Under the Skin

Chapter 16: I'll Go

The atmosphere in the sanctuary was charged with urgency and determination as the group processed the information Tina and Kim had brought back. Estrella called for a meeting, and everyone gathered around, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"We need someone to keep an eye on this woman," Estrella said, her voice calm but resolute. "We need to know her movements, her plans, and how we can counter them."

Before anyone else could speak, Kim stepped forward, her expression firm. "I'll go. I'll keep an eye on her."

Estrella's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Kim. "Are you sure? This is dangerous. She's connected to Viktor, and we can't underestimate her."

Kim nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I'm sure. I can do this. We need to know more about her, and I'll make sure we get the information we need."

Kai looked at Kim with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Just be careful. We can't afford to lose you."

Kim offered a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. I know how to stay hidden."

Estrella nodded, her trust in Kim evident. "Alright. Be cautious, and if things get too dangerous, get out of there. Your safety is our priority."

With the plan set, Kim prepared to head back to the outskirts of the city. She equipped herself with everything she might need and set out under the cover of night, her senses sharp and alert.

It didn't take long for her to find the woman again. She was in the same area, surrounded by her followers. Kim positioned herself in a nearby building, careful to stay hidden as she observed the woman's every move.

As she watched, something about the woman struck a chord in her memory. There was something familiar about her demeanor, the way she moved with confidence and authority. Kim strained to see more clearly, her mind racing to place the memory.

Then it hit her. The woman was Risie, a young vampire Kim had encountered years ago. Kim had spared her life because she was just a frightened kid, too young and scared to be a real threat. The memory of Risie's terrified eyes, pleading for mercy, flashed through Kim's mind.

Shock coursed through Kim as she recognized the now-grown Risie, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never expected to see her again, let alone in such a dangerous context. The once-scared child had transformed into a commanding figure, working alongside Viktor.

Kim's breath caught as Risie turned her head, her eyes locking onto Kim's hiding spot with a deadly smile on her face. It was a look that sent chills down Kim's spine, the innocence of the child she once knew completely gone.

For a moment, they stared at each other, the past and present colliding in a silent confrontation. Risie's smile was chilling, a stark contrast to the frightened girl Kim had spared. The shock in Kim's eyes was mirrored by the sinister satisfaction in Risie's.

Realizing she had been spotted, Kim knew she had to retreat. She carefully and quietly moved away from her position, ensuring she wasn't followed. The deadly smile of Risie haunted her thoughts as she made her way back to the sanctuary, her mind racing with the implications of this new revelation.

When Kim finally returned, her face was pale but determined. The group gathered around, sensing the urgency in her demeanor.

"What's wrong?" Kai asked, his concern evident.

Kim took a deep breath, steadying herself. "The woman... she's Risie. The vampire I spared years ago. She's not the scared kid anymore. She's dangerous, and she's working with Viktor."

The shock in the room was palpable, everyone realizing the gravity of the situation. Estrella's eyes darkened with understanding. "Then we need to be more careful than ever. We'll prepare for whatever comes next, and we'll face this threat together."

As the group rallied, Kim couldn't shake the image of Risie's deadly smile from her mind. The past had come back in a terrifying way, and they had to be ready for the battles that lay ahead. With renewed determination, they prepared to confront the darkness, knowing that unity and vigilance were their greatest strengths.