Prince of Fire | Dragonfire Book One

Capítulo Siete

Driving a stake to the creature's heart, Van Helsing ended Dracula's reign of terror and started an era of hesitant peace and calm.

~ History of the Order

Chapter Seven

Elena was taken aback by the strangers in her house. All dressed in black, three men sat on a couch across from the coffee table in the living room. Both of her parents stood stiffly on the other side of the coffee table, inducing a heightened sense of alertness in Elena. She cautiously walked into the house, closing the front door behind her and capturing the attention of the members in the room.

Her father spoke first, his voice calm and collected. "Elena, these men are from the Society," he gestured toward the men on the couch. Her gaze went from her father back to the strangers, but this time she had curiosity in her mind along with caution. What did the Society of Slayers want? And when did the Order start collaborating with the Society?

She gave them a small nod and said, "Hello."

"Lieutenant Colonel," they addressed back in unison, almost unnaturally. "We've already started discussing matters," one informed as Elena walked to reach her parents' side.

Another man elaborated, "As you know, Dracula has been spotted in the vicinity. The Society would like to unite our two groups for the sake of exterminating the infamous creature."

Inwardly, Elena was a little hesitant. Working together with the Society? The two organizations seldom mixed with each other and for the Society to extend a hand demonstrated a fierce determination in the group. The different doctrines in both groups were a cause for frequent argument.

On the other hand, Elena said, "That's an interesting proposition. But, if I may ask, why am I here?" She was only the lieutenant colonel. There were still a fair few that had higher ranks than she had.

The question was more directed to her parents, who had requested her presence. However, before either could answer it, one of the men interrupted. "Ahh, and that is the part we seem to disagree on. Our sources tell us that Dracula is looking for a woman, one who is currently under the custody of the Order."

Elena's eyes widened. How could they have found out so quickly? They literally arrived back in Vancouver a few hours ago and members were required to keep quiet about operations. Either the Order had a double agent or the Society had a very efficient spy.

Still cautious, Elena asked, "Then, what is the dilemma?"

Her mother answered the question this time. "The problem is that the Society wants to use the woman as bait. We will not sacrifice innocents in this mission. We found Dracula without using bait and we can do so again," she snapped.

One of the men gave her an empty smile. "War will have its casualties. Innocents will pay the price either way. If we use the woman, it would be one rather than an entire city."

"Not on my watch," Raquel affirmed. "You will not take the woman out of our custody. And to ensure that, I've entrusted her care to a team of our own. Perhaps we will call upon your aid once we find Dracula, but for now, leave my house. If you ever intrude on my property again, I will kick your asses."

The same hollow smile remained on their faces as they quietly stood up and strolled to the door. One left with eerie words: "How unfortunate. In time, you may come to regret taking our offer."

Chills ran across Elena's skin as the warning echoed, even after they left the house. Then, she finally faced her parents and fully observed their expressions. Her mother's eyes were hard and heated with vehemence. Elena could tell that her father was angry as well, but he covered it up with a calculating glance.