What should have been an exciting winter break had quickly turned to tragedy for Gloria and the others. Despite Adam's national championship and Dukes inheritance, the group found themselves in mourning. Now clustered in Sasha and Dukes new home, the group spoke of what had transpired with Ashley Moore. "So she was killed by an assassin," Duke asked.
"That's what I heard," Gloria stated. "Apparently a rogue kitsune went after her. Almost killed my stepsister Annie as well." The others nodded, glumly staring at their drinks. "How is Annie anyway," Felicia asked, pushing her blonde hair behind her ears. "Okay I suppose," Gloria shrugged. "My Aunt Kellie showed up with Jack after everything happened. She broke the news to Katie. Katie...well she took it hard. Invited all her old friends over."
"Yeah I saw that with Mika and Shiro," Naomi added. "Shiros girlfriend Jen was devastated. Ashley was her best friend." The group nodded gazing down at their drinks again. Part of then blamed themselves, if they had been here maybe they could have stopped Ashley from dying. That though, was an impossibility. They were all scattered, living at college now and getting on with their lives. "Do you think anyone else is being targeted," Jackie asked nervously. "What about Stephanie and her friends? Maybe we should keep a closer eye on them?"
"That's not a bad idea," Gloria stated. "Naomi, do you think you could swing by Nats house with Diane? Just to see how she's doing?" Naomi nodded, quickly grabbing her girlfriends hand. "Dont worry," Naomi smirked. "If there's anything wrong we'll take care of it." Diane simply sighed, Gloria hearing the ebony haired girl hope that their wouldn't be any problems. "Lets just hope it's quiet babe. I really hate when you go looking for trouble."
As the pair departed, Gloria grinned, knowing the odd pair of wizards could handle themselves if anyone attempted to go after Nat or even Rei. "Do you think the others will be okay," Jackie asked, referring to Nat's friends.
"Connor and Spark are with my folks," Caleb replied. "And Stephanie went with Ann to visit her sister Lisa. They'll be safe there and I doubt anyone will be making a move against the Desoto twins or even Travis or Chenoa."
"Why do you say that," Adam asked.
"Because the Desoto family is very low key," Caleb replied. "And considering Travis and Chenoa's family ties I doubt anyone would make a move against them. No, whoever the Normal are they're going to pick off wizards that are secluded. Ashley makes alot of sense, that's why Jackie you need to be careful."
"I guess we do too," Felicia said nervously. "Not exactly," Caleb replied sheepishly rubbing his neck. "I know you're going to hate hearing this but, Adam's too high profile now. He's a player for a National Champion. Them killing you or him is going to draw alot of attention."
"And you thought football was a waste of time," Adam smirked. Felicia simply rolled her eyes, elbowing her longtime boyfriend in the gut. As the group stifled a laugh, they paused as they heard a soft knocking on the door. Cautiously Duke now checked the Ring camera on his phone, his eyes going wide as he recognized their visitor. "Romi?!"
"Romi," Sasha exclaimed. "Wait wasn't he the familiar for your dad?! What's he doing here?" Duke shrugged, whatever it was couldn't be good. Glancing at his friends he watched their faces become stern. Already he could see Felicia, Gloria, and Jackie begin to prepare spells. Caleb withdrawing a pistol from his coat pocket as Adam cracked his knuckles. After fighting vampires their Senior year of high school, they were weary of any vampiric involvement. Slowly Duke and Sasha now approached the front door, Dukes eyes turning a solid magenta as they slowly opened the door.
"Lord Tepes," Romi stated, the man's voice carrying the same European accent Duke had listened to for years. "It is urgent that I speak with you and your friends."
"What do you want Romi," Duke growled, his vampiric fangs visible. Romi shifted nervously, glancing around him as he asked to come in. "Why would I invite a familiar into my home," Sasha asked sternly. "It is of grave importance Lord Tepes," Rimi said quickly. "Your brother....he's in trouble."
"In case you hadn't noticed I don't speak with my brother anymore," Duke scoffed.
"I understand," Romi replied. "But he ordered me to find you and ask for your help." Duke and Sasha raised an eyebrow. Of all the crazy things they had seen and heard this was definitely one of the strangest. Wyatt hated Duke, why would he need his help. "Why?"
"The Tepes dynasty has been overthrown," Romi replied sadly. "Your brother needs your help in saving his family."
"What," Duke exclaimed.
Romi nodded, explaining quickly the return of a foe that Dukes great grandfather, Dracula had defeated centuries ago. Now, this threat had returned, and she wasn't alone. Romi now presented Duke with a patch, uttering a a single sentence that sent a chill down Dukes spine. "They call themselves the Normal."
Duke and Sasha paled, realizing the Normal was making a move against the vampires. The war was evolving, meaning Duke would need to help the one person he thought he would never see again. His own brother.