Part 1.
The music rumbled all over the club, reflecting off the walls and penetrating into the very inside. Colored lights flashed, snatching faces, silhouettes, dancing bodies from the darkness. The aromas of perfume, alcohol and sweat were in the air - a characteristic cocktail of the nightclub "Imperia" in the center of St. Petersburg.
Marina drank from her glass and looked around the dance floor. It was her first day off in a month, and she intended to have a good time. Twenty-two years, internship in a law firm, constant study - she deserved at least one night of madness.
- Do you miss me? - a low, velvet voice sounded very close.
Marina turned around and froze. In front of her stood perhaps the most handsome man she had ever seen. Tall, with chiseled facial features, which were as if carved by a talented sculptor. His skin was pale, almost porcelain, contrasting with the hair of the color of a crow's wing, falling careless waves to the shoulders. Her eyes - unnaturally green, almost glowing in the twilight of the club - looked at her with curiosity and warmth. He was dressed in a flawless black suit with an unbuttoned collar of a snow-white shirt, an expensive watch shone on his wrist.
"A little," she smiled, feeling her heart beat faster.
- Let me fix it, - he smoothly sank down on the next bar stool. - My name is Victor.
- Marina, - she held out her hand, which he took and brought to his lips for a kiss.
This old-fashioned gesture gave me goosebumps.
- What are you drinking, Marina? - his voice sounded like melted chocolate.
"Cosmopolitan," she replied.
- Bartender, - Victor made a barely noticeable gesture with his hand, and the bartender immediately approached them. - "Cosmopolitan" for the lady and me whiskey, clean.
Marina couldn't take her eyes off his face. There was something hypnotic and fascinating about it. As if she was looking at a work of art that somehow came to life.
They talked, drank, laughed. Marina didn't notice how she drank the second cocktail, then the third. His head began to spin pleasantly, and Victor seemed more and more attractive. He talked about his travels, about the ancient cities of Europe, which he seemed to know far and wide. He spoke so vividly that she could almost imagine herself next to him on the streets of Prague or at the piers of Venice.
Time flew by. The club gradually became empty.
- It's late, - Victor said, looking at his watch. - Let me take you home.
In any other situation, Marina would be wary. Never get into the car with a stranger - she has known this rule since childhood. But now, under the influence of alcohol and its incredible charm, all the warnings seemed ridiculous.
"Good," she nodded.
They went out into the cool night air. The rain recently stopped, and the streets were shining with moisture, reflecting the lights of the city. Victor led her to a black Mercedes, opened the door, helping her to sit down.
As soon as the door closed and he was behind the wheel, something changed. Marina felt it on her skin - a sudden tension that arose in the salon. The doors were locked with a click.
- Victor? - she turned to him and froze.
The face, which a second ago was the embodiment of beauty, was distorted. The eyes became completely black, without whites. Long fangs appeared from under the upper lip.
- You smell so wonderful, Marina, - he hissed, leaning towards her. - Your blood beckons me.
She tried to scream, but an icy hand closed on her throat, blocking access to the air. With his other hand, he tore her dress.
- No one will hear, - Victor whispered, leaning to her neck. - No one will come.
Only muffled moans and quiet, wet sounds were heard from the car.
***
The rain intensified, turning the streets of St. Petersburg into blurred river streams. The gray clouds hanging over the city seemed to reflect the gloomy mood of Alexander looking through the car window at the buildings passing by.
- That's why I don't like Peter, - grumbled Daniel, sitting behind the wheel of Kirill's black SUV. - It's always raining, clouds and depression.
- An ideal place for vampires, - Alexander remarked, not taking his eyes off the window. - Little sun, a lot of people going out at night.
They arrived here early in the morning, after Helen's briefing. Over the past two weeks, seven people have disappeared in the city, three were found dead - bloodless, with characteristic bite marks on their necks and wrists. All victims are young people aged eighteen to thirty, most of them girls.
- Where shall we stop? - Daniil asked, looking into the wet road.
- There is a good hotel on Nevsky, - Alexander replied. - Helen booked us rooms.
Having parked at the entrance to the Severnaya Zvezda Hotel, they quickly checked in and went up to their rooms. After a short rest, we decided to walk around the city, look around and feel the atmosphere.
Alexander, as usual, was dressed in all black: a long coat with a high collar, a loose sweater, tight trousers and massive leather boots, which added a few centimeters to his height. In such an outfit, with long black hair and pale skin, he looked like a character from a Gothic novel.
Daniel, on the contrary, chose a white coat and light clothes under it, creating a bright contrast with his friend.
- You know, - he said when they came out to Nevsky Prospekt, - we look like the personifications of Yin and Yang. Or like an angel and a demon from some anime.
- More like a normal person and an eccentric poser, - Alexander parried.
They walked slowly along the avenue, watching people, feeling the pulse of the city. Even in such weather, the streets were lively: tourists with cameras, local residents hurrying on business, street musicians hiding from the rain under the arches.
Alexander periodically caught curious female looks. His unusual appearance has always attracted attention: fine facial features, long eyelashes, ruby eyes. Many people took him for a girl until they heard his deep voice.
- And here are your fans, - Daniil grinned, noticing a group of students sneaking pictures of Alexander. - Maybe we can take a selfie for your fan club?
- Maybe you'll shut up and focus on the mission? - Alexander replied coldly.
- Oh, come on, - Daniel slapped him on the shoulder. - Relax. Vampires are active only at night. Now we can just look around, feel the city.
- It's a myth, - Alexander shook his head. - Sunlight weakens them, but does not kill them. Especially considering that there is practically no sun here.
They continued the walk, discussing the details of the information received from Helen. All the victims were last seen in nightclubs or bars of the city. According to eyewitnesses, they left alone or with people no one remembered.
By lunch, the rain stopped a little, and they decided to go to a cozy cafe on Malaya Morskaya Street. Having ordered cheesecakes with coffee, they sat down at a table by the window, continuing to watch the city.
Three girls were sitting at the next table, lively discussing something. Alexander didn't pay attention to them at first, until he heard the phrase "Marina is missing".
- Quiet, - he made a sign to Daniel, who was just about to tell a story.
Daniil fell silent, noticing the focused expression on his friend's face. Both listened to the conversation at the next table.
- ...toom and disappeared! - said the blonde girl. - Just left the club, and that's it. The phone is turned off, not at home.
- Maybe she left with a guy? - her friend suggested.
- That's the point! The security checked the cameras. She kind of talked to someone all evening, and she's the only one on the recording! He sits, drinks, laughs... and there's no one else!
- It's scary, - the third girl shivered. - It's already the seventh in a month. First Oleg, then Sveta, now Marina...
- But this is not a reason to cancel the party at "Inferno", - said the blonde. - We planned so much!
- Are you crazy? - the third one was indignant. - Katya was found dead there last week!
- Not in the club itself, but on the embankment, - the blonde objected. - Besides, we will be together, we will not be separated.
Alexander and Daniil looked at each other.
- Did you hear? - Alexander asked quietly. - The cameras didn't see the interlocutor.
- Vampires are not reflected in mirrors and are not visible on cameras, - Daniel nodded. - A classic sign.
- "Inferno"... - Alexander took out his phone and quickly found the information. - A popular nightclub on Konyushennaya. Works until 6 a.m.
- Looks like we have plans for the evening, - Daniil smiled, finishing his coffee.
***
Club "Inferno" fully corresponded to its name. Red and orange lights created the illusion of a flame licking the walls, the music rumbled like the rolling of thunder in hell, and the visitors danced as if it was their last night before the terrible judgment.
Alexander and Daniil arrived around eleven in the evening, when the club was already full. At the entrance they were stopped by a huge guard with a square jaw and a bull's neck.
- Documents, - he roared, looking around Alexander. - Especially from a minor.
- I don't... - Alexander started, but Daniil interrupted him, snatching the hunter's ID.
- We're at work," he said, showing the badge. - Department of Supernatural Phenomena.
The guard's face has changed.
- I'm sorry, I didn't recognize it, - he retreated, letting them in. - Come in.
As soon as they entered, Daniel bent down in a fit of laughter.
- Again! - he squeezed out between bouts of laughter. - You were mistaken for a schoolgirl again! It will never get boring!
- You'll "accidentally" slip on the way back," Alexander promised, heading to the bar.
They took seats at the bar, ordered a glass of beer and began to watch the visitors. The club was crowded: young people danced, drank, got acquainted. Ordinary nightlife. But somewhere among this crowd there was a predator hiding, choosing the next victim.
- Look carefully, - said Alexander, shouting the music. - We are looking for loners, especially those who are clearly communicating with someone, but the interlocutor is not visible.
Daniil nodded, looking around the hall. The task was not easy. Hundreds of faces flashed in the crowd, groups were constantly changing, someone left, someone came.
Less than an hour later, the girls began to approach them. Alexander attracted special attention - his exotic appearance and detachment acted like a magnet.
- Hi, handsome, - another girl sat down with him. Slender, with brown eyes and long blond hair. - Will you treat me to a cocktail?
Alexander gave her a bored look.
- No.
- Why don't we dance? - she didn't give up. - I like guys with an unusual appearance.
"I don't dance," he interrupted.
- Come on, - she put her hand on his knee. - Don't be so harsh.
Alexander carefully removed her hand.
- I'm waiting for my girlfriend, - he lied. - She'll come soon.
Pressing her lips, the girl got away. Daniil looked at her.
- It's already the tenth, - he remarked. - I'm getting jealous. Only three came up to me.
- It's unprofessional to trade for flirting during the mission," Alexander replied.
- Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. "I'm at work," - Daniil rolled his eyes. - But agree, the latter was fine.
Alexander shrugged his shoulders. The girl was really attractive, but something about her seemed... strange. However, everything seemed strange in this place, so he threw this thought out of his head.
They continued the observation. Another hour has passed. Daniel was already beginning to show signs of impatience when Alexander noticed a movement at the far wall.
A young girl, a blonde in a short blue dress, stood alone, sipping a cocktail. A man approached her - tall, elegant, with shoulder-length hair. Even from such a distance it was clear that he was incredibly handsome, with chiseled facial features.
- Danya, look, - Alexander nodded towards them. - Three hours from us.
Daniil followed his gaze.
- I see. Handsome guy glues the blonde. What's unusual?
- His movements, - Alexander answered quietly. - Too smooth, too... calibrated. A person doesn't move like that.
They continued the observation. The man said something to the girl, she laughed, obviously fascinated. Soon he offered her a hand, and they headed for the exit.
- Let's go, - Alexander stood up. - Just not too close.
They followed the couple, keeping their distance. The girl and the man left the club, turned around the corner of the building. Alexander and Daniil accelerated their pace.
"I'm the first," Alexander whispered, turning the corner.
And froze. The girl and the man kissed passionately, clinging against the wall. No signs of attack, no threat.
Having decided to check, Alexander approached them.
"I'm sorry," he said, abruptly pulling the man away from the girl.
- What the fuck?! - he was indignant, clearly in a human voice.
Alexander quickly examined the girl's neck - no traces of bites.
- What are you doing?! - the blonde shouted. - Get away from us!
- I'm sorry, - Alexander stepped back. - Mistake.
- I'll call the security now! - the man stepped forward threateningly.
Alexander slightly pushed him in the chest - enough for him to retreat, but not fall.
- Let's go, Danil, - he turned to his friend. - It's clean here.
They quickly returned to the entrance to the club.
- Fake alarm? - Daniil asked.
- It looks like it, - Alexander frowned. - But something is wrong here. I feel...
At that moment, the black Mercedes stopped at the entrance to the club. A girl came out of the club - the one with brown eyes who approached Alexander. She went to the car, where the driver was waiting for her - a man whose face was not visible.
But even at a distance, Alexander and Daniel felt a wave of dark energy coming from him. It didn't look like an ordinary human aura or even an X-gene carrier.
"A vampire," they whispered at the same time.
Alexander rushed forward, but it was too late. The girl got into the car, the door slammed shut, and the Mercedes broke away, leaving tire tracks on the asphalt.
- Behind him! - Alexander shouted, and Daniel activated his ability.
Daniel, having activated the ability to fly, took the air, Alexander used telekinesis to lift his body into the air, followed him.
"Mercedes" rushed through the night streets at such a speed that an ordinary person could not keep up with it. But they weren't ordinary people.
They were flying over the streets, following the car. The rain whipped in their faces, the wind raggled their clothes, but they didn't slow down.
- He's heading to the embankment! - Daniil shouted.
The car really turned onto the Palace Embankment, which was almost empty at that hour. "Mercedes" rushed past the Winter Palace, then braked sharply at the parapet.
Daniil fell to the ground a couple of tens of meters from the car, followed by Alexander.
- Be careful, - he warned. - Something is wrong.
They slowly approached the car. The engine was turned off, the light was dim inside.
Alexander approached the driver's door - the car was empty. No vampire, no girl.
"Check the trunk," he said to Daniel.
They bypassed the car. The trunk was opened. Alexander carefully pulled it up.
Inside was a tied girl with a gag in her mouth. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw them. And next to her there was a device with a timer showing "00:03"... "00:02"...
- Bomb! - Alexander shouted, instantly grabbing the girl and throwing her to Daniel with telekinesis. - Fly!
Daniel caught the girl and rushed up, activating the flight at maximum power. Alexander remained standing by the car, looking at the timer: "00:01"...
He had less than a second to run away, but instead he concentrated, creating a telekinetic barrier around him.
The explosion thundered like a thunder, smashing the car to pieces. The flames engulfed everything around, the metal debris flew in different directions. A wave of heat hit Alexander's telekinetic shield, forcing him to strain all his strength.
When the flame subsided and the smoke began to dissipate, Alexander was still standing in the same place. His clothes were slightly burned, but he himself remained unharmed. Around him you could see the perfect circle of asphalt untouched by the explosion.
Daniil got down next to him, still holding the frightened girl.
- Are you okay? - he asked worriedly.
Alexander nodded slowly, lowering his hands. His eyes glowed brighter than usual from the use of the ability.
- My coat, - he said hoarsely, looking at the burnt fabric. - It was my favorite.
But his thoughts were far from clothes. They were focused on an invisible enemy who had just seen them out as children. The vampire lured them into a trap, using an innocent girl as bait.
It wasn't just a vampire hunt. It was a war with a smart, calculating opponent who knew they were hunters. And maybe even waited for them to appear.
And somewhere in the dark streets of St. Petersburg, this vampire was already choosing his next victim.
Part 2.
The sirens of police cars and ambulances cut the night silence of the embankment. Alexander and Daniil stood aside, testifying to the young investigator. The rescued girl, still trembling, was sitting in an ambulance under the supervision of doctors.
- Are you saying that you just passed by and noticed a suspicious car? - the investigator looked at them with doubt, especially at Alexander's burnt clothes.
- That's right, - Daniel nodded. - We're hunters from OSYA. You can get official confirmation from our management.
The investigator once again looked at them from head to toe, made a couple of notes in the notebook and nodded:
- Okay, that's all for today. Don't leave the city in the coming days.
They called a taxi and returned to the hotel. In the room, Alexander first took off his sort coat and threw it on the chair.
- It's a pity. I liked it," he said sullenly, looking at the spoiled thing.
- You'll buy a new one, - Daniel waved it off, taking out his phone. - We need to call Helen.
The boss's face on the screen looked worried. She listened carefully to their report of the incident, without interrupting.
- So, a bomb," she said thoughtfully when they finished. - An unusual weapon for a vampire.
- He's not an ordinary vampire, - Alexander replied. - He's too smart. And, apparently, he knew that we were hunters.
- What rank do you think he is? - Helen asked.
Daniil and Alexander looked at each other.
- It's hard to say without fighting him directly, - Daniel replied. - But judging by the aura we felt, it was quite high.
- I have two theories, - Alexander sat on the edge of the bed. - First: he has the ability to be invisible, which vampires usually do not possess. This would explain why he disappeared from the car. But then it's unclear why he didn't attack us on the embankment. Maybe he was scared of two A-rank hunters.
- And the second theory? - Helen went ahead.
- Teleportation. That would explain how he disappeared from the car before we approached. And why he didn't risk attacking directly.
There was silence in the room for a while. Helen thought about what she said, drumming with her fingers on the table.
- Anyway, - she finally said, - now he knows what you look like and will be more careful. This complicates the task.
- We won't have to act so openly, - Daniel agreed. - Maybe use disguise?
A strange smile appeared on Helen's face.
- I was just thinking about it. I have a brilliant plan.
Something in her tone made Alexander tense up.
- Which one? - he asked cautiously.
"You'll both dress up as girls," Helen solemnly announced.
There was a heavy pause.
- What?! - Daniil jumped up from his seat. - Are you kidding?
- Absolutely serious, - Helen was already smiling openly. - A vampire hunts young women. And he has already seen you in the male form. But in women's...
"It's ridiculous," Alexander interrupted.
- It won't be difficult with you, Sasha," Helen continued, ignoring his objection. - But Daniil will have to try.
- Hey! - Daniil was indignant. - What does it mean "it's not difficult with him"?
- That's what it means, - Helen hummed. - It's already halfway with his appearance. And you're too... courageous.
Daniil didn't know whether to take it as a compliment or take offend.
- Is this an order? - Alexander asked coldly.
- Exactly, - Helen became serious again. - Tomorrow you will go to the mall, buy suitable clothes and cosmetics. I'll send you a list of everything you need. In the evening you will go hunting in a new look.
***
- I can't believe we're really doing this," Daniil muttered when they entered the huge shopping center on Nevsky.
Alexander didn't answer. His face expressed a mixture of humility and irritation - an expression that became familiar from the moment Helen called.
They went to the women's clothing department, feeling like spies in the enemy camp. There were only women around, going through hangers with dresses, blouses, skirts. At the sight of two men hesitantly trampling at the entrance, several customers turned around curiously.
- Maybe we should split up? - Daniel suggested. - It will attract less attention.
- And you know what to look for? - Alexander asked skeptically.
- Uh... dresses? - Daniil answered uncertainly.
Alexander sighed.
- Can I help you? - a woman's voice sounded.
They were approached by a consultant - a young girl with bright red hair and a friendly smile.
- Yes, - Alexander decided to take the initiative into his own hands. - We need... outfits for the club. Women's.
The girl raised her eyebrows slightly, but her professional smile did not flinch.
- For your girls? - she suggested.
- For us, - Alexander answered directly. - It's for... a masquerade.
- Oh! - the consultant brightened up. - Of course, I'll help. What style do you prefer?
Daniil and Alexander looked at each other.
- Uh... different? - Daniel said uncertainly. - I would like something... white?
"And I'm black," Alexander added.
- Great! - the consultant looked at them with professional interest. - Let's pick up something according to your size.
The next hour turned into a surreal nightmare. The girl carried them more and more new things, explaining the difference between "cocktail" and "club" dresses, talking about the "correct fit" and "accents on the figure".
- This will look great on you, - she handed Alexandra a black tight dress with a high collar and an open back. - You have a graceful figure, you can emphasize your shoulders and back.
She offered Daniel a white sheath dress with silver inserts.
- This will visually lengthen the silhouette and emphasize your... masculinity," she added with a laugh.
- And we definitely won't look like... trans... well, men in dresses? - Daniel asked doubtfully, looking at the thing.
- With the right makeup, hairstyle and accessories? - the consultant smiled slyly. - Believe me, I didn't see such transformations.
After long fittings and discussions, they finally chose outfits. For Alexander - a black tight-fitting dress with a high collar and an open back, black tights and ankle boots with a low heel. For Daniel - a white dress with silver inserts, light shoes with a low heel (he flatly refused high) and a silver clutch.
- We look like a couple, - Daniil grumbled as they left the department with packages. - Like these... yin and yang.
- Shut up, - Alexander answered tiredly. - I also need cosmetics.
The cosmetic department turned out to be an even more confusing world. Helen sent the list, but none of them had any idea what half of the terms meant.
- What is a "primer"? - Daniil asked puzzled, looking at the list. - And why do we need a "highlighter"?
- I have no idea, - Alexander frowned at the endless rows of tubes and jars. - Let's just show the list to the consultant.
The consultant in the cosmetic department - a strict middle-aged woman - gave them an appreciative look, took the list and silently began to collect the necessary goods. Soon an impressive slide of various cosmetics grew in front of them.
- Is that all? - Daniil asked in a daze.
- According to your list - yes, - the consultant replied. - Do you want me to explain how to use it?
- No, thank you, - Alexander answered hastily. - We have... instructions.
Loaded with packages, they returned to the hotel. Having put all the purchases on the bed, Alexander called Helen.
- We have everything ready, - he said. - Now what?
- Now the most interesting thing, - Ellen grinned. - Turn on the video mode, I'll teach you how to apply makeup.
Kirill appeared on the screen next to Helen.
- Oh, I want to see it too, - he said with a wide smile.
- Kirill, - Daniil strained, - I'll kill you when I come back.
- Then I'll have to skip the show, - Kirill laughed. - But it's worth it.
The next two hours turned into a real master class. Helen explained in detail how to apply each product, in what order, with what brushes. First, Daniel tried to make up Alexander, following the instructions.
- No, don't press so hard! - Helen commanded. - It's shadows, not plaster!
- I'm trying! - Daniil snapped, smearing dark shadows on Alexander's eyelid. - His eyelids twitch!
- Because you poke me in the eye with this brush, - Alexander replied coldly.
Kirill was choked with laughter in the background.
When it became clear that Daniil would not succeed, they exchanged roles. To everyone's surprise, Alexander had a firm hand and a good sense of proportions.
- You see, you have talent, - Daniel teased while Alexander gently applied foundation on his face.
- It's called "motor skills", - Alexander parried. - I have an S-rank, I could also perform a surgical operation if necessary.
After long trials, mistakes, several complete alterations and a lot of laughter from Kirill and Helen, they finally finished. Both stood in front of a large mirror in the bathroom.
- Well, it's okay, - Daniil exhaled.
Two attractive girls stood in front of them. Alexander with his graceful facial features, long black hair (which Helen advised to curl slightly) and slender figure looked like a model from the cover of a Gothic magazine. Dark makeup emphasizing his ruby eyes, making his look even more hypnotic.
Daniil, to his own surprise, also looked convincing. Helen advised him to wear a short white wig, and with the right makeup his strong facial features softened, becoming more feminine.
- I would peck on such a thing, - Daniil confessed, looking at his reflection.
- I knew it would work out! - Helen exclaimed triumphantly from the phone screen. - Now you are ready for the operation.
***
The evening came faster than they would like. They called a taxi to the Inferno club, agreeing to hold on like ordinary girls who came to rest.
- Remember the voice, - Alexander reminded when a taxi pulled up to the club. - Speak higher and softer.
- As if I don't know, - Daniil grumbled, but his voice really sounded an octave higher than usual.
The club was crowded, just like last night. They took seats at the bar, ordered cocktails and started watching. This time the situation changed - now they were a target, not hunters.
Less than half an hour later, men began to approach them, offering to drink or dance. Daniel refused with a sweet smile, Alexander just looked coldly, and it was enough to scare away most of the suitors.
- It's tiring, - Daniel whispered after another refusal. - How do women endure it every time?
"I have no idea," Alexander answered just as quietly.
Another half an hour has passed. Alexander had already begun to think that their plan had failed when he felt a close eye on him. He slowly turned his head and saw him - the same guy as yesterday.
Tall, with impeccable facial features, in a perfectly fitting black suit. He looked straight at Alexander, and there was a predatory interest in his green eyes.
The vampire slowly approached the bar.
- Can I treat you to a cocktail? - he asked in a velvet voice, sitting down next to Alexander.
- You can try, - Alexander replied, trying to speak in a high, soft voice.
The vampire smiled, showing his perfect white teeth.
"My name is Victor," he stretched out his hand.
- Alex, - Alexander gently shrugged his palm, noting how cold it was.
- What are you drinking, Alex? - Victor asked, making a sign to the bartender.
- "Cosmopolitan," Alexander replied, noticing out of the corner of his eye how Daniel tensed up.
When the cocktail was served, Alexander pretended to drink, in fact barely touching the glass with his lips. Victor started the conversation - light, casual, full of compliments and hints. Alexander answered monosyllabic, but with a smile, trying to maintain the image of an interested girl.
After a while, Victor offered to change the situation.
- It's too noisy here, - he said, leaning closer. - Maybe we'll come to my place? I have a great collection of wines.
Alexander took a quick look at Daniel and nodded imperceptibly - it was their signal.
- With pleasure, - he smiled "embarassed", getting up.
- Alex, where are you going? - Daniil played along, pretending to be a worried girlfriend. - We agreed to come back together!
- Don't worry, Dana, - Alexander winked at him. - I'll text you later.
Leaving the club, Alexander made a barely noticeable gesture with his hand - "follow us with the air". Daniil nodded understandingly.
Victor led Alexander to a familiar black Mercedes, gallantly opened the door, helping him to sit down.
"It's a beautiful car," Alexander remarked, looking around the interior.
- Thank you, - Victor got behind the wheel and started the engine. - You're also very beautiful.
The car moved from its place. Alexander noticed how Daniel quietly flew off the ground, starting to follow them at a safe distance.
- So where are we going? - Alexander asked, continuing to portray a slightly drunk girl.
- To my special place, - Victor replied. - You'll like it, I promise.
They left the city center, heading to the outskirts. The car turned onto a quiet street, then to another, darker one. There was not a soul around.
- It's so quiet here, - Alexander remarked "nervously".
- Perfect for us, - Victor smiled, and his eyes suddenly darkened, becoming completely black.
The car stopped. With one lightning-fast movement, the vampire was next to Alexander, his hand closed on the "girl's" throat.
- Such a tender neck," he hissed, exposing his long fangs. - I can feel your pulse beating. Your blood will be sweet.
Alexander portrayed fright, opening his eyes wide and shaking. Victor leaned closer, his fangs almost touched the victim's neck.
"Go fuck yourself," Alexander suddenly said in his real, low voice.
The vampire froze from surprise. The next moment, Alexander grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket and threw him to the opposite door with inhuman force. Victor broke through the window and flew out onto the road.
Alexander jumped out after him, throwing away his shoes and tearing his dress at the seam to ensure freedom of movement. Also, having made one smooth movement of the hand in front, his soul weapon appeared to him.
Alexander's sword was an impressive weapon. More like a cleaver than a sword, with a wide blade that thickened to the handle. Steel had an unusual camouflage pattern of gray and black spots, as if it had been forged from fragments of the night sky. The guard was a simple cross with thickened ends, and the handle was wrapped with leather straps. Despite its rough shape, the sword felt incredible strength, as if it was created to chop bones and destroy enemies. He shimmered in the dark, as if the stars were reflected in his blade, reminding him of the destructive power he had in himself.
Victor rose to his feet, his face was distorted with rage.
- Hunter, - he hissed. - You'll regret it.
- I already regret it, - Alexander replied, pointing to the torn dress. - It was expensive.
The vampire rushed forward with inhuman speed, but Alexander was ready. He made a quick swing with his sword, and an invisible blade of energy cut off the vampire's hand. The limb fell on the asphalt, turning into black sand.
Victor hounded in pain and bounced back.
- What kind of weapon is this?! - he shouted, looking at his severed hand.
- My weapon of the soul, - Alexander calmly replied. - This handsome man can send invisible blades and absorb the aura of enemies, being filled with their energy. And he is very, very hungry.
The vampire sneered and attacked again, this time trying to bypass Alexander from the side. But the hunter easily dodged and struck another blow, cutting off the vampire's leg. Victor collapsed on the asphalt, but continued to move, leaning on the remaining limbs.
- Do you know what's the funniest thing? - Alexander leisurely walked around the vampire in a circle. - You thought you were hunting for easy prey, but you fell for bait.
- You don't understand, - Victor hissed. - We have to eat! This is our nature!
- There are many ways to get blood without killing people, - Alexander replied coldly. - Animals or voluntary donors. But you like hunting, you like fear in the eyes of the victims. Admit it.
The vampire tried to attack again, but Alexander also set off his other hand. Now Victor was lying helpless, his body slowly crumbling, turning into black sand.
"This is the end," said Alexander, bringing the sword for the last blow.
But suddenly a female figure materialized from the vampire's shadow. Before Alexander had time to react, she rushed forward with incredible speed and slapped his cheek with razor-sharp claws.
Alexander bounced back, feeling blood flowing down his cheek. A girl stood in front of him - the one who approached him at the club last night. Only now her eyes were completely black, and long fangs peeked out from under her upper lip.
"You killed my brother," she hissed.
- Not yet, - Alexander replied, wiping the blood from his face. - But I'll finish with both of you soon.
- You hunters are such hypocrites, - she slowly circled around him. - We just want to survive. We feed on blood, as you eat animal meat. What's the difference?
- The difference is that we don't play with food before eating it, - Alexander replied. - We don't enjoy suffering and don't kill for pleasure.
- Don't you kill? - she laughed. - What are you doing now? Aren't you enjoying the process?
Alexander thought for a moment. Perhaps there was some truth in her words. But he didn't have time for philosophical reflections - the vampire attacked again, moving faster than Victor.
Alexander barely had time to block the blow, the sword collided with her claws, carving sparks. She was stronger and faster than her brother, her every movement was filled with deadly grace.
At that moment, Daniel was kicking the vampire from above, kicking the vampire in the chest. She flew back, crashing into the wall of the building, but immediately jumped to her feet.
- Two for one? - she sneered. - Is it an honest hunt now?
"Justice for the victims, not for predators," Daniel replied, becoming next to Alexander.
The vampire attacked both at the same time, her movements were a blurred spot in the night. Daniel took off, leaving the blow, and Alexander blocked the attack with a sword. The blade began to glow brighter, absorbing the vampire's energy every time it touched it.
The fight was rapid and fierce. The vampire moved between the shadows, appearing here and there, inferring lightning strikes. Daniel created air currents, trying to limit her movements, and Alexander attacked with a sword, gradually weakening the enemy.
"She's stronger than she seems," Daniel shouted, dodging the blow of his claws.
- Concentrate on her shadows, - Alexander replied. - She uses them to move.
Having understood the tactics of the vampire, they changed the approach. Daniel created a flow of air, reducing the number of shadows, and Alexander attacked with redoubled force. The weapons of the Soul began to pulsate, accumulating energy.
Cornered, unable to use her ability to move through the shadows, the vampire became vulnerable. Alexander struck a decisive blow, his sword pierced her chest, just like in the heart.
She looked at him with surprise and... gratitude?
- I didn't want to..., - she whispered before her body began to crumble into black sand.
Alexander turned to Victor, who was still lying on the ground, almost completely turned into sand.
- Please... mercy, - the vampire wheezed.
"You'll get it," Alexander replied and cut off his head with one blow.
The vampire's body finally crumbled, leaving behind only a bunch of black sand.
- Collect samples, - Alexander told Daniil. - Helen will want to study them.
***
They got back to the hotel in complete silence. Alexander washed off his makeup and changed into normal clothes, feeling great relief. The wound on the cheek has already begun to tighten - one of the advantages of the S-rank.
- Do you think she was right? - Daniel suddenly asked. - About the fact that we are no different from them?
Alexander thought about it.
- Maybe we're right in something, - he finally replied. - But we don't choose victims, don't play with them, don't enjoy their fear. We protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Daniil nodded, accepting the answer.
They contacted Helen via video call and reported on the results of the operation. She looked satisfied.
- Great job, guys, - she praised. - Especially considering the circumstances, - she added with a smile, clearly hinting at their disguise.
- No more changing clothes, - Alexander said firmly. - Never.
- Okay, okay, - Helen raised her hands in a conciliatory gesture. - By the way, don't forget that tomorrow you start training Agnes. She's already waiting for you.
Alexander sighed heavily.
- I remember.
- Then come back. Good luck!
The screen went out, and Alexander leaned back in his chair. The mission was completed, the vampires were destroyed, but a new test awaited him ahead - a week as a teacher for the persistent Agnes Walenstein.
- Home? - Daniel asked, packing his things.
"Home," Alexander nodded.
Petersburg was left behind, with its shadows, rain and secrets. Moscow and new challenges were ahead. The life of a hunter is never boring.