The alarm echoed through every hallway of Blackwood Manor.
A harsh, mechanical siren cut through the silence.
Hunters rushed past the library doors.
Boots pounded against marble floors.
Orders were shouted from every direction.
Victor remained surprisingly calm.
"They're early," he murmured.
Damien looked toward the security monitors mounted on the wall.
"No."
His expression darkened.
"They're exactly on time."
Victor clasped his hands behind his back.
"Seal the west wing."
Damien nodded.
"Already done."
"Double the guards around the archives."
"They're moving now."
Victor finally looked at Alice.
"You should come with us."
Alice folded her arms.
"I think I'll stay right here."
Victor sighed.
"I wasn't asking."
Two Hunters stepped into the library.
Neither drew a we
