Eternal Huntress

Chapter 10

The early morning light filtered through the gaps in the blinds of my small but tidy flat. I had returned home exhausted, but the weight of the new information I'd uncovered was too heavy to let me rest. The documents from the Blackwood archives were scattered across my desk, their contents slowly coalescing into a more coherent picture of the past.

The letter from Victoria had been a stark revelation. Her words spoke of an impending betrayal, a sense of doom that now felt eerily prescient. Gabriel's search through the archives had revealed his own desperation, a drive to recover or control something that might still be hidden in those ancient texts.

I needed more answers. The letter had mentioned allies and enemies, but specifics were sparse. What exactly had Victoria been afraid of? And why was Gabriel so intent on uncovering her secrets?

I resolved to seek out a historian who might provide additional context. If Victoria had been as influential as the documents suggested, there were likely historians or experts who specialized in that tumultuous period. Fortunately, one such expert, Dr. Eleanor Sinclair, was known for her deep knowledge of Victorian history and vampire lore.

I had met Dr. Sinclair once, at a conference many years ago. She was a respected scholar, her reputation for meticulous research preceding her. If anyone could provide insight into Victoria's life and her significance, it would be her.

By mid-morning, I made my way to Dr. Sinclair's office at a university on the outskirts of the city. The campus was serene, its academic air a stark contrast to the turbulent world of vampires and ancient politics I was navigating. I entered the historical studies building and found her office on the second floor, tucked away in a quiet corner.

Dr. Sinclair's office was filled with books, artefacts, and a faint aroma of old paper and ink. She was seated at her desk, engrossed in a stack of manuscripts when I entered. Her sharp eyes lifted from her work, and she offered a welcoming smile.

"Helena, it's been a long time," she said, her voice warm with genuine interest. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Dr. Sinclair," I greeted her, taking a seat across from her desk. "I need your help with something rather unusual."

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Go on."

"I'm researching a vampire named Victoria," I began, watching her reaction closely. "She was a significant figure in the late 1800s, and I've come across some information that suggests she was deeply involved in vampire politics. I'm trying to understand her influence and why her legacy might be resurfacing now."

Dr. Sinclair's eyes widened slightly, and she leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Victoria, you say? That's a name I've heard only in whispers and fragmented accounts. She was indeed a powerful figure, but her story is shrouded in mystery."

"I've found a letter she wrote before her disappearance," I continued. "It hints at betrayal and a looming threat. Gabriel seems to be searching for something related to her, and I need to know what that might be."

Dr. Sinclair nodded, clearly intrigued. "Victoria was known for her strong leadership and her attempts to unify various factions of our kind. Her disappearance was a significant event, and many believe it marked the beginning of a period of instability among vampires."

"Instability?" I echoed. "What kind of instability?"

"The details are sparse," Dr. Sinclair said, "but it is said that Victoria's disappearance left a power vacuum that led to a period of intense factionalism and conflict. Some believe she was betrayed by her closest allies, possibly due to political rivalries or personal vendettas."

"Do you have any idea who might have been involved?" I asked, feeling the urgency of the situation.

Dr. Sinclair hesitated, then pulled out an old ledger from her desk. "There are records of prominent figures from that time who were known to be rivals of Victoria. Some of their names have surfaced in recent historical research, and their descendants are still active today."

She handed me the ledger, and I scanned through the names and notes. Several names stood out, including one that seemed to recur in various contexts—Lord Nathaniel Blackwood.

"Lord Nathaniel Blackwood?" I repeated, looking up at Dr. Sinclair. "Is there any connection to the Blackwood family today?"

"Yes," Dr. Sinclair confirmed. "The Blackwoods were indeed a significant family during that era. Nathaniel Blackwood was a known rival of Victoria. The modern Blackwoods are descendants of his line, and it's possible that they have preserved some knowledge or influence from that time."

The pieces were falling into place. Gabriel's interest in the Blackwood archives, combined with his apparent desperation, suggested he might be trying to access or control the remnants of Victoria's legacy—something that could provide him with the power or influence he sought.

"Thank you, Dr. Sinclair," I said, rising from my seat. "This information is invaluable. If you come across anything else related to Victoria or her era, please let me know."

"Of course," she replied, offering a reassuring smile. "Be careful, Helena. The past has a way of catching up with us."

I left her office feeling a renewed sense of determination. Gabriel's actions were becoming clearer, and I had a better understanding of the stakes involved. I needed to confront him and uncover his true intentions before it was too late.

Back at my flat, I reviewed the information Dr. Sinclair had provided. Lord Nathaniel Blackwood's legacy and the political landscape of Victoria's time were critical to understanding Gabriel's motivations. I needed to delve deeper into the Blackwood family's history and find out what they were guarding so closely.

As night fell, I prepared to visit the Blackwood estate once more. This time, I intended to confront Gabriel directly and demand answers. The time for subtlety was over. The past was no longer just a shadow; it was an active force threatening to reshape the present.

With the weight of history and the urgency of the present pushing me forward, I stepped into the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Gabriel was playing a dangerous game, and I was determined to be the one to end it.