Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 33

The van rolled to a stop in the parking lot of Juliette's school, the low rumble of the engine cutting off as Kirsch turned the key. For a moment, no one moved, the weight of their plan settling in like a heavy fog. Juliette stared out the window at the familiar building, its brick walls somehow more foreboding under today's circumstances. The others shifted in their seats, each bracing themselves for the roles they were about to play.

— Alright, everyone ready? - Kirsch said, his usual grin a bit dimmed by the tension.

But before anyone could answer, Laf cleared their throat from the middle row, drawing everyone's attention.

— Actually, before we step out, I've got something for you all. - They reached into their bag and pulled out a small pouch. - I spent most of the night working on these. Figured they might give us a fighting chance against Elinor.

— What is it? - Laura asked, leaning forward as Laf opened the pouch to reveal tiny, barely noticeable earpieces.

— They look like those old-school Bluetooth things - Kirsch said, his brows knitting together in confusion. - How are those supposed to help us against Elinor?

Laf shot him a look, clearly exasperated.

— These are not 'old-school Bluetooth things,' Kirsch. They're a mix of technology and magic, my two favorite things - they added with a proud smile. - I designed them to protect the humans from Elinor's mind control. Vampires aren't affected by her powers, but for you guys... - They handed a set to the humans of the group. - You'll need these.

Laura inspected the earpiece, her brow furrowed.

— How exactly do they work?

— You pop them in your ears - Laf explained, handing the vampires their own set - and they create a barrier that disrupts any kind of mind control influence. For the vampires, they won't block anything because you don't need it, but they'll act as communication devices for all of us. We can talk to each other without drawing attention. Almost invisible once you've got them on.

Mel raised an eyebrow.

— So we'll be able to hear each other, but no one else will hear us?

— Exactly - Laf said with a satisfied grin. - It's a little magic and a lot of tech. Elinor won't have as much power against us if we're all wearing these. And even better, we can stay connected no matter where we are.

Juliette nodded approvingly as she slid hers into her ear.

— This is good. It'll keep us one step ahead of her.

Laura quickly followed suit, tucking the earpiece into place. She gave Laf a grateful smile.

— This is brilliant. Thank you.

Kirsch, already fumbling with his earpiece, grinned.

— I knew it! Tech wizard Laf strikes again.

Laf rolled their eyes, but the compliment landed.

— Let's just hope it works.

Danny inspected her earpiece for a moment before tucking it into her ear with a nod.

— It will.

With everyone connected and ready, they turned their attention to the next part of the plan. Juliette leaned forward, taking a deep breath.

— Alright. I'll go in first, keep a low profile, and have a 'normal' day. Elinor won't suspect anything if she sees me just being me.

Kirsch's enthusiasm bubbled up again.

— And I'll do my part, taking laps around the school, making sure no weird supernatural stuff sneaks up on us.

Mel gave him a sideways glance.

— And I'll make sure you're actually watching, not daydreaming about the van.

Kirsch patted the steering wheel with affection.

— I can multitask, no worries.

Laura grinned at their banter but quickly turned serious.

— I'll blend in with the students. No one pays much attention to me, so I should be able to keep an eye on Juliette and Elinor without raising suspicion.

Danny smirked, tapping the badge she'd clipped to her belt.

— And I'll be doing my secret agent thing. This little thing should get me into the school without much fuss. If Elinor's hiding somewhere around here, I'll find her.

— And I'll be here - Laf said, holding up their magic book. - I'll stay in the van and monitor everything, keep an eye on any magical disturbances while you're inside.

The plan was set, and the weight of it hung in the air. Everyone had their part to play. Laura adjusted her backpack and glanced at the school.

— Alright - she said softly - Let's do this.

Juliette opened the door and stepped out first, her face the picture of calm. She was going to be just another student today, blending in with the crowd. No one would suspect she was bait in their dangerous game.

One by one, the others followed. Mel strapped her crossbow more securely and exchanged a nod with Kirsch before they split off, ready to patrol the perimeter of the school. Danny slipped into the shadows, her badge and no-nonsense attitude allowing her to move unnoticed as she began her secret investigation.

Laura, taking a deep breath, joined the flood of students filing into the building, her nerves steadying as she reminded herself of the plan. She knew Carmilla would be hating every second of her being out here, but today, she had to trust that Laf's invention would keep them all safe.

As they all slipped into their roles, the quiet hum of their earpieces connected them, giving them a lifeline back to each other.

— We're in position - Laura's voice whispered in their ears as she walked through the halls, blending seamlessly with the other students. - Everyone, stay sharp.

— Roger that - Kirsch chimed in cheerfully, his voice crackling slightly through the connection as he and Mel began their laps around the school.

Danny's voice was cool and focused.

— I'm going to check the school's basement. No sign of anything weird yet.

Laf, sitting in the van, the magic book open in their lap, nodded as if they could be seen.

— Let me know if you pick up on anything unusual. I'll be tracking from here.

Juliette, walking through the halls, gave nothing away, though her voice was calm and measured.

— Let's stick to the plan. The less attention we draw, the better.

With their earpieces in place, their roles defined, and a tenuous connection holding them together, the group moved as one. Elinor may have the power to control minds, but today, thanks to Laf's magic and technology, they were prepared.

They were silently connected, but ready for anything.