The curse of the hunted.

Chapter Five

The dawn came with a chill that seemed to seep into every corner of the facility. Despite the new sense of purpose we had gained from the ritual, the atmosphere was still thick with tension. The obelisk had granted Alaric new abilities, but with them came unforeseen challenges—challenges that were starting to surface.

As we gathered for breakfast, I noticed Alaric's demeanor was different. He was quieter than usual, his blue eyes betraying a hint of discomfort. He tried to mask it with a casual attitude, but I could see through the facade.

"Morning," I said, joining him at the table. "How are you feeling?"

Alaric forced a smile. "Better, thanks. Just a little tired, I guess."

His response was a bit too quick, and I could sense something was off. Before I could probe further, Cassandra walked in, her usual calm demeanor slightly disrupted by a look of concern.

"Morning, everyone," she said, setting down her bag. "We need to review the data from last night's ritual and plan our next steps."

Lila nodded in agreement. "I've got the data ready. There's some interesting information about the energy fluctuations and how the obelisk is reacting to Alaric's abilities."

Jared, already prepared for another day of training, looked at Alaric. "You ready for today's session? We've got some drills lined up."

Alaric nodded, though his gaze seemed distant. "Yeah, I'm ready."

As the group dispersed to review the data and prepare for the day, I noticed Alaric hanging back. He seemed preoccupied, his attention fixed on something unseen. I approached him, concern etched on my face.

"Alaric, is everything alright?" I asked quietly.

He glanced at me, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "It's just... there's something I can't quite explain. I've been feeling hungry—an intense, almost unbearable hunger. I'm trying to keep it under control, but it's difficult."

"Hungry?" I asked, my concern deepening. "Is it a physical hunger or something more...?"

Alaric hesitated, then admitted, "It's not just for food. It's like an urge, a craving for something I can't identify. I thought it would pass, but it's only getting stronger."

Before I could respond, a sudden crash echoed through the facility. We all rushed to the source of the noise—a large, rusted door had been forced open, and the hallway beyond was littered with debris.

"What happened?" Cassandra asked, her voice filled with alarm.

"I don't know," I replied. "But we need to find out."

As we carefully made our way through the broken door, we encountered a disturbing scene. The hallway was dark and damp, and the walls were covered in strange, claw-like markings. At the end of the corridor stood a figure cloaked in shadows, its presence radiating an aura of malevolence.

"Who's there?" I called out, my voice echoing through the hallway.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, imposing man with sharp features and a predatory gaze. His eyes glowed with a cold, calculating light. "I am Vesper," he said, his voice smooth and menacing. "I've been waiting for you."

Cassandra's eyes narrowed. "Vesper? The name is familiar. Are you a vampire?"

Vesper's lips curled into a smirk. "Not just any vampire. I am a Master of the Old Blood—a leader among our kind. I sensed the activation of the Crimson Obelisk and came to see what you've unleashed."