Austin folded his arms and let out a huff. "So let me get this straight—you want to ask us, or even Gary, to deliver something for you? Do you even know who Gary is? You do realize he’s one of the Kings, right?"
"Not a real King," Numan quickly interjected. "That is merely a title your society has given him. A society that is already falling apart, playing political games while real power moves elsewhere. You cannot compare the two."
Tension crackled between them. It was only natural. One side had been ambushed without warning, and now, even after suffering losses, the vampires still acted as if they were superior. It was difficult for the Howlers to swallow.
"Let’s not jump to conclusions," Lucien said, raising a hand. "Remember, this arrangement benefits us both. If something as simple as a delivery can stop Lupus and his gang, then shouldn’t we at least discuss it?"
Austin looked like he wanted to fire back, but before he could, Kai placed a hand on his shoulder, silently signaling him to stand down.
"Let’s hear them out," Kai said. "What’s the package, and how exactly will it stop Lupus and his entire gang?"
Lucien leaned forward slightly. "First, let me explain something that I believe you may already suspect." His gaze flickered over the group before he continued. "The majority of the Altered Hunters are under our control. The leaders who hold the highest positions—they are like us. Vampires in disguise."
The revelation caused a murmur among the Howlers. They had heard of the Altered Hunters’ operations but had never considered that the very people leading them were vampires themselves.
"With our influence, we have embedded ourselves within many human organizations, including the very institutions you rely on daily," Lucien continued. "The Altered Hunters are one of those groups. However, just because we have influence doesn’t mean we control them entirely."
Gary listened carefully. This was an important distinction.
"While we can steer the organization in directions that benefit us," Lucien continued, "the Hunters themselves remain loyal to their mission. Most of them truly believe in their cause—to rid the world of dangerous creatures. They are not merely an extension of vampire society."
Lucien let the information sink in before moving on. "Still, as you may have noticed, we’ve managed to direct them into battle against Lupus and his pack. Even now, they are engaged in combat."
The information aligned with what Gary already knew. He was hoping for an update, as he knew both Innu and Blake were fighting on the front lines.
"Our man leading the charge within the Altered Hunters is an incredibly powerful vampire," Lucien admitted. "Yet, the battle rages on. We believed he would be enough, but just as we underestimated your strength, we underestimated Lupus’s as well."
"So you’re losing?" Olivia chimed in, arms crossed. "And now you come to us because you need help? From the sound of it, you just don’t want to risk your own people. Even the Altered Hunters, as you said yourself, are filled with humans."
Jin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "And is there anything wrong with that? Shouldn’t a King prioritize his people first? If there’s a way to eliminate a threat without bringing harm to the vampires, wouldn’t most leaders choose that path?"
There was logic to his words, but that still left one major issue.
"And what about the humans?" Austin asked, his eyes narrowing. "You claim to see yourselves as protectors, yet now you’re using humans as pawns to shield your own kind. You need to make it make sense."
Lucien exhaled slowly. "There are many threats in this world. Including, perhaps, ourselves. If those among us who seek peace disappear, it will leave room for others to take control—those who are less inclined toward diplomacy.
"It may seem selfish, but those in our position see the bigger picture. The decisions we make aren’t always easy for others to understand."
For the Howlers—and even the werewolves as a whole—they had always considered themselves human. They didn’t share the same history as Lupus’s pack. Because of this, it was easier for them to empathize with the Altered Hunters and imagine themselves in their place.
Gary finally leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Lucien. "The package. If it can really end this fight, then what is it?"
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Lucien smiled, as if he had been waiting for that question. "The package is a special suit of armor. I’m sure you’re aware that weapons and armor can exponentially increase one’s power."
Gary knew this well. Some weapons were enhanced with beast materials, while others were forged with ancient techniques that strengthened the user.
"Even my own armor grants me immense strength," Lucien continued. "But this armor is unique, different to mine and can only be used by one."
"Who?" Kai asked.
Lucien’s expression darkened. "The one leading the Altered Hunters in battle. His name is Edvard Fortuna. He is a vampire of great importance and strength. With this armor, I have no doubt that he will be able to put an end to the fight."
Austin scoffed. "So, you have a powerful vampire leading the fight, and now you have special armor just for him? Sounds to me like you just don’t want to get your hands dirty."
Lucien’s smirk didn’t fade. "This armor is more than just a tool—it is something only Edvard knows how to use. Despite its power, we cannot afford for it to fall into the wrong hands. There’s a chance that they could figure out how to use it, it would be distraious for us. That is why we need someone strong to deliver it."
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The room fell into silence. Everyone already knew where this was going.
"Gary," Lucien said, his voice dropping just slightly, "you are stronger than any vampire leader I could send. As a werewolf, you can avoid the pitfalls and traps Lupus has set for us."
Kai’s eyes narrowed, watching Gary closely.
"If you get this armor to Edvard, Lupus will no longer be a threat—to you or to us."
*****
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