Eternal Huntress

Chapter 11

The Blackwood estate loomed ahead, its grandeur diminished under the cover of darkness. The estate's towering silhouette was partially obscured by the encroaching fog, adding an extra layer of foreboding to my mission. As I approached, I could feel the weight of the past pressing heavily on my shoulders, mingling with the tension of the present.

I had chosen a more discreet approach this time. The main gates were heavily guarded, so I slipped through a side entrance I had scouted previously. The grounds were eerily quiet, the only sound the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional drip of water from the recent rain.

Navigating the estate's expansive gardens and finding my way to the rear of the mansion, I used my vampire-enhanced senses to avoid detection. The mansion's darkened windows were silent sentinels, their reflections distorted in the mist. I knew Gabriel would be somewhere inside, and I needed to find him before he could execute whatever scheme he was planning.

The mansion's rear entrance was a service door, usually left unlocked for the staff. I carefully eased it open and slipped inside. The air was cool and musty, filled with the scent of polished wood and old books. I moved stealthily through the corridors, my senses attuned to any signs of movement.

After a few twists and turns, I reached a familiar hallway—the one leading to the Blackwood archives. I paused, listening intently. The mansion was quiet, but I could hear muffled voices coming from a room further down the hall. Gabriel was likely holding a meeting or a discussion, and this was my chance to confront him.

I approached the door to the room where the voices were coming from. Carefully, I placed my ear against it, trying to catch fragments of the conversation. The voices were low but unmistakably urgent.

"...find the artefact before it's too late," Gabriel's voice was clear, carrying an edge of desperation.

"Do we have any leads on where it might be hidden?" a second voice, smooth and authoritative, asked.

"I believe it's somewhere within the estate," Gabriel responded. "Victoria's records suggest that it was hidden by those loyal to her. If we can locate it, we'll have the power to reshape everything."

An artifact. It seemed to be the key to Gabriel's plans, something powerful and elusive that had been hidden for over a century. My mind raced as I considered the implications. If Gabriel found it, he could tip the balance of power in ways we couldn't yet predict.

I had to act quickly. The archives were my immediate goal; if I could locate the artifact before Gabriel did, I might be able to turn the tide. I slipped away from the door and made my way back to the archives, my movements swift and silent.

The heavy iron door to the archives was still slightly ajar. I slipped inside, scanning the room for any sign of the artifact. The shelves were lined with ancient tomes and documents, but the space was largely undisturbed.

I approached the desk where Gabriel had previously been searching. There were a few books open, their pages filled with cryptic symbols and notes. I quickly rifled through them, looking for any clue that might indicate the artifact's location.

Among the papers, I found a journal—a worn leather-bound volume with a lock. My heart raced as I realized it might hold the information I needed. I pried it open with a quick, practised motion, revealing detailed notes and sketches. One page caught my eye: a map of the estate, with annotations pointing to hidden compartments and secret rooms.

I followed the map's directions, moving through the archives and into a narrow passageway concealed behind a bookcase. The passage was dimly lit and cramped, but I pressed on, guided by the map and my own instincts.

The passage led to a small, hidden chamber. Inside, I found an ornate chest, its surface intricately carved with symbols and designs. The chest was old but well-preserved, and a sense of foreboding filled the air as I approached it.

I opened the chest carefully, and inside, I found a single item—a pendant, set with a large, dark gem. The pendant was engraved with symbols similar to those I had seen in Gabriel's notes. It radiated a palpable aura of power.

"This must be it," I murmured to myself. The artifact Gabriel was searching for was now in my possession.

I took a moment to consider my next move. I had to get out of the estate before Gabriel discovered I had found the artifact. With the pendant safely secured, I retraced my steps through the passage and back to the archives.

As I emerged into the hallway, I heard raised voices from the room where Gabriel had been. The urgency in their tone suggested they were closing in on the artifact's location. I had to move fast.

I exited the estate through the service door and made my way back through the gardens, the pendant secure in a hidden pocket. The mansion's quiet façade belied the turmoil inside, and I could hear footsteps and hurried voices as I left.

Back on the street, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I had the artifact, but the situation was far from resolved. Gabriel would not give up easily, and the stakes were higher than ever.

I needed to find a safe place to examine the pendant and uncover its significance. My first thought was to visit Edmund again. His expertise in ancient artefacts might provide the insight I needed.

I made my way through the foggy streets, the pendant heavy in my pocket, my thoughts consumed by the implications of my discovery. The game had changed, and the next moves were critical. Gabriel was still out there, and I had no doubt that he would come after the artifact with everything he had.

The night was still young, and the challenges ahead were daunting. But with the artifact in hand, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The battle was far from over, and I was ready to face whatever came next.