Sinister: The Immortal's Curse.

Chapter Five

My hand remained inside my pocket, fingers wrapped tightly around the velvet box.

The ring.

A promise I wasn't sure I was ready to accept.

I counted each step as I walked away.

"Four."

The halls of my home stretched behind me.

"Five."

The place I had ruled for centuries.

"Six."

The place I had built from nothing.

I stopped.

Slowly turning, I looked back at Gulp.

"Hm."

He raised an eyebrow.

I hated admitting this, but there were very few people I trusted.

Gulp was one of them.

"One more thing."

He waited.

"While I am gone..."

I paused.

"I need you to take my place."

His expression shifted slightly.

"Sinister—"

"No arguments."

I stepped closer.

"Finish what I started. Protect this estate. Keep Novalee safe. And find out who took that blade."

For once, Gulp didn't make a joke.

He simply nodded.

"I'll handle it."

"Good."

With that, he turned and walked away.

I watched him disappear down the corridor before looking around the mansion one final time.

Strange.

I had lived here for centuries, yet somehow I was noticing things I had never seen before.

The portraits.

The halls.

The empty rooms.

All of it.

A bitter laugh escaped me.

"Going to miss this beautiful hellhole."

I shook my head and continued upstairs.

---

My study was waiting.

The moment I entered, everything felt heavier.

The desk.

The books.

The responsibilities.

I lowered myself into my chair and stared at the blank parchment in front of me.

For once...

I didn't know what to write.

Finally, I picked up the quill.

After several moments, the words began to flow.

**Dearest Graham,**

*I know you are busy with the war, and I hope this letter finds you safely.*

*I wish I had been there. I hate admitting it, but I miss those days more than I expected.*

*Things have changed.*

*I have been banished to the human world until the missing blade is found and secured.*

*I do not know who took it or why they wanted it.*

*Gulp will watch over the estate and keep Novalee safe while I am gone.*

*I feel like I am rambling, but I needed you to know what happened.*

*I miss you, brother.*

*Please be careful.*

*Something feels wrong.*

*Keep your eyes open. There may be traitors closer than we realize.*

**With love,**

**Sini**

I folded the letter carefully and pressed my personal seal into the wax.

Looking around the office one final time, I whispered:

"Gulp better keep everything together."

A sudden knock interrupted me.

Not a polite knock.

A commanding one.

Before I could answer, the door opened.

"Sinister Von Monroe."

My jaw tightened.

Hida.

Of course.

He stood in the doorway, looking exactly as arrogant as I remembered. Brown hair framed a face filled with confidence, while old scars decorated the body hidden beneath his armor.

A dangerous man.

A frustrating man.

A man I trusted about as far as I could throw him.

"Save the speech."

I stood.

"I don't have all night."

A small smirk crossed my face.

"Let's get this over with."

---

The walk through the mansion was silent.

The halls that once felt endless now seemed strangely short.

When we reached the entrance, I stepped outside.

A crowd waited.

Guardians.

Officials.

Queens.

Judges.

All gathered to watch my downfall.

How charming.

Two women stood at the center.

The first I recognized immediately.

"Nikita."

Her name left my lips calmly.

The vampire queen looked as flawless as ever.

Long dark hair framed her pale face, and her ocean-blue eyes held the same power they always had.

She smiled slightly.

"Sinister."

Her voice carried warmth.

And something else.

Something I refused to acknowledge.

Our eyes met.

For a brief moment, the past returned.

Then I looked away.

Those days were over.

The second woman stepped forward.

Queen Violet.

Nikita's sister.

Where Nikita carried elegance, Violet carried cruelty.

Her dark hair matched her sister's, but her purple-painted eyes held nothing but judgment.

"Are you ready?"

Her voice was cold.

"You will not return until the blade is found and permanently secured."

I lifted my chin.

"Yes, Queen Violet."

I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing weakness.

Never.

---

A blue vortex appeared before me.

Magic twisted through the air.

The gateway to the human world.

I stepped forward.

No goodbye.

No final glance.

Looking back was weakness.

And I had survived six thousand years by refusing to show weakness.

The moment I entered the portal, darkness surrounded me.

Cold.

Empty.

Silent.

Then...

A small light appeared in the distance.

I walked toward it.

The brightness grew until I had to shield my eyes.

When the magic finally faded, I opened them.

An alley.

A disgusting, forgotten alley.

Broken bricks.

Garbage.

The smell of humans.

"Lovely."

A laugh echoed nearby.

"Isn't it?"

I turned.

A woman leaned against the wall.

Bright green hair.

A ridiculous outfit.

A smile that was far too confident.

"And you are?"

She placed a hand against her chest dramatically.

"Lola."

I stared at her.

She was trying entirely too hard.

"Siren."

Her smile faltered.

"Excuse me?"

I crossed my arms.

"The smell gives you away."

She rolled her eyes.

"Rude."

"Where is the nearest tavern?"

She pointed down the alley.

"Left. Three buildings."

Then she smirked.

"Good luck, vampire."

I didn't bother responding.

---

The human world was loud.

Chaotic.

Overwhelming.

Every scent attacked my senses.

Every sound irritated me.

By the time I reached the tavern, I was ready to leave before entering.

Unfortunately...

I needed information.

I pushed open the door.

Immediately, noise surrounded me.

Laughter.

Conversation.

The smell of alcohol.

Humans.

Creatures hiding among them.

I ignored everyone and walked to the bar.

Waiting was not something I enjoyed.

After several minutes, my patience disappeared.

"And how may I help you, my lady?"

A small voice came from behind the counter.

"A room."

I placed a few coins down.

"And whiskey."

The bartender nodded.

As he walked away, a voice came from behind me.

"And what brings someone like you here?"

I turned.

A massive figure stood behind me.

Nearly seven feet tall.

A dangerous presence.

I smirked.

"I could ask you the same question."

He crossed his arms.

"A high guard in the human world?"

I studied him.

"A special agent hiding in a tavern?"

His expression changed slightly.

Amusement.

Recognition.

"Kain."

The name left my lips.

He sighed.

"Sinister."

The bartender returned with my drink and keys.

Kain watched me carefully.

"You are welcome to stay."

He leaned closer.

"But understand something."

His voice lowered.

"Here, bloodshed is not the answer."

He stepped back.

"Lies get people killed."

His eyes moved over me.

"And someone with your reputation..."

A pause.

"Will attract attention."

He walked away.

I stared after him.

The human world had only just begun.

And already...

I had a feeling this was going to be a disaster.