The Awakened

Chapter 4: A Deal With the Devil

Vincent had been training with James every day for weeks, pushing himself to his limits to become stronger. He had also been studying the Brotherhood, trying to find any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that they could exploit.

One day, as Vincent was walking through the town square, he saw a group of vampires gathered around a handsome man. He had jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes, and Vincent couldn't help but feel drawn to his aura of power.

He approached the group, trying to get a better look. As he got closer, he could sense that the man was a vampire, but not like any he had ever seen before.

"Who are you?" Vincent asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The man turned to him, his piercing blue eyes scanning him up and down. "I am Lucien," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "And you are?"

Vincent hesitated for a moment before introducing himself. He felt an immediate sense of respect and caution towards Lucien.

"Vincent," he said, extending his hand.

Lucien took his hand in his, his touch sending a chill down Vincent's spine. "Vincent," he repeated, his gaze never leaving his.

Vincent couldn't help but feel drawn to Lucien's presence and knew that he was an incredibly powerful vampire. Though he was wary of his intentions, he couldn't help but be intrigued by him.

Lucien smirked, seeming to sense Vincent's unease. "You seem like a strong vampire, Vincent. What brings you to the square today?"

Vincent cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Just passing through," he said, trying to keep his voice casual. "I saw the commotion and was curious."

Lucien's gaze intensified. "Curiosity can be dangerous," he said, a hint of warning in his tone. "Especially when it comes to the Brotherhood."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "I know about the Brotherhood," he said, trying to assert his own power. "And I'm not afraid of them."

Lucien chuckled, his eyes flashing with amusement. "Good," he said, nodding his head in approval. "Perhaps we can work together, Vincent. The Brotherhood is a common enemy, after all."

Vincent hesitated. He knew that he couldn't trust Lucien, but he also knew that he couldn't face the Brotherhood alone. "What do you have in mind?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Lucien's smirk grew wider. "Meet me tomorrow night," he said, handing Vincent a small piece of paper with an address scrawled on it. "We can discuss further then."

Vincent took the paper, feeling a sense of trepidation. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he knew that he had to try. He nodded his head in agreement and watched as Lucien walked away, disappearing into the crowd of vampires.

Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil.

The next night, Vincent found himself at the address Lucien had given him. It was a secluded mansion on the outskirts of town, surrounded by high walls and guarded by vampires.

As he approached the gate, he was greeted by Lucien, who led him inside the mansion. The interior was opulent, with expensive furnishings and ornate décor. Vincent couldn't help but feel out of place in such a lavish environment.

Lucien led him to a sitting room and offered him a seat. "So, Vincent, tell me about yourself," he said, pouring them both a glass of blood wine.

Vincent hesitated before speaking, unsure of how much he should reveal. "I am a vampire, like you," he said, taking a sip of the blood wine. "I have been alive for over a thousand years."

Lucien raised an eyebrow in surprise. "A thousand years," he repeated. "You must have seen a lot in your time."

Vincent nodded. "I have seen many things, both good and bad," he said, his thoughts wandering to his past. "But right now, I am focused on taking down the Brotherhood."

Lucien leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "And why is that?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Vincent hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. "They are a threat to our kind," he said, choosing his words carefully. "They seek to control and dominate us, and I won't let that happen."

Lucien smirked, seeming to sense that Vincent was holding back. "I see," he said, taking a sip of his own blood wine. "Well, I am also interested in taking down the Brotherhood. They have been a thorn in my side for too long."

Vincent raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Lucien to be so forthcoming. "Why do you hate them so much?" he asked, curious.

Lucien's expression darkened. "They killed someone I loved," he said, his voice cold and bitter. "And I will stop at nothing to make them pay."

Vincent could sense the pain and anger in Lucien's words, and he couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. He knew what it was like to lose someone you cared about.

"Well, then we have a common enemy," Vincent said, offering a small smile. "Perhaps we can work together."

Lucien's eyes glinted with amusement. "Perhaps," he said, raising his glass in a toast. "To our mutual enemy."

Vincent raised his own glass, feeling a sense of unease. He knew that Lucien was not to be trusted, but for now, he had no other choice. He clinked his glass against Lucien's, and they both took a sip of the blood wine.

Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil, but he knew that he had no other choice. The Brotherhood was a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he would need all the help he could get to take them down.