Sia slammed the server room door shut and pressed her back against it, her chest heaving. She quickly scanned the dimly lit room, spotting the cluster of blinking servers humming with energy. The oppressive silence only heightened the tension in her veins. Blood trickled from the gash on her temple, but she wiped it away with the back of her hand and pushed herself off the door.

“Stay calm. Just...stay calm,” she muttered, forcing herself to focus.

The server room wasn’t as secure as she would’ve liked, but it was the best she had for now. The noises outside—the dull crashes, faint screams, and the haunting scrape of claws—made her skin crawl. Kyon was out there, fighting something far beyond his limits, and she couldn’t shake the fear of what might happen if she stayed here too long.

She found the terminal and slid into the chair, her fingers trembling as she brought the system online. The screen flickered to life, casting a cold blue glow over her face. She punched in a series of commands, bypassing the layers of security Conrad’s team had set up. Each keystroke felt like an eternity, the growing noise outside making her pulse race faster.

“Lawrence, pick up,” she muttered under her breath as she initiated a secure line.

For a moment, there was only static, and her heart sank. She clenched her fists, staring at the screen, as the fear clawed at her. Then, the line cleared, and a familiar voice came through.

“Sia?” Lawrence’s voice was sharp, laced with concern.

“Lawrence,” she exhaled in relief. “Thank God. Listen, our phones are jammed. I barely got through using the server’s uplink. Are you close by?”

“I’m in position,” Lawrence replied. “A few blocks away. What’s going on?”

“We’re trapped,” Sia said, her voice trembling. “There’s a vampire assassin after us—a monster. Kyon is trying to hold her off, but we’re outmatched. I don’t know how long he can distract her.”

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sharp intake of breath. “A vampire assassin?”

“And that’s not all. There are hunters outside—humans with military gear. I sensed them earlier, and they don’t feel friendly. And inside the building…” She hesitated, counting silently. “At least fifteen vampires. Maybe more. Not including Conrad.”

Lawrence cursed softly. “That’s bad. Conrad’s not the type to let loose like this unless he’s certain he can maintain control. Do you have an exit plan?”

“No,” Sia admitted, her voice breaking. “That’s why I’m calling. Can you tell us how to get out? Is Kadir coming? Have you told Argent Sword?”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Lawrence’s voice softened. “I spoke with Kadir. He’s on his way, and he’s not alone. Harvey Ross is coming with him.”

Sia froze, the blood draining from her face. “Harvey Ross?” she whispered, her voice tight. “That man is in Sharman?”

“It was inevitable,” Lawrence said grimly. “Once Conrad entered the city after those rumors about Kyon spread, it was just a matter of time before Argent Sword’s leader got involved.”

Sia’s heart sank. She stared at the screen, her fingers digging into the edge of the desk. A storm of emotions brewed inside her. Her mind raced to Kyon, picturing him bloodied and exhausted, standing alone against a predator like Mika. Her throat tightened.

“Sia?” Lawrence’s voice brought her back. “I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry. Kadir and Ross are professionals. But…” He hesitated. “You know how some in Argent Sword feel about vampires. Half-blooded or not.”

She didn’t respond. Her eyes flickered to the server room door, as if she could see through it to where Kyon was still fighting.

Lawrence sighed. “Sia. I need you to focus. Kyon needs you steady. We’ll deal with Ross when the time comes.”

Before she could answer, Lawrence’s tone shifted, becoming sharp. “Wait. Movement.”

“What?” Sia leaned closer to the screen.

“Hunters,” Lawrence said grimly. “Military gear. They’re moving toward the hotel. They’re breaching soon.”

Sia gritted her teeth. “Then get in here and help us!”

“I will,” Lawrence replied firmly. “But listen to me first. Stay in that server room. It’s defensible. I can reach you faster if you don’t move.”

Sia’s fist slammed against the desk. “Kyon is outside! Facing a monster!”

“Calm down,” Lawrence said. “Kyon will get hurt, yes, but Conrad won’t let his assassin kill him. Not yet. She wouldn’t dare go against his orders.”

“I know that,” Sia snapped. “But I won’t be that lucky if she turns her attention to me.”

Lawrence’s voice softened. “I know. But Kyon’s buying you time. Use it. I’m coming in now, but you need to keep your head.”

Sia clenched her fists, trembling with frustration. The static crackled on the line, and she could hear faint sirens in the background—a reminder of the chaos building outside.

“Stay alive, Sia,” Lawrence said. “That’s the only way this works. I’ll see you soon.”

The line went dead.

Sia stared at the blank screen, her chest heaving with frustration and fear. Outside, she heard the muffled echoes of combat—the sound of Flux energy crackling and the clash of claws against concrete.

She stood, gripping her dagger tightly.

“Kyon,” she whispered, steeling herself.

The server room suddenly felt like a cage.

The faint noise of footsteps in the distance made her tense up. She strained her ears, listening. Were those vampires? Or the hunters moving into the hotel? A bead of sweat slid down her temple. She crept toward the door, keeping her back against the wall.

Kyon’s face flashed through her mind again—his determined eyes, his defiance even when outmatched. She knew how stubborn he could be, but he wasn’t invincible.

No, she decided. Staying here wasn’t an option.

She reached for the handle, gripping it tightly. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, but her resolve hardened. “I won’t leave him to fight alone,” she murmured to herself.

Another crash echoed from outside, closer this time. The distant hum of Flux energy crackling meant the battle was escalating. The weight of her dagger was reassuring in her palm, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough if she ran into other vampires like Mika—or the hunters.

Her fingers trembled as she opened the door a crack, peering out into the dimly lit hallway. It was eerily quiet, but she could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating.

With one last glance at the server room, she made up her mind to stepback into the hallway.