The days that followed in Millbrook were a welcome respite for Aria and her small band of loyalists. The modest inn on the outskirts of town became their temporary sanctuary, a place where they could finally catch their breath after years of constant flight.

The morning's surprise combat session set the tone for the rest of the day. Haatim and Frieda put Petrillo and Emma through their paces, drilling them on everything from hand-to-hand combat to demon lore. By the time the sun reached its zenith, both young Hunters were exhausted but exhilarated.

As Thomas approached, bowing deeply before Adeline and her friends, the grand doors at the far end of the ballroom suddenly swung open with a resounding creak. A hush fell over the crowd, conversations dying mid-sentence as all eyes turned towards the unexpected interruption.

Six guards walked to the right group.  The first guard grabbed the duke and pulled him away.  The second grabbed his wife.  The third grabbed the Captain of the Guard, and the forth and fifth grabbed the thirteen year old son of the Duke and a nobleman in expensive clothing. All ...

As night enveloped Millbrook, Aria and Kelvin made their way through the narrow, cobblestone streets. The moon cast long shadows, and every rustle of leaves or distant footstep set their nerves on edge. They arrived at the designated meeting place – a dilapidated barn on the outskirts of town.

Petrillo jolted awake, his heart racing. The digital clock on his nightstand read 5:37 AM, its red numbers glowing accusingly in the darkness. He'd been having that dream again – the one where he was running from something he couldn't see, his legs moving in slow motion as if trapped in molasses.

As they stepped into the ballroom, Adeline couldn't help but be momentarily awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the scene before her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors and creating a dazzling display.

The crowd hushed as an enormous platform was wheeled into the square.  On it stood a tall man in white robes with a thick black mustache and jet black hair.  He stood calm as the platform was wheeled to a stop in front of the crowd.  Behind him on the platform stood a large devic...

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold as Aria and her diminished group trudged onward. The weight of Ereth's death hung heavy on their hearts, each step a reminder of their dwindling numbers and fading hope.