Chapter Text
Without a sound, shadows slipped through the rumbles of the building.
The air reeked of smoke and charred flesh, making the back of their throats itch and other smells difficult to distinguish. But they did not slow down or stop. Although the scientific research center was located in a fairly remote area, they had not much time before policemen and firefighters were on site, and any entanglement with them would not do.
After all, they were not supposed to exist.
For the sake of their people, their existence had to remain secret.
At a signal, the men spread out, weapons ready and senses on alert. Nothing indicated the presence of someone, but you were never too careful.
Those who had remained at the entrance walked down several corridors before their leader raised his fist. They came to a halt. A few meters away lay several completely blackened bodies, their mouth with sharp canines open on a silent scream. Crouching beside one of them while his sisters and brothers in arms proceeded to check the perimeter, the lieutenant noticed several marks of laceration on the throat and a couple of other places thanks to his acute eyesight. His expression darkened. The examination of the other victims told him that they were similarly injured expect for one, making him pause.
Male, hole in the chest, most likely caused by a bullet.
He carefully turned the body to the side. No exit wound.
Reaching for the inner pocket of his jacket, he produced a pair of tweezers and a small plastic bag, and then retrieved the projectile.
“Guardian Grimes for report, sir.”
Eyes on the metallic shard, he gestured for the female soldier to continue.
“The perimeter is secured. There are no survivors and all the computers have been damaged in the fire. We took what we could, but I don’t think we will be able to get anything from them. The video surveillance system was also shut down. We are still making the inventory, but we think it was a heist covered as an accident.”
“Indeed,” he agreed in a calm and even voice. “The victims have marks of claws, except for this one. Silver bullet in the chest.”
“We found another one —male, several bullet wounds too,” she replied before continuing after a moment of hesitation. “Why would lycanthropes be interested in a pharmaceutical company?”
“Excellent question,” he remarked as he got up.
Unfortunately, there was no one to answer. It was also highly unlikely that only two werewolves took out the vampires, even with the advantage of surprise; one or several of their accomplices must have escaped.
His heightened hearing picked up on the police sirens in the distance. They were growing closer. He turned his attention toward the sky. The sun would not be long either.
“Gather the men. We have to warn the vampire council immediately.”