The rain poured heavier than ever, with no sign of stopping. Dylan, seated beneath the tree, was thoroughly drenched. The downpour had washed away the heavy makeup on his face, stripping him of his usual allure and revealing a more youthful, delicate appearance. His features bore a striking resemblance to Richard's, sharing about half their traits. However, Dylan's facial lines were softer, lacking the sharp, angular contours that defined Richard's face.
At only nineteen years old, Dylan's abilities had awakened just this year. For someone of the Morris bloodline, his powers were far from formidable. Adding to his disadvantages, his mother was a remarried woman from a less prominent family, which left Dylan's status in the household far below Elma's.
This was why Hank Hahn felt it was a golden opportunity when he discovered that only Dylan and the unconscious Richard were present.
Using his camouflage ability, Hank inched closer to the tree. The rain had softened the ground, and though his footsteps left faint imprints in the mud, the relentless downpour quickly blurred them away.
Leaning against the tree, Dylan remained on high alert, his senses attuned to his surroundings. Yet, all he could hear was the unceasing patter of the rain.
Hank edged closer, raising the small silver dagger he held behind his back.
In that instant, his killing intent slipped through.
"Who's there?!" Dylan sprang to his feet, his crimson eyes darting sharply toward the tree's rear.
Hank hurriedly shielded the dagger with his body. His camouflage ability wasn't true invisibility, but combined with the rain's cover, it made him nearly imperceptible. Dylan saw nothing, yet his innate vampiric instincts screamed that something was amiss.
Fuming over his mistake, Hank cursed himself for letting his murderous intent show. The mere thought of eliminating a member of the Morris family had ignited a bloodlust he couldn't suppress.
Though he'd alerted Dylan, Hank wasn't ready to give up. He cautiously shifted his position, circling around Dylan once more.
This time, he didn't rely on the tree for cover. Instead, he moved silently behind Dylan, his gaze locked onto the younger vampire's back. He was so close—just a little closer, and he could drive the blade into Dylan's heart. Determined not to reveal himself again, Hank decided to wait, inching forward gradually, biding his time for the perfect moment to strike.
Something was off. Everything felt wrong.
Sensing the danger, Dylan glanced around but found nothing. Yet, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine.
Suddenly, Dylan closed his eyes, his right hand forming a blade. In one swift motion, he turned and slashed backward.
Hank was taken aback by the young vampire's acute senses. He barely managed to dodge the strike, but in his surprise, he failed to conceal the dagger in time. The glint of silver flashed briefly before disappearing once more.
At that moment, Dylan's heart sank. There was indeed another vampire nearby—one with an ability akin to invisibility.