David's sword trembled ever so slightly, but he forced his grip to steady.
He was the leader of this squad, he could not let them see the fear crawling under his skin, nor admit how utterly terrifying the creature standing before them truly was.
The Head of Bork Vampire Hunters had been a fool to arm him with nothing more than a single silver-etched bracelet, claiming it could restrain her power. David could still hear the man's pompous voice:
"Put it on her hand and it's over. Don't back down, David, this mission will decide the future of human–vampire relations!"
It had been the most transparent lie David had ever heard. He knew perfectly well this wasn't about justice, it was about the higher-ups itching to shatter the fragile peace and ignite a war they would lose.
But he couldn't deny the Head request and not tarnished his name.
"Matriarch of Velstrath," David called out, he tried to calm his tone, "just surrender. Fighting will only hurt both sides."
