Alexander moved through the field, scanning for a place where his vampires could set up camp for the night. It would only be temporary; they couldn’t stay under the sun for long.
More supernatural beings arrived and began setting up as well. Alexander had feared they might not come. But they were here, united, ready to defend the living even at the risk of losing more loved ones.
He spotted Boaz among them, helping set up and carrying heavy supplies. He moved with an easy grace, drawing Alexander’s attention without even trying.
Boaz looked up just then, and they stared at each other, the world around them fading for a brief moment. Then Boaz looked away, focusing on what he was doing. Alexander turned away as well and began helping with the preparations.
Greer arrived thirty minutes later with Ronald, Mason, and a few other vampires.
“The rest will come once the war starts,” he said when Alexander glanced at the small group he had brought.
“We can set up camp there,” Alexander said, moving toward the spot he had chosen.
Greer and the vampires followed, though most of them didn’t need much to set up, since they could easily return home if needed. Still, they settled in for the long wait.
Alexander kept glancing toward where Boaz was. For weeks now, they hadn’t spent a single moment apart. He had almost forgotten what it felt like not to be near him.
Then Alexander stood up. He needed to talk to him. He needed to be close.
He moved through the camp, weaving between tents and fires. The field and courtyard were crowded, leaving little space towalk. He dodged people carefully, trying not to trip over ropes or firewood or bump into anyone.
But he still bumped into someone.
“Sorry,” Alexander mumbled.
“It’s you,” a familiar voice said.
Alexander looked down to see Lacus. The human smiled as if genuinely glad to see him, a metal jug of water clutched in his hands. “You’re here too,” he said.
“Yes,” Alexander replied, still slightly confused. He had been nothing but rude to the man before, and had nearly killed him.
“I’m glad,” Lacus said, glancing around with a wary look in his eyes. “I’ve never seen so many supernatural beings in my life. Father Claremore’s writings spoke about strange creatures of the night, but I never believed it, even after I saw you.”
Alexander patted him lightly on the back. “You’ll get used to it,” he said.
“I guess,” Lacus said, looking around uncertainly. “It just feels like a dream.”
“Yes. It’s a dream,” Alexander said, squeezing his shoulder. “Pray it doesn’t turn into a nightmare.”
“You mean the demons. I’ve read about those too,” Lacus said, crossing himself. “I’ll go inside and light a candle for everyone.”
“Go do that,” Alexander said.
He watched Lacus hurry off toward the church, and when he turned back, Boaz was no longer where he had seen him.
Was he avoiding him?
Alexander didn’t have time to dwell on it. Manlius, Blade, and Hansel had arrived at the courtyard.
He watched the three of them get out of Manlius’ truck, his heart already pounding as he hoped for good news.
But one look at Blade told him otherwise.
Blade looked ashen, like he had seen a ghost.
Alexander moved toward him, his heart suddenly in his throat.
“What is it?” he asked.