The Vampire's Court

Chapter 30-King of Shadows

Mickey rubbed his eyes wearily as he settled into a chair across from Dimitri, who looked every bit as strained as he felt. The pale morning light streaming through the windows did little to brighten the grim atmosphere of the room.

"Start from the beginnin', boyo," Mickey urged, his voice raspy from fatigue.

Dimitri leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together. "Yesterday morning," he began, his voice low and steady, "we found nine of our staff—five maids, four guards—dead on the estate. It wasn't natural. They were drained... just like the murders in Bellehaven."

Mickey's expression darkened, a growl forming deep within his throat. "And the thrall?" he asked, his interest piqued despite the fatigue tugging at his senses.

"It led us on a chase through the forest last night," Dimitri continued, his gaze distant as he recounted the events. "The scent was off, Mickey. It didn't smell like a thrall, it was vampiric... kind of. But it wasn't just vampire; there was magic there, dark magic. It's eyes were bright yellow. And just when we thought we had it cornered at the cliffside, it jumped off and vanished into thin air. The entire thing is off. Unnatural."

Leaning back, Mickey processed the information, his mind racing through various scenarios. "Sounds like ye're dealin' with somethin' new. This isn't just some rogue vampire or a simple thrall. Someone's orchestratin' this, Dimitri. Someone who knows what they're doin'."

Dimitri nodded grimly. "I know," he said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "And they knew exactly when we'd be gone, when we'd come back. They planned this."

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation settling heavily between them. Mickey finally broke the silence, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "What's the plan, then?"

"We're tightening security. Increasing patrols. I don't want anyone on the estate without an escort," Dimitri declared, his determination clear. "And we need to figure out who is behind this. Before they strike again."

Dimitri paused, considering his next words carefully. "Mickey, I need to ask you something," he said, his tone more serious than before.

Mickey looked up, sensing the gravity in Dimitri's voice. "What is it?"

"I might need more than just your eyes on this, seeing as you'll be with Sera most of the time," Dimitri continued, his gaze unwavering. "Do you think some of your pack would be willing to come and patrol the estate? Things might get worse before they get better."

Mickey nodded slowly, understanding the significance of the request. "Aye, I can ask them, but I'm not sure how they'd feel about it."

"They'd have their own space, free to roam and hunt in the forests," Dimitri added quickly, seeing the hesitation on Mickey's face. "But I need them to keep their transformations to a minimum and stay away from Seraphine, for the time being. It's crucial."

"I'll send a letter with Orion," Mickey agreed, his mind already calculating the logistics. "It'll take a week or two for a response, though. They're all the way in Ballyvaughan, and coordinatin' that kind of move isn't quick, boyo."

Dimitri nodded, a tight smile of gratitude breaking through his concern. "Thank you, Mickey. I know it's a lot to ask."

Mickey stood, clapping Dimitri on the shoulder. "Ye don't have to thank me, boyo. We're in this together," he reassured him before heading out to fulfill his promise, leaving Dimitri to his troubled thoughts as dawn crept over the estate.

Mickey nodded in agreement, pushing himself up from his chair with effort. "Let me get cleaned up, and I'll round up some of the others. We'll start sweeps within the hour."