The City of Darkness and Blood

Chapter 27

Night had fallen, casting a serene yet eerie glow over the city as I approached Silver's penthouse in my Hunter suit. The luxurious building towered above, starkly contrasting Solomon's gritty underbelly. I fired my grapnel gun at her balcony, the metallic clang echoing softly in the stillness as I ascended with ease. Climbing over the railing, I silently entered her lavish abode. Silver's penthouse was as extravagant as she was—opulent furnishings, sleek modern design, and an air of indulgence that permeated every corner. Moving through the shadows, I heard the soothing sound of running water from the bathroom. She must be in the shower.

As I glanced around, my eyes caught the gleam of trophies lining the mantle and framed photos showcasing Silver's victories. Each was a testament to her skill, including her 1st place finish in the Women's Sword-Fighting Tournaments. Impressive. Silver had undeniable potential, though such skill could be dangerously intoxicating. I became absorbed in the nostalgia of her triumphs, my focus on the past victories drawing me in, until the sudden silence made me realize the water had turned off.

Moments later, Silver emerged, wrapped in a plush towel, her silvery white hair damp and cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes widened with surprise as she spotted me standing in the corner of her living room, shrouded in darkness. "Well, well, look who decided to drop by," she purred, her voice dripping with seductive charm. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Jason?" Hearing her use my real name made my chest tighten. We had known each other since childhood, and those old feelings still lingered, complicated by our recent one-night stand. I stepped forward, my voice cold and unyielding. "Save the flirting, Silver. I'm not in the mood. We need to talk," I said.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? And what's so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"

I stared at her, my mask concealing any hint of emotion. "Vampires in Solomon. I want to know why they're here and why they're following you."

Silver sighed, her playful demeanor shifting to one of slight annoyance. "I told you before, Jason. I don't know why they're here or why they're following me."

"I don't believe you," I said bluntly. "There has to be more to it than that."

She rolled her eyes, walking over to a nearby table. "I was about to call you, actually," she said, picking up a silver dagger with a red symbol etched into the hilt—a vampiric skull with the initials B and C.

I took the dagger from her, examining the symbol. "What does this mean?"

Silver shook her head. "I was hoping you could tell me. One of the vampire assassins was using it when they ambushed me at my club. I've never seen that symbol before."

I studied the dagger, my mind racing with possibilities. "I'll look into it. In the meantime, you need to be careful."

She smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Aren't you sweet, looking out for me? But don't worry, I can handle myself."

"I'm serious, Silver. This isn't a game."

She stepped closer, her towel slipping slightly, revealing more of her smooth skin. "You know, Jason," she whispered, her voice sultry, "We could spend some time together. Just you and me."

I backed away, not giving in to her advances. "Not tonight, Silver."

Her disappointment was palpable as I turned to leave. "You're no fun," she called after me, but I was already gone, disappearing into the night with the help of my suit's retractable membranes. As I glided through the city, I couldn't shake the feeling that Silver was hiding something. The dagger's symbol was a clue, and I was determined to find out what it meant. And I felt things would get even more complicated with Gregor Parlor's victory celebration coming up.