The Crucivire

Chapter Fourteen: Clues to a Monster

"A few nights ago," said Director Farrow. "A security camera in a back alley caught a known vampire outside his glamour. This vampire has been identified as Eric Hale."

Director Farrow stood at the head of a conference table, images projected behind him. Those images showed a vampire stalking an unaware woman in an alley before grabbing her from behind. Watching intently, Agent Phoenix, Gordon Brand, Cora Mires, Jasmine Ross, and Jaiden Blau sat on either side of the table, taking in every word.

"According to our source," said Farrow. "Eric, a warrior class vampire, should know where the vampires are hiding. He's been spotted on the southwest side of the city, near the nightlife district. Your mission is to capture him and get whatever information from him you can. Your priority, as I've sure you've guessed, is to extract the location of the vampires' headquarters in Saint Vivia as well as the method they're using to hide all those vampires. Any questions?"

Jasmine Ross raised her hand.

"What's this source you mentioned?" she asked.

"Classified," said Farrow. "Need to know only."

"I think they need to know," said Agent Phoenix.

All eyes turned to him, and for his part, Agent Phoenix didn't flinch, his face hard and stern. Gordon shook his head gently, Cora pursed her lips, and Jaiden pretended to be fascinated by the wall.

"Well, that's not your decision, Agent Phoenix," said Farrow.

Agent Phoenix just shrugged. Jasmine squirmed uncomfortably in her seat, regretting even asking the question.

"Any more questions?" asked Farrow, and when no one answered, he said, "Alright then. You have your mission. Dismissed."

###

The sight of the mirror prison was starting to look familiar to Alice. She paced around, her many reflections pacing with her as Jacqueline sat in her chair. Despite being familiar, Alice still wasn't entirely comfortable here, and Jacqueline's mischievous grin wasn't helping matters. Finally, Alice couldn't stand the quiet anymore.

"Are you making any progress finding the vampires' hideout?" asked Alice.

"I'm afraid not," said Jacqueline. "Any vampires drawn to wherever they're hiding are put into a sort of trance. I can't glean from their minds where they're going because they themselves do not know. Any vampire not put in a trance is skilled enough to thwart unwanted visitors. I can get bits and pieces of useful information here and there, but they're being very careful with the important info."

Alice clenched her fists in frustration.

"You'd think a gathering of a hundred vampires would be easier to find," she said.

"You're right," Jacqueline admitted. "The Night Hunters are efficient. They should have found something by now."

Alice took a deep breath.

"I want you to teach me how to defend myself in a mental world," said Alice.

Jacqueline raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"If the hunters can't even find them," said Alice. "Then buying Penny and Gary more time will be for nothing. I have another idea on how we can help them, but I'll need to prepare for it. I'm pretty sure it'll be dangerous, and I'm hoping it doesn't come to that, but at this rate, we're going to need a plan b. So teach me."