The team's hideout was silent, lit only by the amber glow of old lamps and the distant sound of rain falling outside.
The cracked walls, lined with weapons and maps, reflected the weight of the battles they'd survived.
Kimberly stood over the holographic map projected on the table, where red symbols and coordinates pulsed faintly.
Across from her, Ryan remained with his arms crossed, still uneasy about being there.
Roshi, his abdomen wrapped in bandages, sat quietly in an old armchair, his gaze lost in thought.
"That mark…" Mandy began, staring at the magnified photo of the Night Circle's sigil.
"We've seen it twice before. First on that werewolf in Wadron… and then on the mermaid."
"Yes…" Kimberly replied, her tone grave.
"The first time I saw that symbol was a year ago. A monster I hunted near the northern border had it too.
Before he died, he whispered one name—'The Night Circle.'"
The mere mention of it made the room grow heavier.
Ryan frowned. "That woman… Karmila… she's powerful."
Kimberly nodded, folding her arms.
"If the Night Circle is back, then this isn't just another monster organization. It's something much bigger."
Roshi leaned back in his chair, his voice rough and weary.
"The Circle is an ancient cult. They don't hunt power—they shape it. They turn monsters into weapons."
Silence filled the room for a long moment.
Then Mandy stepped away from the table, visibly tense.
"I… know someone who can help," she said softly.
Kimberly raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Mandy looked away.
"It's better if you don't know yet. But she lives in New Salem—the city of witches."
Roberto blinked, startled. "Are you serious?"
"Yes. It's a peaceful place. They keep to themselves, far from the rest of the world."
Kimberly noticed Mandy's discomfort and smirked slightly.
"I get it. It's been a while since you've seen her, hasn't it?"
Mandy sighed, crossing her arms.
"Yeah. And she'll probably call me 'my sweet little Mandy' in front of everyone." She groaned.
Kimberly chuckled under her breath, the tension easing for a moment.
"It'll be good to see her again."
Ryan, however, kept his tone serious.
"And what about Trent?"
Kimberly met his gaze, firm and resolute.
"We'll find him. And if the Circle is behind all this… we'll take them down too."
Roshi nodded, pushing himself up with effort.
"Ryan and I will stay here. I'm not ready for another fight yet," he said with a tired smile.
Kimberly regarded him for a moment, then nodded.
"Take care of the place. We'll be back as soon as we have answers."
Meanwhile…
Near the stormy coast, the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress rose over jagged cliffs.
Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating walls carved with runes and symbols that pulsed with a bluish, supernatural glow.
Karmila walked through the stone corridors, followed by the mysterious armored figure—the one whose silver, wolf-like mask hid his face.
Behind them, dragged by glowing rune chains, came Trent, pale and dazed.
They entered the main hall, where arcane torches lit monstrous statues and ancient symbols etched into the walls.
Two guardians awaited them:
Frago, a mutated yeti over eight feet tall, his gray skin stitched with scars, his breath fogging the cold air.
Beside him stood Frank, a towering humanoid giant with metallic limbs and glowing green eyes—a modern, controlled version of the legendary Frankenstein.
From the shadows at the far end of the hall, a tall, thin figure watched them.
His lab coat was stained, glasses cracked, hands trembling.
"Dr. Viktor Frankenstein…" Karmila said, her voice silky and mocking.
"Our guest is still standing."
Viktor stepped closer to Trent, fascinated yet fearful.
"Incredible… a lycanthrope specimen with Omega energy… rare indeed," he muttered, adjusting his glasses.
Then, the air in the room seemed to freeze.
From a black throne adorned with skulls and metallic serpents, a deep voice echoed:
"Release him."
The figure upon the throne rose.
Tall, pale, and imposing—clad in dark robes, eyes glowing blue.
Drayfus, leader of the Night Circle.
Trent was unchained, stumbling forward, his voice hoarse.
"What do you want from me?"
Drayfus descended the steps, studying him like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Nothing. We only want what's already yours," he said with a cold smile.
"You were born to lead. Wolves follow strength, not reason.
Your world's mistake was believing in weakness.
Here, you can be the leader you were meant to be."
Trent said nothing. His blue eyes flickered faintly.
Karmila approached from behind, whispering in his ear as a purple aura enveloped his body:
"Show the world that a wolf never needs a shepherd."
Trent clenched his fists, his muscles trembling. His expression changed—something dark now stirred inside him.
Drayfus smiled wider.
"Excellent. Welcome to the true pack of power, Trent Coren."
On the road to New Salem…
Hours later, the van cut through the winding northern roads.
The sky was beginning to lighten. Mandy sat by the window, the cold wind brushing her face.
Kimberly, in the passenger seat, stared at the horizon.
"We'll find out what the Night Circle really wants," she murmured.
Mandy closed her eyes.
"Hope you're ready to meet this person again…"
Kimberly smirked faintly.
"I'm more than ready."
To be continued…