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I’d been told stories of vampires that had the ability to shape shift—instantaneously—into a bat. It was part of my schooling on vampire lore.

Lorebecause it was considered a power that had mostly been used in the past as only the oldest of vampires had the ability, and any vampire that old had long since died or entered an eternal sleep.

If Ruin could turn into a bat, he had to be among the oldest and most powerful vampires alive and awake. Unfortunately, immortality—at least, the type vampires had—was not a kind power, and usually ended up driving them to insanity.

Either way, he was far more dangerous than I’d ever estimated.

“You got out,” I said, the surprise in my voice was real.

Ruin bowed mockingly. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“No—I mean, thank you.” I made myself turn away from him to briefly look back at the snake, even though all my slayer powers screamed at me not to look away from danger.

“I hope you’ve figured out who is responsible for this?” Ruin asked.

“Yes.” I kept my gun out and my stance watchful. “I left him with my team. The Curia Cloisters will handle the arrest.”

Ruin rolled his shoulders back. “How inspiring, considering they have such an impressive track record with handling violence within their own building.”

I blinked trying to sort out what he meant. “…sorry?”

“Nothing.” Ruin tipped his head the other direction. “Don’t make this a habit, Slayer.”

Yeah, you don’t need to worry about that!

I wasn’t eager to interact with Ruin the way it was but if he was as old as his recently displayed power implied, I’d be avoiding him at all costs.

I made a show adjusting the brim of my hood. “Don’t make a habit of what? Bringing snakes to you?”

“Bringinganythingto me,” Ruin said, his voice going darker. “I’m letting it slide this once, but never again.”

Act normal, act normal!It shouldn’t be too hard—I was always pretty wary of him.

“Believe me, if I had any other option, I would have taken it,” I said. “Your warning is taken. You pick and choose who to beat at your whim, understood.”

“Now that makes me sound petty. Or insane.” Ruin ghosted closer to me making my blood pressure spike even though his steps were casual.

Well, chances are youareinsane if you’re as old as I think you are!

I didn’t back up—that might trigger some kind of prey/chase instinct in him. Instead, I raised my gun at him.

“What, no emotional hug of thanks?” he asked.

“No,” I said, my voice flat.

Ruin shrugged. “I suppose your paranoia is part of what makes you a charming opponent. But you are alone, without—”

My radio crackled. “Blood, we have you in sight.” Sarge announced, his musical voice sounded even more beautiful than usual in my terror. “Tell the vampire we’ll shoot him if he takes a step closer to you.”

I immediately breathed easier; the tension coiled within me melting away.

“So that is the thanks I get, is it?” Ruin sauntered towards the shadows a darkened storefront cast on the street. “I see how it is.”

Good. He’s leaving.I kept my gun out, happy to see him making his exit.

He’d just backed into the shadows—his dark gray jacket blending in perfectly—when the manners my mom drilled into me as a child kicked in.

“Thank you,” I called. “I couldn’t have killed it alone, and it would have done a lot of damage to the city before my team arrived.”