Chapter 9: The Unexpected Third Party The pain hit Alexia instantly, a new, unbearable wave that sought to completely erase her identity. She had to focus on the immediate, not the long-term pain. She had to target her escape now. She channeled every ounce of her enhanced strength into one point of resistance: the metal strap constraining her right wrist. The strap was cutting deep into her skin, but Alexia ignored the agony. She pushed, fought, strained, driving her entire being into the small, locked restraint. The metal groaned in protest. Dominic did not notice the strain, his attention fixed on the monitor tracking Alexia’s bio-response, watching the hunter’s defensive instincts collapse under the chemical pressure. Alexia pushed again, forcing the muscles in her forearm beyond their limit. A small, violent *crack* echoed in the room. The steel restraint designed to hold her in place sheared completely, the force of Alexia’s struggle tearing the metal lock from its anchoring point. Alexia was instantly free. Suddenly, a profound, seismic disruption seized the entire bunker. The concrete floor beneath the conditioning table shuddered violently. Alarms, which had been silent during the initial phases of the conditioning, erupted in a violent, multi-layered wailing crescendo. The soft, unsettling green lights bathing the room flickered erratically, dancing between full illumination and near darkness. A low, grinding noise, deep in the earth, reverberated through the very structure of the heavily fortified bunker. Dominic’s attention snapped immediately from the monitor. His focus shifted from scientific observation to urgent tactical response. He straightened, his expression changing instantly from cold administrator to ancient warrior. “Intruders,” Dominic stated, his voice tight with surprise and absolute resolve. He moved with sudden, incredible speed toward the secure viewport installed in the corner of the room, meant to overlook the corridor. The administrative vampire and the two remaining security personnel froze, looking terrified. The security alarms blared, not with the high-pitched shriek of a minor perimeter breach, but with the deep, throbbing pulse of a catastrophic failure. This was not merely an escaped asset; this was an external assault on a high-value, secure location. Alexia used the split-second of distraction, ripping the remaining restraints from her body. The IV needle still protruded from her neck. She ripped it out, ignoring the immediate sting. The conditioning agent, though momentarily paused, had triggered a violent rush of adrenaline and an odd, jittery energy through her system. Before the security detail could reorient themselves toward the newly freed asset, Alexia drove her foot hard into the face of the nearest guard, sending him flying backward against the wall with a sickening crunch. The surge of raw strength surprised even Alexia, a clear side effect of the chemical cocktail still racing through her veins. The second guard shouted a curse and reached for the incapacitating weapon holstered at his hip. Alexia spun, using the momentum of the strike. She tackled the administrative vampire, sending the woman crashing to the floor. The tablet the vampire had been consulting, essential coven data visible on its surface, flew across the room and skittered beneath the conditioning table. Dominic roared, his preternatural speed kicking in. He surged back toward the table, ignoring the immediate threat to his underlings. He intended to physically restrain Alexia himself. Alexia met his charge, even though fighting Dominic was clearly an act of pure, chemically induced desperation. He was an ancient, powerful vampire. She was a newly awakened hunter, weakened and doped with conditioning chemicals. She dodged his initial strike, a powerful, open-handed blow aimed at her temple. She ducked beneath his guard and delivered a sharp, focused blow to his ribs, leveraging the temporary surge of strength from the conditioning agent as a weapon. Dominic stumbled, momentarily surprised. His immortal body was not meant to be struck by a human, even a hunter. That was the mistake. That was the only window Alexia needed. She sprinted for the open steel door of the conditioning room. The commander, who was recovering from her earlier kick by the main door, shielded himself as she barrelled past him toward the opening. The door was still open because of the emergency protocol, which automatically locks it internally during a successful conditioning process, not during a catastrophic breach. Alexia burst out of the conditioning room and into the concrete corridor, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. “Block her exit!” Dominic thundered from within the room. “Do not let her escape the bunker!” Alexia ignored the chaos erupting in the corridor. The main security teams were not rushing toward the conditioning room. They were running *away* from it, headed in the opposite direction toward the source of the violent tremors. The emergency lighting was now fully engaged, bathing the corridor in a harsh, throbbing red light. Smoke, thin and acrid, began to seep into the corridor from the western end. Alexia knew she had seconds before Dominic himself was on her. She had to move, but not blindly. She needed a weapon, a resource, anything to stabilize her situation. She skidded to a halt just outside the conditioning room. She risked a glance back inside. The administrative vampire was groaning, pushing herself up with difficulty. The tablet, her essential objective, lay abandoned on the floor. Alexia reversed course, darting back into the room. Dominic was engaged with the two remaining guards, barking orders into a wrist-mounted communicator. He was prioritizing the external threat, not her. Alexia dived beneath the table, snatching the tablet. The screen was still active, displaying complex flow charts and personnel files related to the compromised coven cell she had helped eliminate. It was a goldmine of strategic intelligence. She scrambled out, tucking the small, sturdy device into the waistband of her now ripped pants. Her movement brought her face-to-face with the heavily armed commander who had initially grabbed her. He swung the butt of his weapon at her head. Alexia intercepted the blow with her forearm. The impact jarred her entire body, but the enhanced physicality allowed her to absorb the blow without fracturing her bone. She used the recoil, driving her head into the commander’s solar plexus. He doubled over with a wheezing cough. The commander’s weapon clattered to the ground, a specialized energy coil meant for stunning. Alexia snatched it up. She needed something with range. “Enough!” Dominic roared, launching himself across the room. His speed was inhuman, blurring the air around him. Alexia knew she could not outrun or defeat him in a closed space. She aimed the energy coil at the closing door mechanism, pulling the trigger. The blast of energy cauterized the electronic components of the security panel. The massive steel door, designed to slide seamlessly closed, shuddered, sparked violently, and then seized, wedging partially open with a grinding screech. Alexia ran, moving deeper into the secondary corridors of the bunker. She could hear Dominic’s enraged shout echoing behind her and the immediate sounds of him tearing the damaged door from its tracks. She moved with instinct. The conditioning room was located deep in the administrative sector, a low-traffic area designed for secrecy. The chaos was further up, toward the main security staging points. Alexia had to navigate the labyrinthine tunnels and secure zones. She had an invaluable, if temporary, advantage. Dominic and his entire tactical structure were now focused on the external threat. She was a secondary problem. The corridor opened into a wider staging area, designed for moving larger equipment. The red emergency lights here were even more frantic, and the air was thicker with smoke, now carrying the definite tang of ozone and scorched earth. Security personnel ran past her, fully armed and moving with panicked urgency. They ignored her, their attention fixed on their immediate threat assessment. No one seemed to have realized the ‘asset’ had become a fully mobile problem. Alexia paused behind a bank of server racks, taking a moment to assess the source of the attack. The violence of the breach suggested specialized, heavy-duty infiltration. A massive, sustained force was striking the compound. Hunter network assets, even coordinated ones like Elena’s team, would typically rely on stealth and precision. This felt different, heavier, more overwhelming. Alexia drew the tablet from her waistband and quickly activated the secure map display. The map showed the multi-level bunker deep beneath the estate. Her current location was highlighted in red near ‘Isolation Zone C.’ The source of the largest breach signal was centered on the primary ventilation sector, a point that interfaced with the high-voltage power conduits. A sudden, sharp series of explosions rocked the bunker, much closer this time. The red alert lights went out completely, plunging the staging area into total darkness. Only the faint, green digital glow of the tablet remained. The internal comms system, usually a crisp, authoritative channel, descended into distorted static and terrified shouts. Operational control was deteriorating rapidly. Alexia moved. The dark environment amplified her hunter senses. She could navigate the cluttered area by the rhythm of the scattering footsteps, the increased scent of the burning infrastructure, and the subtle changes in air pressure. She needed to get to the surface. The surface meant people, chaos, and a chance to blend or disappear. She pressed herself against a cold metal wall, allowing a squad of four heavily armed coven guards to rush past her. They were ill-equipped for this level of immediate sabotage. Their weapons were designed for crowd control and subjugation, not external military-grade infiltration. The tablet screen showed the elevators were completely disabled, a likely targeted attack. The main stairs were still functional, but the screen flagged them as ‘Heavily Contested’—meaning Dominic’s core security force was fighting a desperate holding action there. Alexia had to take an unconventional route. She found a maintenance access panel, designed for HVAC ductwork, near her position. It was large enough for her to squeeze through. She forced the hinge. The metal squeaked in protest, a sound that seemed deafening in the sudden silence between explosions. She pulled herself into the tight, greasy space. The ductwork smelled of stale air, dust, and electrical discharge. She moved quickly, crawling on her hands and knees, pushing the tablet ahead of her. The air duct led upward, traversing the different levels of the bunker. She could hear the fighting now, not just the alarms, but the physical sounds of combat: harsh shouts, the thud of bodies, and the distinct, unnerving sound of automatic weapons fire. This was not a small hunter strike team. This was a dedicated, military-level assault aimed directly at dismantling Dominic’s operation. A horrifying thought struck Alexia. What if this was the coven itself? What if Dominic’s political maneuvering had finally failed, and the Coven Masters had sent an enforcement faction to eliminate him, and her as collateral? The sheer ruthlessness of the attack suggested a superior, uncompromised force. Alexia stopped her ascent when she reached a junction point close to the main administrative floor. She could smell blood, fresh and metallic, mixing with the smoke. She had to know who was attacking. Knowing the enemy dictated her next move. If it was Elena, she could use the chaos to reunite and escape. If it was a hostile coven faction, she was still an asset for them to seize or eliminate. Alexia edged toward a grate that opened directly into a supply closet on the administrative floor. She lifted the grate slightly, peering out. The corridor was a scene of immediate, brutal conflict. A distinct group of fighters, wearing specialized, heavy-duty tactical armor—dark blue, functional, and devoid of familiar coven insignias—were methodically clearing the administrative offices. They were moving with the precision of a trained unit, using flashbangs and suppressive fire. Whoever they were, they were professionals. Alexia watched as one of the blue-armored figures kicked open an office door. He spoke into his comms system, his voice clear despite the static, issuing an order in a language Alexia did not recognize, but the tone was undeniably military. The shock was immediate: these were not hunters. Hunters relied heavily on stealth, agility, and silver-tipped weaponry. These operatives were using high-powered kinetic ordnance and specialized vampire suppressants delivered through gas and localized pulse emitters. Then, Alexia heard a sound that chilled her. It was a familiar, inhuman snarl of rage. Two coven guards, wearing Dominic’s standard black tactical uniform, were attempting to retreat down the hall. They were met by a massive, pale figure. He was a vampire, but unlike anything Alexia had seen before. He was larger, impossibly lean, and moved with a terrifying grace. He wore a heavy, dark coat that seemed to absorb the light. His eyes glowed with an intense gold color. He was tearing the coven guards apart with his bare hands. This was clearly not a hunter ally. The golden-eyed vampire was equally hostile to Dominic’s faction. Alexia realized the situation was exponentially more dangerous than she had imagined. She was caught in a massive, three-way conflict within the deepest recesses of the bunker. Dominic’s forces, the blue-armored military unit, and now a third, powerful vampire faction—the golden-eyed leader looked like he was spearheading the breach. She pulled her head back inside the ductwork, her mind racing. She needed a plan. The tablet was her only weapon. She activated the external communication system on the device, hoping to override the general jamming signals now flooding the area. The coven tablet had access to a sophisticated, secure channel. She quickly scanned the personnel files she had accessed earlier. She recognized the coding structure. Dominic had files on every known associate, threat, and political rival. She found a priority file labeled “Ares Protocol.” She opened it. The description horrified her. Ares Protocol detailed Dominic’s contingency plan for a complete political takeover of his region by force, should diplomatic means fail. The document identified strategic weak points in the local infrastructure and contained information about rival vampire enclaves and the extent of the hunter network’s local presence. The data was volatile. If it fell into the wrong hands—whether the blue-armored soldiers or the golden-eyed vampire—it would destabilize the entire region. Alexia had to keep the tablet secure. She was no longer just running for her life; she was carrying critical intelligence that could dictate the outcome of this massive conflict. The ductwork shuddered again. She had no time to debate allegiances. She had a moment of pure, selfish clarity: she needed to protect herself, and the information was the key to securing her survival, regardless of the winner. She continued crawling upward, aiming for a different escape route. The original plan—reaching the surface—was too dangerous now. The entire estate would be a hot zone. She needed to access another secure exit, one that Dominic would not anticipate her knowing. She checked the map again, filtering for covert exits. One isolated map marker appeared: a “Secured Hydro-Tunnel Access.” It was a rarely used, self-sealing tunnel designed to drain flood waters away from the deeper bunker levels. It was three levels below the administrative floor, heading in the direction of the river. The hydro-tunnel was her best chance. It would be cold, wet, and dark, but it was away from the main conflict points. Alexia began retracing her steps, moving downward through the dark, confined space. The air grew immediately heavier, thick with moisture and the smell of sulfur from the internal explosions. As she reached the second level down, she heard movement directly below her in the corridor. She paused, pressing her body against the top of the duct. “I want the hunter asset secure!” It was Dominic. His voice resonated with a deep, frustrated anger that transcended the comms static. “The blue force, the ‘Gryphon’ unit, is engaging high-level security. Prioritize the asset’s retrieval. She has critical data.” “She’s moving to the lower levels, Lord,” a panicked voice replied over the static. “We flagged movement near Hydro Access.” Dominic was right behind her. He knew her intended direction. Alexia’s survival instincts screamed at her to accelerate. She slid down the ductwork, ignoring the scrapes and cuts. She reached the designated access hatch for the hydro-tunnel. It was a small, heavy circular grate near the floor. It was clearly disused. She used the edge of the energy coil weapon sheath to wedge the outer lock. The tumbler groaned, but did not move. It was sealed with a magnetic lock, requiring power, which was currently offline. She needed to use force. She reared back, driving her entire body weight against the heavy steel plate. Her enhanced strength was still volatile, powered by the chemical mix from the conditioning process. The metal plate bowed under the pressure. Alexia repeated the action, slamming her shoulder into the access plate. On the third impact, the plate buckled inward with a violent crash. Alexia tumbled through the small opening and landed hard on the cold, damp floor of the tunnel access corridor. She was in a small, square room built entirely from concrete. A massive, circular, steel door—the actual entrance to the hydro-tunnel—dominated the far wall. The air here was freezing, and the floor was slick with condensation. She heard Dominic’s guards moving fast in the corridor above. Alexia scrambled toward the circular door. It was sealed with heavy bolts, designed to withstand immense water pressure. This door was mechanical, not electronic. No power was needed. She grabbed the massive, wheel-like handle. It was stiff, coated in a fine layer of rust. She pushed with all her strength. The mechanical lock groaned, the sound echoing eerily in the confined space. The adrenaline was fading, leaving a dull ache and trembles in her muscles. She pushed again. The wheel spun slowly, laboriously drawing the bolts back from the frame. The administrative vampire’s tablet slipped from her waistband and clattered to the floor with a sharp crack. Alexia hesitated. She had to take the data. She bent down, snatching the tablet. The screen had cracked slightly, but the information was still accessible. “Alexia!” Dominic’s voice, amplified by the confines of the corridor above, was dangerously close. She heard the sounds of the structural components being torn apart as Dominic and his security team descended toward her position, completely unconcerned about the damage they were inflicting on the bunker. The last bolt clicked back. The heavy, circular door was still sealed by its own weight and the suction of the airtight seal. Alexia braced both hands against the cold steel and pushed forward. The door hissed, then groaned on its massive hinges, beginning to pivot inward. She slipped through the opening immediately. The hydro-tunnel beyond was less a tunnel and more a massive runoff pipe, roughly ten feet in diameter. It was pitch black, filled with the rushing sound of water and the metallic scent of deep earth. Alexia did not stop. She began to move into the tunnel, navigating the uneven concrete flooring, desperate to put physical distance between herself and Dominic. She heard the heavy steel door being thrown inwards behind her. “The Gyrphon unit is engaging administrative personnel at the main junction!” A security operative reported frantically. “They are seeking high-value intelligence.” “Ignore the Gyrphons!” Dominic commanded, his voice sharp with focus. “The hunter is the priority. She took the tablet containing the Ares protocols. If that data is compromised, the entire western coven is unstable for a decade.” Alexia realized the full weight of the data she carried. It was the absolute, total collapse of Dominic’s political power base. She could hear Dominic entering the hydro-tunnel, his footsteps heavy and precise, cutting through the rush of water. He possessed the advantage of superior night vision and speed. She could not outrun him for long in this environment. She pressed herself against the cold, wet curve of the tunnel wall, allowing the darkness to swallow her. “I know you are here, Alexia,” Dominic said, his voice a low, terrifying pitch that echoed along the concrete. “Do not make this more difficult. The conditioning process merely accelerates the inevitable. Give me the tablet, and I ensure your survival against the external threat.” “You ensure my slavery!” Alexia shouted back, the sound swallowed immediately by the water. “You mistake security for slavery,” Dominic countered, his voice sounding closer now. He was moving fast. “You are a hunter, Alexia. Hunters are driven by instinct and aggression. You need containment to survive in the coven structure. You need me.” Alexia pulled herself onto a raised concrete lip designed to divert the water flow. The air here was slightly cleaner. She drew the energy coil weapon and aimed it along the tunnel’s centerline. She fired four bursts of energy in rapid succession. She wasn't aiming at Dominic, but at the tunnel structure itself. The high-voltage energy impacted the damp concrete ceiling, sending massive chunks of debris and dust raining down, instantly creating a localized choke point. Dominic roared in frustration as the concrete shower forced him to pause. Alexia used the delay. She ran deeper into the tunnel. The tunnel quickly transitioned from a drainage channel to a fully immersed, subterranean water source. The water was waist-deep, frigid, and moving with a violent force. The weight of the water slowed her significantly. Her clothes, soaked and heavy, impeded her efforts. The energy coil weapon, designed for dry environments, hissed and sparked menacingly in her hand. She had to ditch the weapon and rely on her own ingenuity. She tossed the coil away. She pushed forward, the data tablet still secured in her pants. “You are making a critical error!” Dominic’s voice called out, closer than before. He was moving through the water easily, his greater mass and strength allowing him to fight the current. The tunnel began to slope downward, rapidly increasing the speed of the current. Alexia realized this was leading directly to the river outlet. She reached a section where the water surged into a massive, buried pumping station, designed to regulate the flow during high water season. The chamber was immense, the only light coming from the emergency red fixtures that had survived the external attack. The chamber was chaotic. Massive mechanical pistons regulated the flow, slamming back and forth with thunderous force. Alexia saw her opportunity. She could use the pumping machinery for cover, or potentially as a weapon. She swam toward a ladder bolted into the side of the chamber wall, leading up to a platform that overlooked the main pumping engines. As she reached the ladder, she heard the external world interfere again. A piercing, localized explosion rocked the chamber from above. Not from Dominic’s bunker, but from the surface, directly over the pumping station. The concrete ceiling cracked, and water, silt, and pieces of rebar rained down into the chamber. The Gryphon unit, the blue-armored military faction, had located the primary objective: the pumping station. They were trying to breach the structure from the surface. Alexia scrambled up the ladder, pulling herself onto the cold metal platform. She was now caught between three forces who wanted her or the data. Dominic was entering the chamber from the tunnel. The Gryphon unit was breaching from the surface. And somewhere, the golden-eyed vampire was moving through the main bunker structure, fighting Dominic’s security teams. Alexia had to be invisible. She flattened herself against a massive, greasy pumping engine, the metallic heat of the machine radiating against her cold, wet skin. Dominic emerged from the tunnel. He saw the breach point above and the chaos engulfing the chamber. He also saw Alexia’s position. “Alexia!” Dominic bellowed, moving toward the ladder. Just as Dominic reached the base of the ladder, the ceiling of the pumping station gave way with a horrific screech of stressed metal. The Gryphon unit had used specialized explosives to cut a massive hole through the concrete, bypassing the primary defenses. Water and debris flooded the chamber instantly. Two robed figures, wearing the same dark blue tactical uniform, dropped into the chamber via specialized rappelling gear. They carried automatic rifles with underslung grenade launchers. They were not looking at Alexia. They were focused entirely on Dominic. “Subject Ashford identified!” one of the Gryphon operatives shouted into his helmet mic, his voice distorted by the comms. “Target secured on floor level. Ares Protocol confirmed compromised. Secure the surrounding sectors.” Dominic immediately became a target. He hesitated for only a second, assessing the threat. He realized he was massively outnumbered and outgunned by a military faction that knew his tactical weakness. He abandoned his pursuit of Alexia. He launched himself at the nearest Gryphon operative. The operative opened fire with the automatic rifle. The rounds impacted Dominic’s chest, causing him to stagger backward. The rounds were not silver, but they were coated in a chemical suppressant. The second operative launched a gas canister, designed to suppress vampire regeneration, at Dominic’s feet. Dominic, temporarily stunned, was forced to use his preternatural speed to disengage, retreating back into the confines of the hydro-tunnel, abandoning the fight in the chamber. The Gryphon operatives ignored the escaping Dominic. They immediately secured the chamber, checking for secondary escape routes. Alexia remained pressed against the massive engine, blending into the shadows and the steam rising from the hot machinery. The Gryphon unit was systematic and professional. “Clear the site,” the lead operative ordered. “We must secure the data before Lord Dominic’s primary support arrives—or the Coven Masters realize the extent of the political collateral damage.” One of the operatives spotted the tablet on the floor where Alexia had dropped it moments before climbing the ladder. “Data asset secured on the chamber floor,” the operative reported, retrieving it. Alexia watched the exchange, her mind functioning on a panicked, tactical level. The Gryphons already had a tablet. Wait. Did they? Alexia quickly, covertly, checked her own waistband. The administrative vampire’s tablet was still there, secured, only slightly cracked. She had dropped the energy coil weapon, not the tablet. The operative had secured the tablet that was sitting on the floor—the one that had fallen from her waistband when she initially reached the platform—not the one she still carried. She had secured two tablets from the conditioning room—one from the administrative vampire, and another from the commander. One of them, likely the commander’s less critical device, had been lost in her desperation. The Gryphons had recovered lesser intel, believing it was the high-value Ares Protocol. Alexia had successfully bought herself time and established an immediate advantage over the military unit. She still held the Ares data. The Gryphon unit began systematically searching the chamber, looking for any sign of secondary targets or the source of the third faction—the golden-eyed vampire—who was likely still fighting in the upper levels of the bunker. Alexia couldn't remain here. The Gyrphons were too thorough. She looked for an alternative exit. The platform continued across the chamber, leading into a series of massive electrical conduits. She moved with extreme caution, navigating the slippery metal catwalk. Her soaked clothing made no sound against the roar of the massive pumps. She reached the conduit access point—a wide opening designed for maintenance engineers. She slipped inside, the air immediately hotter and thick with the scent of high-voltage insulation. She was now moving through the complex wiring beneath the pumping station. This was another chokepoint, but it was away from the immediate threat. She moved quickly, scrambling through the wires and support beams. The chemical cocktail in her veins was now acting more like a raw stimulant than a suppressant, making her movements jerky and slightly disorganized, but incredibly fast. Minutes later, she emerged from the conduit maintenance sector and found herself in a sub-basement corridor, completely dark and silent, far removed from the alarms and fighting. She was deep beneath the river access point, likely below the estate boundary. She stumbled upon a service elevator—not a personnel lift, but a massive freight mover designed for moving heavy sections of the pumps. It was currently sitting at the sub-basement level. She quickly checked the control panel. It was mechanical, not electronic, designed to run off a localized emergency generator. The buttons were marked with destination zones. One button was simply labeled 'Surface Access.' The lift shuddered violently as Alexia activated it. It began its slow, grinding ascent. She was alone in the dark metal box, listening to the cacophony of the war raging above her. She quickly pulled out the Ares Protocol tablet, her cracked and damaged prize. She accessed the data, scanning the emergency protocols. She needed to know what was waiting for her on the surface. The Ares Protocol included detailed tactical information about the estate's external security perimeter. The Gryphon unit had clearly exploited these weak points to achieve their breach. The lift stopped with a metallic groan. The freight doors slid open. Alexia emerged into a massive, empty warehouse, cold and drafty. Moonlight streamed through the high windows, illuminating the dust motes in the air. She was clearly outside the mansion, in a secure, isolated storage facility far from the administrative building. She sprinted across the warehouse floor toward a single, heavy service door. She reached the door—it was barred and triple-locked. It would take valuable time to force the lock, time she did not have. Footsteps echoed from the far end of the warehouse. Not the controlled thud of the Gryphons, nor the heavy precision of Dominic’s security. These were lighter, quicker, and more numerous. Alexia pressed herself against the cold metal door, trying to control her ragged breathing. The source of the footsteps emerged from the shadows: a large, organized group of individuals. They were hunters. Elena led the group, moving with a controlled intensity Alexia had never seen before. Behind Elena were at least a dozen specialized hunters, fully equipped with bows, silver-tipped weaponry, and tactical support gear. They were moving with the precision of a unit finally unleashed. Elena spotted Alexia instantly, her eyes widening in recognition and shock. "Alexia?" Elena whispered, her voice barely audible. "We thought you were contained." Alexia stumbled forward, relief mixed with the overwhelming realization of her current circumstances. “It’s a massacre down there,” Alexia rasped, water still dripping from her hair and clothing. “Dominic is fighting a secondary military unit—the Gryphons. And there’s another vampire faction.” Elena signaled her team to advance, their weapons raised, moving into a protective semi-circle around Alexia. "We knew a third party would attempt to leverage the chaos," Elena stated, her focus razor sharp. "We're utilizing the diversion. We need to secure the estate perimeter now, while they are occupied underground." Elena’s eyes fell on the cracked tablet Alexia held. “What is that?” Elena demanded. “The Ares Protocol,” Alexia said, holding it up. “Dominic’s contingency plan to take over the coven. It’s what everyone is fighting for.” Elena reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she took the device. The intelligence advantage was immense. As Elena secured the critical data, a new sound began to override the internal estate alarms and the far-off sounds of explosions: the distinct, grinding sound of heavy transport vehicles outside the warehouse. “The perimeter is compromised,” one of the younger hunters reported, his voice tight with surprise. “It’s neither coven nor Gryphon. It’s heavy assault vehicle deployment.” Elena swore softly. “The Coven Masters. They deployed a total elimination force. They aren’t interested in fighting; they’re interested in cleansing the site.” The heavy outer door of the warehouse—the one Alexia was pinned against—shuddered violently as something heavy slammed repeatedly against it. An alarm blared, indicating the lock integrity was failing. Elena’s team was trapped between two high-security walls and three incoming hostile forces. Elena looked at Alexia, her expression settling into cold determination. “We have minutes. We need to get out of range before the Coven Masters wipe the entire grid. We need to leverage this three-way fight.” Elena quickly handed the Ares Protocol tablet back to Alexia. “You hold the data. You are the high-value asset now,” Elena instructed. “You move with the main assault team. The rest of us will provide cover. We are using the main access tunnels.” Elena turned to her team, issuing rapid-fire commands for a desperate extraction maneuver. The hunter network’s initial plan had been a controlled retrieval. It had spiraled immediately into a full-scale covert war. Alexia nodded, gripping the tablet tighter. She had traded one captivity for another, but at least this one offered a fighting chance. She slipped the tablet into the waistband of her uniform, the cracked screen pressing against her skin. The main warehouse door buckled, tearing partially from its frame as the massive force slammed against it again. A thick, dark armored vehicle—not a troop transport, but a dedicated breach vehicle—was visible through the gap. “Go!” Elena screamed, launching the first silver-tipped arrows toward the door. Alexia turned and sprinted toward the main service exit, the large, heavy door. “Marcus!” Alexia shouted, recognizing a familiar silhouette among the hunters preparing to cover her retreat. Marcus had survived Dominic’s initial assault, escaped the coven’s pursuit, and was now back as a full, active asset against the coven. Marcus merely nodded, his bow already drawn. He had a focus that matched Elena’s. Alexia reached the heavy service door. She didn’t stop to check the locks. Her hunter instincts, heightened by the residual conditioning agents, knew exactly where to strike. She slammed her body hard against the release panel, ignoring the pain. It was a gamble, but a necessary one to ensure a fast extraction. The locking bolts screeched back. The door swung open onto the deep shadows of the estate perimeter. Alexia burst out, sprinting into the treeline. The ground here was soft earth and pine needles. The sounds of combat immediately intensified behind her as the hunters engaged the breach vehicle and the Gryphon unit that was now emerging from the sub-basement. She had secured her freedom, for the moment. She carried valuable data. She was surrounded by hunters, but they were now fighting a multi-layered war against two superior forces. Alexia paused at the edge of the woods, turning back one last time to look at the massive, secure compound. She saw Dominic's main administrative tower, now flickering violently as the power grid failed. The entire estate was dissolving into a dark military zone. She scanned the high walls of the estate, trying to spot movement, trying to regain her bearings. And then she saw him. High on the balcony of Dominic’s personal study, silhouetted against the flash of a distant explosion, stood the golden-eyed vampire. The leader of the third, unknown hostile faction. He was watching the chaos unfold into a full-scale battle, his posture suggesting a detached, almost pleased observation. He was not engaging. He was merely surveying his handiwork. He seemed to look directly at her position in the woods, even though the distance was great. The gold of his eyes seemed to capture the distant light. Alexia turned and ran, plunging deeper into the dark, protective cover of the woods. She had not secured her freedom. She had merely upgraded the stakes. The tablet, essential coven data captured from the administrative vampire, thumped against her side with every desperate stride. She was running toward the massive extraction zone, where Elena had directed her, but she had stepped out of the frying pan and into the forge. Every shadow felt alive with threat, belonging to a faction she had yet to identify. She carried the data that could save or destroy the local sector of the coven territory, making her the most wanted asset in the entire escalating conflict.