Nadia stared at the near-immortal beings she had only ever heard about in stories.
Touted as rulers amongst the Creatures of the Night, Vampires were a race respected for their immense vitality.
She recalled learning that there was a time when these powerful creatures answered to the Devil Wheel Mystics.
That was when the Creatures of the Night were subservient to Judah, around the same time the Creatures of the Day were subservient to Salem.
As she scrutinized them further, the red and black cloak the vampires wore caused Alex to chuckle inwardly.
’Isn’t this too cliche of an attire?’ he couldn’t help but wonder.
In any case, the duo did well not to reveal their thoughts as they watched the situation pan out.
Revealing an amiable smile, Booker rose to his feet. "Finnick, my friend. I didn’t expect to see you here today."
The Vampire that stood in the middle of the trio, stepped forward and replied with a strange expression. "I hope I didn’t come at a bad time?"
"Not at all," Booker said before glancing at Alex and Nadia.
Seeing how they didn’t react strongly to the presence of the Vampires brought a sense of calm to Booker’s heart.
Chuckling lightly, he continued. "I was just sharing some information on how to get into Krobridge with my two lovely guests."
"I see." The Vampire... no, Finnick glanced at Alex and then at Nadia before returning his gaze to Alex. "Hmm..."
He seemed to consider something before shaking his head, quickly getting rid of the thought.
Noticing his reactions, Booker quickly spoke up. "Ah yes, so would you like to have a seat?"
"No." Finnick harshly replied.
"Hmm, so may I know the reason for such an impromptu visit?... If I remember correctly, it’s not yet time for the shipment." Booker said while pulling out a ledger from his drawer to be sure.
Of course, this was just a formality and he knew well enough that the shipment wasn’t ready since the last one had been sent out 2 weeks ago.
"No need to waste your time, Booker," Finnick remarked before adding. "We aren’t here for a shipment."
Sighing helplessly, Booker dropped the ledger. "So why?"
Finnick was about to speak when a sharp bang echoed across the building, catching Booker and in extension, Alex and Nadia off guard.
"This..." Booker seemed shocked at the unexpected explosion and looked toward Finnick for explanation only to be met with a sly grin.
Without hesitation, Alex reached out and gently placed his palm on Nadia’s own, his other arm poised to snap in case of anything.
Just then, the metal door behind them slammed open, and out of it, a bloodied man rushed to Booker’s side.
It was the same burly man that had led Alex to Booker’s office, however, unlike his previous appearance, he was in a terrible state.
"What’s going on?" Booker asked the poor man as he slumped to the ground.
Struggling to catch his breath, the man squeezed out a response. "...Attacked... Vampires... attacked."
With that, his breathing stopped and his body fell limp, indicating his passage into the Afterlife.
Booker stared at the blood on his hands, shaken at how easily one of his own had died.
Clenching his fist, he rose to his feet and glared hatefully at Finnick.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Booker bellowed.
Finnick chuckled at Booker’s expression. "Shocked, I presume?"
"How dare you attack us?... Do you think you can get away with this?... The Liaison will have your head for this!" Booker couldn’t contain his anger as he exploded even further, his eyes red with fury.
Finnick was even more amused. "Threatening me with the Liaison?... I’m doing her a favor, you imbecile. Do you think she’s okay with how the black market runs everything in the extensions?... I know you humans can be stupid but come on Booker, you abuse that privilege."
Booker gritted his teeth while still glaring at Finnick.
The blood-curdling screams and sounds of battle taking place in the other rooms could be heard clearly now.
It was nighttime, it was a surprise attack and their opponents were not newborn Vampires.
Booker could tell he was at a terrible disadvantage and this was because he would have never thought a day would come when the Vampires taking refuge in Krobridge would so blatantly disregard the Liaison.
"What do you want?" Booker muttered after extensive consideration.
Finnick revealed a wide grin. "Hmm?"
"I said, what do you want!" Booker could barely contain himself but tried his best as he dropped his voice down before he continued. "I’ll do whatever you say... just call your men back. We have a working relationship here, Finnick. No need to soil it with unnecessary bloodshed."
Finnick sighed. "Thinking about it now, I have to agree with the words of the new Monarch."
"Hmm?" Booker revealed a confused expression while Alex and Nadia grew interested in the conflict.
’Monarch?...what’s that?’ Alex wondered inwardly.
Ignoring the reactions of the others, Finnick continued. "We have had to dwell with you animals for so long, mankind now dares to consider us Vampires as equals to them."
Taking a moment to spit, he added. "Disgusting."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Booker questioned.
Finnick shrugged. "Our so-called partnership is over, Booker. The Monarch has made a decree... from now on, my kind no longer has to take the nonsense dished out by yours."
"You go too far and surely the Liaison will act."
"Let her do so," Finnick replied a faint trace of bloodlust in his crimson eyes. "The Monarch will deal with her accordingly. This is a revolution, Booker, and you as well as your little underground business will be the first casualty of the 11th Extension."
"You can’t be serious..." Booker said, wide-eyed at Finnick’s crazed declaration.
Finnick watched Booker’s fear grow in real-time and couldn’t help but get more excited.
He was terrified since as Booker said, what he was doing would draw the attention of the Liaison but isn’t this what the Monarch wanted?
There were several just like Finnick, Vampires that had gotten tired of suppressing themselves while living among sheep.
Thanks to Damian and his declaration, however... there was no need to hold back anymore.
It was time to feast!