THE ANCIENT CURSE

The unexpected turn

As Victor's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful, I knew I had to think fast. I had to convince him to let me go, or at least, make him think I was cooperating.

"I'll tell you where the artifact is," I repeated, trying to sound confident. "But you have to let me go, and you have to promise not to hurt Valeria."

Victor snorted, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You think I'm stupid enough to make a deal with a werewolf? You're in no position to negotiate."

I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Maybe not. But I'm your best chance at getting the artifact. And I'm willing to cooperate... for a price."

Victor's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing. I could see the calculation in his eyes, weighing the pros and cons of making a deal with me. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. I'll listen to your proposal. But if you're trying to trick me, you'll regret it."

I smiled, trying to look confident. "I'm not trying to trick you. I just want to make a deal."

Victor nodded, his expression unreadable. "Very well. Let's hear your proposal."

I took a deep breath, trying to think of something that would convince Victor to let me go. But before I could say anything, Valeria's eyes flickered towards the door, her expression changing from indifference to alarm.

"What's wrong?" Victor asked, his voice low and menacing.

Valeria's eyes locked onto his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I sense something. Something powerful. It's coming for us."

Victor's eyes snapped towards the door, his fangs bared. "Impossible," he growled. "No one knows we're here."

But before he could finish, the door burst open, and a figure stood in the doorway, its eyes blazing with fury.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw the figure's face, its eyes locked onto mine with a fierce determination.

It was someone I knew. Someone I thought was long dead.

And they were here to kill us all