The details arrived the next morning via encrypted message to a burner phone that appeared on my doorstep. No note, no explanation – just the phone and a single message waiting.
Unknown: Antoine Mercier. 287 years old. Operates out of the French Quarter. Controls the blood trade in the Southern District. The ring is in his private vault, top floor of his residence. You have six days. -SB
Attached were building schematics, guard rotations, and a photo of the ring itself – a simple silver band with a black stone that seemed to absorb light.
I forwarded everything to Marco and headed downstairs.
The team was already assembled in the planning room when I arrived. Tommy had the schematics up on multiple screens, Elena was examining the magical signatures in the photos, and Sarah was inventorying weapons.
"Antoine Mercier," Marco said without preamble. "Anyone know him?"
