Chapter 363: That Kind of Look
Draven.
The clink of silverware and the low hum of the night air filled the dining hall as we shoved food into our mouths silently.
The meal was good, but my mind wasn’t on the food. None of ours were. We have been waiting, half expecting the inevitable fallout from what had happened earlier today.
Then the television beeped sharply, interrupting the calm. A red "BREAKING NEWS" banner slashed across the screen.
The anchor’s face appeared stiff and pale, too composed for what she was about to say. Her voice carried that practiced tone of restrained panic.
"Good evening, Duskmoor citizens. Authorities have confirmed multiple casualties following the sudden attack this afternoon near the popular Mall district. Eyewitnesses report that unidentified monsters appeared without warning, killing hundreds before security forces could respond. Mayor Brackham has declared a state of emergency and ordered a complete city lockdown. Citizens are advised to remain indoors until further notice."
A photo montage of blurred streets, blood-stained sidewalks, and the broken façade of the mall flashed behind her.
I heard Meredith’s soft inhale beside me.
The anchor continued, "Mayor Brackham has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, describing today’s event as a tragedy beyond comprehension. The Mayor has promised to protect the people of Duskmoor and ensure that those responsible will be dealt with swiftly."
I set my cutlery down. Every word from her mouth was perfectly rehearsed.
Meredith’s fingers brushed mine on the table, just briefly, but her eyes were still on the screen.
The anchor’s tone softened, and she pressed a finger to her earpiece. "We now bring you Mayor Brackham’s public address to the people of Duskmoor."
The next second, the image shifted. Brackham filled the screen, standing at a podium draped in the city’s flag. Though his face was grave, his eyes carried that same politician’s calm—a mask polished to perfection.
He began speaking in his heavy, performative voice.
"Good evening, my beloved people of Duskmoor. Today, our great city has faced an unimaginable horror. We were attacked by unknown creatures whose nature we are still investigating. However, I assure you that your government remains steadfast. Our brave officers are on the streets, ensuring your safety. Order will be restored."
I almost smiled. The man could stand knee-deep in blood and still sound like a preacher at a peace summit.
Dennis leaned back in his chair with a small snort. "There he goes again. Talking like he is not the one who started the mess."
Brackham continued, his voice swelling with false patriotism.
"We will not give in to fear. We will rebuild, and together, we will overcome this darkness. Duskmoor will stand strong, as it always has."
When he finished, the anchor returned to the screen, her expression appropriately somber. "That was Mayor Brackham addressing the people of Duskmoor. Further updates will follow as authorities continue their investigation."
I motioned toward one of the servants. "Turn it off."
Silence stretched for a few seconds after the screen went dark.
The only sound was the soft scrape of cutlery as Dennis pushed his untouched plate away.
Meredith was the first to break the quiet. Her voice was calm, but her words carried weight.
"This lockdown is indefinite, yet no time was given for people to prepare for it. No chance to store food, medicine, anything at all."
She turned her gaze toward the dark television, her brows knitting slightly.
"Jobs are suspended, schools closed, malls shut down. Brackham is trapping his people inside their homes, leaving them unprepared. It’s a mistake. Fear and hunger together is a dangerous mix."
Then her eyes flicked to me. "It won’t last, Draven. When people start starving and losing what little they have left, Brackham’s government will face backlashes. There will be riots."
I leaned back in my chair, fingers absently circling the rim of my glass. She was right. The humans were predictable when pushed.
"Brackham thrives on control," I said. "He believes he can hold his people with fear alone. But fear doesn’t feed stomachs. It feeds chaos."
Meredith gave a slow nod, pleased that I viewed it her way.
From my left, Jeffery finally spoke in his even, thoughtful tone.
"It’s a good thing our people were not caught off guard like the humans," he said. "We informed them to stock up on essentials beforehand. At least the lockdown won’t hurt us the way it will hurt them."
Dennis snorted. "Yeah, but it will choke Brackham."
Next, he leaned forward on his elbows, grinning faintly, the kind of grin that always hinted at trouble.
"That old man must be losing sleep already. The vampires are still out there, hiding in his precious city, and now he has trapped them in with his people. A lockdown doesn’t guarantee anything. If anything, he just sealed their fate."
Jeffery gave him a look, but Dennis only shrugged. "I’m just saying the truth. Whoever is advising Brackham clearly wants to end his career."
I let out a quiet chuckle and said, "I had bet Brackham is advising himself."
That earned a few restrained smiles from the table.
Then I grew quiet again, my gaze falling on the untouched wine in my glass. Because deep down, I knew this much—
Brackham was too arrogant to admit defeat and too proud to share his power. But he was also cunning.
And when desperation started to tighten its grip on him, when hunger and fear began tearing through his city, he would have no choice but to turn to me.
---
Dinner ended quietly after that.
The servants began clearing the table while Meredith and I walked side by side down the hall. Then, as we reached the grand staircase, her soft voice came.
"I have completed my task," she said, her tone carrying a subtle pride. "So, when do I get to duel you?"
I stopped halfway up the stairs and turned to face her. Her violet eyes held mine, bright with confidence. It made the corner of my mouth lift.
’So she has completely recovered,’ I thought.
That spark was back in her. The same fire that had drawn me to her in the first place.
"Tomorrow evening," I said. "Be prepared."
Her lips parted in surprise before curving into a smile—one that almost made me forget the storm that was building outside these walls.
She looked like she wanted to jump with excitement, but instead, she nodded, trying to hold onto her composure.
"I will be ready," she promised.
Then, she gave me a look over her shoulder as she started walking again, the kind of look that said she can’t wait for tomorrow.