Moving past a window in the Night Gate, Chiri paused. Looking at herself in its reflection, she turned her head from side to side, sizing up the cut on her face. Wiping at the dried blood smudged across her cheek, Chiri accepted the minor injury was placed too conspicuously to escape Cazer’s attention. Releasing an exasperated moan at the prospect of having to explain herself to him again, she was grateful that at least it was small enough to not violate the terms of their previous agreement. The sparring session confirming Chiri’s prior conjectures about Allen’s nature. She was bothered by the question of whom he might choose to partner with in future. Even the prospect of being the root cause of another Pierce man's demise, weighed too heavily on her conscience for Chiri not to be perturbed by the outcome of Allen's selection. Acknowledging that a good partner would make the difference between life and death for Allen Pierce, Chiri had not been able to resist inter

Chiri stared at the bleak gray stone walls of the mansion. Awaiting her at the end of a long straight road, guarded on either side by a crop of dark and foreboding trees. It revealed itself from behind a shroud of fog. The darkened windows on its face leered menacingly back at her, Chiri loathingly progressed nearer to the structure’s wretched visage. It was no secret that there was not one soul within the Alliance who did not dread making the annual regulatory check at Vasmere Manor. Its gloomy exterior alone, enough to unsettle any inexperienced mage. The task had consequentially led many to abort the mission. Even those more seasoned individuals amongst them, were disinclined to enter into its walls. Primarily for the very plausible reason, that it was filled the brim with vampires. The Four Gateways Alliance entrusted with the task of making sure all complied with magic regulations, mandatory checks on known entities fell under their jurisdiction. Carried out at

The blood descending down the palm of Chiri’s hand, its slow progress marked by a vivid trail of red flowing across her wrist. The thick liquid dropped enticingly onto the floor in front her. Glancing around critically, Chiri dug the tip of the blade further into her finger as she said, “I see. And this is the entire manor?” Chiri’s skeptical response a reaction to her guide’s claim their tour of the property had concluded. She estimated that there were at least two rooms, which had been excluded from their itinerary. The first, being the private quarters of the Coven head, the owner of which she would prefer not to encounter. The second however, was more of an intuitive guess than a raising certainty. No stranger to the sprawling and maze-like structure of many a house such as Vasmere Manor. Chiri could rationally surmised that a building of this size and age, would also be in possession of a cellar. Secluded and kept out of view from most guests, it was without doubt the most probab

“This is outrageous!” Exclaimed Annaliese, as they progressed down the tree lined drive. Animated in her rant about the recent increase of vampire attacks in Ineset, Chiri only listened disinterested. Subjected to the tirade in full during their long trek to Vasmere Manor, she remarked tiredly, “Calm down Anna.” “Those monsters are entirely out of line to attack innocent citizens like that.” She continued, impassioned as she marched ahead of her. “No one died.” Chiri replied impartial to the subject, “Besides, all of those people consented, I’m not sure much can be done about it, Anna.”    Turning back to look at her partner disparagingly, Annaliese criticized her flippant attitude towards the matter, “How can you let this slide in good conscience, Chiri?”   Motivated by her ambitions towards the lofty position of Day Gate Director, Annaliese Marchette was always quick to insert herself into the most popular issue of the day. Eager to r

Knocking curtly, Cazer soundlessly entered the room across the corridor from his own without receiving a response. Previously unoccupied, the chamber had originally been intended to accommodate a personal aide to the Director. Not adorned with many of the same trappings as the Director’s suite, its size and furnishings were simple but tasteful. The door closed securely behind him, Cazer treaded lightly towards the bed. Looking upon the face of its sleeping occupant somewhat relieved, he was surprised when his presence did not arouse her from her slumber. Depleted by the day’s events, the usually alert Chiri slept soundly, curled on her side. Coming to stand next to where she slept, Cazer regarded the diminished state of her complexion and breathing with increasing vexation. Chiri’s thin frame shivering under the covers at something, which haunted her in her dreams. Cazer could see the normally placid features of her face qu