quite a few good laughs and make her stay clear of that particular dish.

"Thanks for the warning. I'm not a big fan of spicy food though." she said with a chuckle just as Vivian got her payment, saying that she was glad she liked the drink.

"Yeah, It was indeed surprising. Quite a refreshing new twist to an old, traditional drink." she said, turning to Vivian with a smile as she thanked her with a silent nod.

Turning her attention to Valya again as she said that she would get her in contact with the people who sold the moonshine in case they met again, Ylva let out a mischievous smirk.

"So, same place, next week then?" Ylva asked, laughing.

"I am rather interested about this moonshine. If someone as accustomed to drinks as I am says it's strong, then it must be something really strong." she said with a chuckle.

"I know how you feel. Despite being far away from home, I can't help myself but crave a small familiar taste every now and then. Considering they had Akevitt here, I wouldn't be surprised if they had even more exotic stuff to sell." she said with a satisfied expression of someone who had found the perfect place to drink.

"I would recommend Viv's drinks if you want something surprising, although I don't know if she's too busy with the other orders." she said, turning to Vivian.

"Are you guys sure you don't want to join us? It's making me feel almost guilty seeing you there, preparing all those drinks and not tasting a single drop of alcohol." she said both to Vivian, Elias and Finn with a chuckle.

Time: Evening
Location: Dump
Interaction with: Angel @princess

---

"So you can laugh at my jokes." Sean grinned for just a moment as he approached his catch. She was in a sorry state, but to him, she was lucky to still be alive… if he could call it that. "Since your friend won't pipe up, you get the chance to talk. Only one of you is gonna make it out of here, speak up and it'll be you." Sean's expression became cold as he unholstered his pistol and held it at his side.

"What…What the fuck do you even want?!"

"DON'T YOU DARE BETRAY ALE-"

BANG!

Sean's weapon rang out as he shot the ground. Both vampires flinched at the sudden blast of sound.

"Next one is in your fucking skull! She wants to live. Isn't that right?" He never turned to the armless vampire, keeping all his attention on the woman. She seemed to be weeping again but stopped the moment she heard the male hunter sigh in slight frustration.

"I want to live! I want to live! I want to live! Please… fuck that guy and FUCK Alexander! Just… Just ask." She was desperate as she felt Sean could just end things.

"Good. Tell me about the girl that was taken today." Sean said this, apparently having more knowledge than he had made Angel think. "Describe her. Don't need you making shit up."

"Yes there was one! I do not know what she looks like! I don't! Just that she was special enough that her captors were not killed for defying orders!" She nodded as tears streamed from her face. "Alexander called for a halt to operations until the witch is captured or killed."

"Where is the girl?"

"New Paeonia! She is in N-" Another shot fired. This one struck the woman's head, causing her body to go limp.

"YOU FUCKING-" Sean quickly shot him in the right eye socket. Sean remained silent, his breathing heavier.

Angel had not expected Sean to get so cold. She flinched a little at the initial gunshot but stayed silent to let Sean do his thing. Her brows raised in reaction to him asking the vampire to tell him about the girl taken today. Did he know that for sure? What was that about?

Her heart sunk when she heard New Paeonia. That meant...

Remy was gone.

It happened again.

Finally, she said without looking at Sean, "Guess we're done. She took a set of matches out and dropped a lit match on each of the bodies. She made sure nothing flammable was near them before doing so. Angel then turned without another word and walked toward Sean's vehicle without confirmation to do so.

---

The morning came with a sunny weather and a comfortable temperature for Ylva. The weekend was unexpectedly eventful, with Ylva having met quite a few curious individuals and even exchanging contact information with some of them. Ending up spending the entire night at Alexei's, drinking with Valya and talking with the others. Despite having packed up the things and bought the Akevitt bottle (which was now on her fridge, still unopened), she ended up postponing the small 'celebration' she had planned to a later date. Spending those few days away from the annoying customers and the unending smell of coffee was pretty good, but unfortunately, things were finally calming down after the commotion caused by what happened a few days ago and with that, business opened again as usual.

Wearing a simple, black, Amon Amarth t-shirt, black jeans with a metal studded belt and a pair of simple, black combat books, Ylva left for the Mall after a small breakfast. Luckily for her, the morning shifts weren't as annoying as the evening ones and the customers were generally nice.

"Hey! Good morning everyone." she said, waving towards her co-workers as she arrived on the Starbucks, getting behind the counter.

Luckily the day would pass by pretty quickly, after all, she still had that Akevitt bottle in her fridge and plans to go to the forest hunting tonight.