At the same time, in another part of the city…
A dark alley on the outskirts, not far from one of Richard Hale's secret facilities. The streetlights here barely worked, only two or three yellow spots pierced through the fog and grime. The group moved carefully, staying in the shadows.
Flash walked in front. His steps were completely silent. Gideon and Bruno followed behind him. Gideon kept his pistol ready, Bruno gripped a silver knife in his hand. Susie walked beside Flash, slightly behind, ready to raise a protective barrier at any moment.
"He's deeply involved in the creation of 'Prime-Blood'," Flash said quietly as they moved along the wall. His voice was low.
"It's not just an experiment. Hale personally oversaw the final stages. Loran mentioned his name in the documents. He was one of those who helped Gerard clean up the traces after Maria's death."
Gideon nodded, checking his pistol as he walked.
"If we find anything here, we'll get evidence. Or at least figure out how to take him off the board."
Bruno walked in silence, his face tense. He gripped the silver knife tightly. Susie stayed close to Flash, her breathing quick and anxious. She kept glancing around, ready to use her spell at any second.
They stopped at an old, half-destroyed warehouse. The door was ajar. A dim, flickering light leaked out from inside.
"Quiet," Flash whispered, pressing against the wall.
"Be ready. He might be here."
In the far end of the warehouse, in a small illuminated room, a figure was visible.
Richard Hale. It was possibly him.
Meanwhile, at the exhibition…
Ethan continued walking between the stands, trying to look like an ordinary curious visitor. The wisteria decoction was working perfectly.
He stopped at a large stand with photographs of police heroes. One of the photos showed Richard Hale, smiling, confident, in his police chief uniform. Victoria, who was guiding him through the exhibition, stood next to it in the picture.
Ethan stared at the photo for a long time, his lips moving almost silently.
"Soon we'll meet…" he whispered so quietly that no one around could hear.
Victoria, standing beside him, tilted her head slightly and smiled.
"You look like you know him personally," she said softly.
"Hale is a very influential man. Many here dream of getting an audience with him."
Ethan quickly composed himself and answered with a light, slightly embarrassed smile.
"Just… an interesting figure. I'd like to know how he sees the future of the city."
Victoria looked at him a little longer than usual. Genuine interest sparkled in her eyes.
"Do you have a personal matter with him?" she asked quietly.
"Most people here come only for connections and photos. But you… you look at everything differently."
"For those beautiful eyes, I can show you something else if you want, but first we need to attend the ceremony."
Ethan nodded, trying to stay calm.
"That would be interesting."
Victoria took his arm and led him further through the hall. Her light touch rested on his arm.
Victoria guided Ethan through the main hall with ease, holding his arm. She had the confidence of someone used to being the center of attention. She smiled at guests, nodded to acquaintances, but her gaze kept returning to Ethan with sincere interest she didn't even try to hide.
Female vampires were always like this,their emotions amplified a hundredfold.
"You know," she whispered, leaning closer so only he could hear, "the main part is about to begin soon."
"The opening ceremony for the new 'Citizen Protection' program. Anna will be speaking. Would you like to watch? I can take you to the VIP area,you'll have a perfect view."
Ethan tensed for a moment but quickly regained control. He knew Anna was one of Gerard's key figures. This was a chance to see her in action and perhaps understand how deeply she was involved.
"That would be interesting," he replied calmly, sounding like an ordinary curious guest.
"I've heard she's very convincing."
Victoria smiled wider and gently squeezed his arm.
"Then let's go."
They crossed the hall and climbed the wide staircase to the second floor, where the main conference hall was located. A crowd had already gathered,influential vampires in expensive suits.
The air was thick with the scent of luxury perfume and champagne. Ethan could feel many of the vampires' gazes sliding over him, but thanks to the wisteria decoction, they quickly lost interest. He appeared to be just another person in the crowd.
The hall was enormous. A large screen on stage displayed the logo of Gerard's campaign, a stylized shield with the words "Citizen Protection." Banners showing smiling people under the "protection" of the new Prime-Blood system hung everywhere.
They sat down in the soft seats. Ethan scanned the room. Vampires were everywhere. He could feel their presence even without his weapon.
"It's about to start," Victoria whispered, leaning toward him.
"Anna is very good at motivation and leadership."
Anna stepped onto the stage.
She was wearing a strict, elegant suit. Her face was calm, her posture perfect. She approached the microphone, smiled, and began speaking professionally.
"Good evening, dear friends," she began.
"Today we have gathered here to talk about the future of our city, about security and the protection of those who need it."