Irina let out a long breath, the kind that came from deep in her chest, heavy with things she had carried for too long. She looked around the ruins once more before speaking, her voice steady but tired.
"They will do it again," she said. "A population of two thousand. Killed. Seven different locations."
The words sat there, ugly and heavy.
Lana turned sharply toward her. "What the hell do they need sacrifices for again?" Her voice cracked despite her trying to keep it together. "Haven't they already crossed every possible line?"
Irina's jaw tightened slightly. "Because vampires never stop," she replied. "They never stop searching. Never stop exploring. Power. Longevity. Control. They are obsessed with reaching their maximum potential."
"To be immortal," Lana said quietly.
Irina nodded. "Exactly."
Liam frowned. "Aren't they immortal already?"
Irina shook her head slowly. "No. Their lifespan is five hundred years. Long, yes. But still limited."
