Eternal Huntress

Chapter 9

The following evening, the London fog had returned, wrapping the city in its suffocating embrace. I navigated through the mist with purpose, my thoughts consumed by the cryptic message and the shadowy figure of Victoria. The search for answers led me to a series of old, ornate townhouses in one of the city's historic districts. These houses belonged to ancient vampire families—once allies, now distant and secretive.

My first stop was the Blackwood estate, an imposing structure hidden behind wrought-iron gates and tall hedges. The Blackwoods had been significant players in vampire politics during the late 19th century, and their knowledge of past events was likely extensive. I approached the gates, my steps purposeful but cautious.

The butler who answered the door looked me up and down with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "Ms. Helena," he said with a polite nod. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Expecting me?"

"Yes," he replied, his tone clipped. "He has been informed of your interest in the history of Victoria."

I nodded, though I had not yet revealed my visit to anyone outside of my closest circle. Apparently, my search was not as discreet as I had hoped.

I was led into a grand study, lined with shelves of leather-bound books and illuminated by the soft glow of a chandelier. Mr. Blackwood, a tall man with silver hair and a piercing gaze, sat behind an antique desk, his expression inscrutable.

"Ms. Helena," he said, rising to greet me. "It is not often that one of our kind seeks knowledge from the past with such... intensity. To what do we owe the honor?"

I took a seat across from him, noting the subtle way he assessed me. "Mr. Blackwood, I need information about Victoria—specifically the vampire who bore her name and her influence during the late 1800s."

Mr. Blackwood's eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned back in his chair, contemplating. "Victoria was a figure of considerable power and mystery. Her influence shaped many of the policies that govern our kind today. However, her legacy is complicated, tainted by betrayal and loss."

"Betrayal?" I prompted. "What kind of betrayal?"

"The details are murky," Mr. Blackwood said, his tone cautious. "There were factions within our kind who opposed her, and she had her share of enemies. She disappeared under circumstances that were never fully explained. Some believe she was betrayed by those she trusted most."

"Is there any documentation or records that might shed light on this?" I asked, my voice steady despite the rising tension.

Mr. Blackwood regarded me thoughtfully. "There are old archives, but access is restricted. They are housed in the vaults beneath this estate. If you wish to see them, you must have permission."

"I'm willing to follow protocol," I said. "But time is of the essence."

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will grant you access, but you must understand that this information is sensitive. It is not merely historical; it has implications for the present as well."

I agreed, and Mr. Blackwood's butler soon escorted me to a hidden door at the back of the study. Behind it was a narrow staircase that descended into the depths of the estate. The air grew cooler and more musty as I descended, my steps echoing off the stone walls.

At the bottom, the butler unlocked a heavy iron door, revealing a dimly lit archive. Rows of dusty files and ancient tomes filled the room. I moved to the nearest table and began sifting through the materials, my fingers tracing the faded ink on old documents.

Hours passed, and I was immersed in the details of a bygone era. Many records were fragmented, but I found references to secret meetings, political alliances, and betrayals. One document stood out: a letter from Victoria, addressed to an unknown recipient. The letter spoke of her struggles against dissenters and her fear of impending betrayal.

"...I sense the winds of change, but I am not sure who I can trust," the letter read. "I have done all I can to secure our future, but the forces against us are growing stronger. If I fall, let it be known that I did not do so without a fight."

The letter was dated shortly before her disappearance. It was a grim testament to the turbulence of her final days. I folded the letter carefully and tucked it away, feeling a growing sense of urgency.

As I was about to leave the archives, a sudden noise made me freeze. Footsteps echoed from the stairway. I moved swiftly, slipping into a darkened corner, my senses alert. The footsteps grew louder, and a figure appeared at the top of the stairs—one I recognized immediately.

Gabriel.

He descended with a purpose, his expression a mix of arrogance and intent. I watched from my hiding spot as he approached a specific section of the archives, his fingers brushing over the spines of the tomes with a familiarity that suggested he had been here before.

What was he searching for? And how had he known about this place?

I waited, concealed by the shadows, as Gabriel selected a book and flipped through its pages. His frustration grew palpable, his movements increasingly erratic. He seemed to be searching for something specific, something that eluded him.

I needed to act quickly. Gabriel's presence here confirmed my suspicion that he was deeply involved in the same dark forces I was trying to uncover. If I could get closer, I might be able to gather more information or, at the very least, thwart his plans.

As Gabriel's frustration reached a peak, he slammed the book shut and turned to leave. I followed him, staying hidden in the shadows. He made his way back up the stairs, leaving the archives behind him.

I waited until he was gone before emerging from my hiding place. I quickly gathered the documents I had found, ensuring I had everything needed to piece together the puzzle of Victoria and Gabriel's motivations.

The night was still young, and I had much work ahead of me. With the evidence secured, I left the Blackwood estate, my thoughts racing. Gabriel's presence in the archives was a troubling sign of his intent, and I needed to stay one step ahead of him.

As I emerged into the night, the fog was lifting, and the city's skyline was beginning to emerge from the mist. I could sense the shifting currents of power, the dangerous dance between past and present. Victoria's legacy was intertwined with Gabriel's plans, and it was clear that the struggle for control was far from over.

I had uncovered valuable information, but the road ahead was fraught with danger. The past was calling, and its echoes were growing louder. With every step I took, I moved closer to the truth—and to the confrontation that awaited.

The shadows of history were closing in, and I had to be prepared for whatever lay ahead.