Chapter 133 - MISSION: RAID

The wind howled through the trees lining the outskirts of the city, a wild and restless sound that echoed the tension simmering beneath Alaric's skin. He stood at the edge of the old railway bridge, boots crunching against the gravel as he lit a cigarette with steady fingers. The sky was turning a molten grey, the sun melting behind the horizon like blood draining from a wound. He watched the distance with a predator's patience, sensing the moment James would arrive. Behind him, the new batch of trainee vampires shifted restlessly, their eyes glowing faintly with anticipation and bloodlust. The air smelled of steel and vengeance. Alaric flicked ash from his cigarette, glancing back just as James stepped into view, flanked by a team of battle-hardened fighters. James said nothing—he didn't need to. The message had been clear the moment they got the call. War was no longer a whisper. It was a declaration.