"Remember, nice and subtle. And don't let go of my hand." 

Daniel kicked the flimsy wooden door of the castle open, and using his free hand, sent the shield flying across the waiting hall. The two vampires standing guard before the next entrance slammed against the wall.

Rachel matched his pace as they entered the small room, her whole body humming with anticipation. The vampires scrambled to their feet and soared toward them.

Nice and subtle. Daniel yanked his knife out of its sheath.

Rachel nodded. She pointed the crossbow and shot at the vampire in front of her. He swerved so quickly, the arrow intended for his heart scraped his side. No wonder these guys were Vlad's personal guards.

She wanted to recharge her crossbow, but Daniel tightened his grip on her. Crap! She couldn't recharge with one hand. The vamp launched at her, claws out and ready to strike. Rachel ducked the swipe, pulled out a stake from her slotted belt and thrust it through his stomach. He groaned and slashed again, aiming for her face, but hit his claws against Daniel's shield.

The vampire's eyes narrowed. He took in a breath as though preparing to scream. Daniel tugged Rachel to the side, stepped in front of her and sunk his knife in the vampire's throat. The monster gurgled, his hands pawing the hilt

They're trying to call for help. Daniel passed his crossbow to Rachel.

She wanted to shoot the other vampire but saw no point. The room was so small, she could reach him in a few steps and save the ammo, She pulled out another stake and rushed toward the fallen vamp. Daniel tried to run in the other direction, and they both stopped short of their targets. This hand holding thing really isn't working.

Daniel jerked, and she almost fell off her feet. She turned to him, deciding it was better they both focused on one vampire at a time, just as he ducked and a flying piece of wood hit her straight in the face. The world went black for a few seconds, until the pain dimmed.

"Shit. Sorry, Rach." Daniel grabbed the plank and swung wide. The wood hit the incoming vampire in the gut with a loud crack, and the creature crumbled to the floor, wheezing.

Knife-in-the neck vampire came behind her and tried to claw her open. His talons fought against the shield, and he sounded like a cat clawing at a door, demanding entrance inside a room. The gurgling sounds coming from his mouth were starting to sound like words. The knife-free vampire got to his feat, his crimson eyes shooting daggers at them.

Ah, fuck this. Daniel pulled his dart gun out and shot both vampires. He ran toward the broken-down door that led out of the hall. We need to devise some sort of strategy.

You should've thought of this before we charged in here like morons. Rachel fell into step with him and pressed her shoulder against his to free her hand. She charged her crossbows as they stormed inside the adjoining room.

Good idea. Maybe we should try a back to back approach. They rushed up some steps and ended up in another low, cramped up room, decorated with armor and weapons. That way, we'd have the use of both our hands.

Rachel pressed her back against his and scanned the room for possible exits. The only way out led into an even smaller chamber filled with oriental weapons. Rachel tried to pick up on other vampires, but Vlad's disgusting aura masked everything.

They made their way into the next room in a circular motion. Daniel had to bend his head to make it through the door. No vampires greeted them.

Hmm. Daniel took Rachel's hand and looked around. Wow, this place is tiny. Looked big from the outside.

Rachel took in the hearth and wooden furniture. She could see outside through the windows in front of her. A thick crimson chord blocked the way to the right.

I think this place is a museum. Her eyes fell on another chord that seemed to block the entrance into a wall. Over there. She rushed that way, yanking Daniel after her.

He studied the wooden panel and knocked on it. A hollow sound met their ears. Shrugging, he pushed it and it swung open.

Do you think Vlad's up there? Rachel looked up the narrow stone steps. The corridor leading up was tiny. No problem for her five foot eight frame, but, as they started climbing warily, Daniel could hardly squeeze his shoulders through, not to mention he had to keep his head down.

Damn. Vlad didn't seem that short. He tried to move faster, keep up with her.

The original Vlad might have been. Rachel slipped on a step. She caught on to the safety wire with her free hand and steadied herself. Daniel let out a snort behind her. Gritting her teeth, she straightened and quickened her pace, tugging on his hand. She only managed a couple more steps before smashing headfirst into a piece of wood paneling.

I think we're here. Daniel sounded as if he hadn't noticed her hitting her face against the wall.

Rachel felt for something that might get the door open. Her hand rested on a narrow metal handle. She pressed it and light flooded the passageway. They sprinted out, relieved to be able to stretch their bones. She wished she could let go of Daniel and move her arms around properly.

No time for that. Let's go!

Daniel tightened his hold on her hand and led her to another low, frugally furnished room. After a few minutes of rushing from chamber to chamber, Rachel felt lost. Even if nothing in the castle was identical, it felt as if it was. All rooms were small, low and empty and they had to keep switching directions. After a while, she was sure they were actually going in circles. Every single room had a view of the inner courtyard.

You're right. I have a better idea. Daniel headed for a window, pushed it open and squeezed through.

Rachel followed and glanced around. No vampires in sight. She looked down into the courtyard. Maybe we'll get a better look from down there. At least that way they'd be able to assess Vlad's possible whereabouts. She wasn't sure if she was expecting a shining lantern or some other worldly indication, or a pull from his aura.

Good idea.

The two of them jumped from the third story balcony and landed with a loud crack on the stone slabs below. A lone well stood in the center of the small courtyard.

Do you think there are other vampires around? Rachel craned her neck and looked toward the towers of the castle. Nothing stirred in the dark.

Hard to tell with Vlad around. Daniel hopped on top of the well. His shoulder hit against the metal wheel used to pull water out. The contraption fell out of its hook and dropped inside the well. It hit the bottom with a deafening boom.

Rachel shut her eyes and raised her shoulders. The sound reverberated through her being as if it had fallen in the pit of her stomach. A growl had her eyes shooting open. She gazed at the balconies above. As though drawn there by a fresh carcass, vampire heads popped behind every window. For a second, they just stared at them, their red eyes twinkling ominously. Then, one by one, they hopped down.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Daniel grabbed her wrist and used his free hand to blast half of the vampires away. They smashed against the castle walls. Let's hope Vlad doesn't come out to play.

The vampires soared toward them, fangs showing, jaws snapping, claws ready. Daniel waved his arm, and they bumped into an invisible barrier. She could feel his energy draining. There was only one way to get out of this without blowing the castle apart and alerting Vlad of their presence.

If he's not already in on it. But you're right. Daniel pulled out his dart gun. Rachel did the same, her hand sweaty against the handle. She aimed and shot dart after dart. Seconds later, the courtyard remained eerily quiet. Rachel started counting the vampires at their feet, but Daniel tugged her arm and pulled her toward the wall in front of them.

Most of the vamps came from this side. Vlad must be somewhere up there.

They bent their knees and jumped on the third floor balcony. Their footsteps echoed as they hurried from room to room, searching for stairs that led higher. Finally, they found a staircase that led away from the rest of the castle. They rushed up and stopped in front of a closed wooden door, oval at the top, with metal crossbars.

Vlad's powerful aura radiated from behind it. It unfortunately hid the possible presence of other vampires. Rachel swallowed the knot in her throat. With her new sensibility, she'd expected Vlad to have a more powerful effect on her. Instead, his presence caused her only mild discomfort. She guessed Daniel holding her hand helped.

How many darts do you have left? Daniel asked, checking his own gun.

Pressing her shoulder against his, she pulled out the cartridge. Ah, two. This was not going to end well. If she had it her way, she'd love to fill Vlad's body with tranquilizers and watch him squirm at her feet.

I only have one left. If there are other vampires in there, shoot Vlad. I'll take care of his guards.

Rachel nodded, wiped the sweat off her brow and tightened her grip on the pistol. It was time to get this over with. An image flashed through her mind: in a room larger than the ones they'd encountered so far, Vlad stood behind a massive wooden table, one vampire on either side of him. She shook her head back into the present. What was going on?

Come on, Rach. Focus. Daniel pulled back and raised his leg, as though about to kick the door down, but changed his mind. He grabbed her shoulders. Look, I don't know what's going on, why you block me out and everything, but... He bit his lip. I want you to be very careful in there.

Rachel rolled her eyes. She was filled to burst with adrenaline, and he felt like giving her safety instructions. Stop treating me as if I can't take a step without falling. I'm a Hunter. I'll be fine.

That's not what I meant. He tightened his grip. I'm thinking, in case you are pregnant, I want you to be safe. He put one hand on her stomach. I want you both to be safe.

She stared at him for a few seconds. This soft side of him usually had her melting, but now, she was more confused. Her mind bounced between wanting to kiss him and focusing on Vlad. Finally, she nodded and returned her gaze to the entrance.

Daniel kicked the door out of the way and they stormed inside.

Rachel's mouth fell open. The room was the one she'd envisioned seconds ago. There were indeed three people in there. They stood hunched over the table, to the right, looking at a map. To their left was a small sitting area and library case.

Vlad raised his head and his eyes widened. Rachel fell to one knee and pointed her gun at him. The other two vampires moved in the way and she didn't get a clear shot.

Daniel let go of her and held his hands up, his fingers spread out. A wave of energy rushed across the room and knocked all three vampires over like pins hit by a bowling ball.

Rachel rolled to the right, trying to cover the space behind the table. She wasn't taking the chance of missing her target. The two vampires got to their feet and hurtled toward Daniel, leaving Vlad wide open. Rachel took the shot, but he dodged in a blur of movement. The dart bounced off the wall and shattered. The reddish liquid trickled down the white paint.

Vlad squinted at her but leaped toward Daniel. He dodged the incoming vampire lord at the last moment and fired at one of the other vampires. He dropped to the floor, unmoving. Daniel hurled his now useless pistol at the other vamp's head, knocking him over.

Vlad grabbed Daniel's neck and pinned him to the floor. His nails grew into claws and he slashed Daniel's chest. Rachel aimed again. The other vampire got in her way and charged at her. She pistol- whipped him, but he managed to dig his claws into her shoulder. A burning sensation pierced her entire left side. She pushed the pain back and searched the room for Vlad.

He and Daniel still wrestled on the floor. Daniel kicked Vlad off and got to his knees, coughing and struggling for air, sweat pouring down his face. Blood trickled from his cuts, on his shirt. He raised one hand and knocked the remaining vampire to the other side of the room.

Vlad charged at him and kicked him against the other wall. Large chunks of stone and pieces of rafters rained from above, burying Daniel under their weight. Vlad and the remaining vampire turned their hungry eyes to Rachel and both rushed at her. She cursed under her breath and jumped out of the way. Both men collided with the wall. The gun flew out of her hand as she landed.

She scurried on all fours toward the fallen weapon. The savage growl of the vampires behind her sent the adrenaline rushing through her veins. Her muscles tightened, her heart pumped and she almost felt like laughing hysterically. Someone grabbed her ankle and pulled her back. She turned and kicked the vampire in the stomach. He stumbled back. Vlad charged at her, but bounced off the invisible shield.

Go for the gun. Daniel was sitting up, his hands raised, muscles tense, his face lined with concentration. He lifted one hand, caught the other vampire and knocked him against the wall as well, by Vlad's side.

Rachel dove for the gun and rolled on the floor, pistol pointing. Vlad and his minion struggled against their invisible bounds. Daniel's face turned red, and his hands trembled with the intensity of keeping up the shield.

"Shooting me will do you no good," Vlad snarled. "Stroe can keep you busy the few minutes it will take me to recover."

Shoot him! I can't hold the shield up much longer.

Rachel's hand shook. What if Vlad was right? What if he'd only be knocked out for a few minutes in which they'd have to battle the strongest vampire, except for Vlad, they'd ever encountered? Then, there would be two enemies and no more darts.

"Rachel! Now!" Daniel yelled.

Her lips pressed together, she moved the barrel of the gun and shot the vampire called Stroe. He growled, but then slid to the floor, knocked out.

Grinning wildly, Vlad pushed himself off the wall. Daniel fell over, groaning. Vlad rushed to Rachel and put his hands around her neck.

"I don't know how you managed to sneak in here. Escaping me in Bucharest was an admirable feat. But you're one bride I won't be denied." He leaned forward, his fangs exposed.

Rachel pawed at the hands around her neck, trying to beat him off. His fangs scraped her neck. Something collided with them, and they were both tossed against the wall. Rachel slid to the floor, her entire body aching.

Daniel was back on his feet, his face red, eyes shooting daggers, pressing his shield against Vlad as though he wanted to crush him. Vlad growled and pushed back, making Daniel skid across the floor. It was like the two of them were on different sides of a huge ball. Rachel took her crossbow out and shot Vlad between the shoulder blades. He roared, but continued pushing toward Daniel.

"Whatever gave you these superpowers, it won't matter. You're still no match for me." He shoved harder. Daniel's back hit the wall.

Rachel rushed forward and rammed her shoulder against Vlad, knocking him over. Daniel's shield propelled her across the room, against the wall. It felt like half her bones had broken on impact.

Vlad pulled the arrow out of his back and hurled it at Daniel. He threw himself to the floor just in time to avoid being hit. The projectile bounced off the wall. He rose on his hands and knees, panting.

Vlad darted to Rachel and pulled her up. He wrenched a stake out of her belt and impaled her shoulder, fixing her against the wall. She screamed as her whole body cramped up in pain. The blood loss from the scratch and now the hole in the shoulder made her head spin, and her throat burned with bloodlust. Would Hunters die of hunger just like vampires?

"Let's not start this again. Do you think you'll be able to save your partner from becoming a vampire for a third time?"

Vlad was blasted off his feet as Daniel stood, rage etched on every feature of his face.

"I'm not starting anything. I'm finishing it, you son of a bitch."

Rachel shut her eyes, trying to contain the pain and gather enough energy to yank the stake out of her shoulder. She only hoped the resulting ache wouldn't knock her out. The blood loss made her body feel like lead. Sounds of the fight between Daniel and Vlad filled her ears. She cracked open her eyes to see Vlad flying across the room and Daniel throwing a stake toward him. Vlad ducked, and the airborne weapon missed his head. He grabbed the stake off the floor and charged toward Daniel, sharp silver tip pointing at his heart.

Rachel's vision became hazy. A sudden throb in her shoulder knocked the legs out from under her. The stake tore her flesh as it remained her only support. She bit her lip not to cry out, tears snaking down her cheeks. She was so thirsty! It seemed to amplify the feel of her broken body.

Daniel came to her, picked her up and yanked her out of the wall, leaving the stake in her shoulder. It's okay, Rach. Calm down. It'll be okay.

She moaned as the piece of wood rubbed against her sore flesh. Her arms wrapped around his neck as if her life depended on it. Vlad closed in and sunk the stake in Daniel's side. The sound of his cracking ribs sent a fresh wave of pain through Rachel. With all the strength she had left, she dug her fingers into his arm, trying to take his pain upon herself. He was good. He was strong. He'd be able to finish Vlad off. If only he wouldn't feel the pain.

What are you doing? Daniel sounded scared to death, but she proceeded with giving him all the life energy she had left.

Kick his ass, Danny. Her whole body fell limp.

Vlad collided with Daniel and the two of them tumbled to the floor. Rachel fell away from them and scraped her elbows and the side of her face against the harsh stone floor. It didn't matter anymore. She watched with empty eyes as the two men battled in the middle of the room, stakes, knives and furniture flying from one to the other, both of them dodging and fighting on. The slashes on Daniel's chest were almost healed. The more he fought, the stronger he seemed to become.

Her heartbeat slowed and the adrenaline stopped flowing, letting the joined feel of her and Daniel's wounds take hold of her body. The stake seemed to chew on her flesh, her ribs felt broken, and she wasn't exactly sure how many of her other bones were intact. But she didn't want to die until she saw Vlad fall.

The lullaby started playing inside her head again, blocking out the sounds of the battle.

We tried, but did we make it?

Had to change the way we think

I've tried to make it happen

I took away your pain

Will we falter? Will it matter?

Her eyes no longer saw the fight. The sunny hilltop filled her vision. She and Daniel were sitting on the steps of the mausoleum. She was happy. Happier than she'd ever been. He had his arms around her, holding her tight, kissing her hair. Why was she seeing this? What did it mean?

Rach! Stay with me. Don't die!

Rachel's sight returned, and together with it the feeling of her insides imploding. Sounds of crashing objects filled her ears. Daniel and Vlad were on the floor, each trying to get on top of the other.

Her eyelids fluttered, and a new vision replaced reality. It was still this room. Every piece of furniture was still destroyed and she lay on the ground like a rag. But there she was, on her feet, walking to Vlad. The other Rachel grabbed his shoulders and sunk her fangs into his neck. Sweet blood filled her mouth causing her to go into a frenzy. Daniel's words rang clearly inside her head.

It's in our blood and when we turn someone, all we do is pass on this antibody which battles the vampire's venom. The stronger you are, the easier it is to overcome the venom. But if a vampire then bites you, it can destroy your protection. 

Yes, of course, she had to take the chance. If she bit a vampire, maybe the Hunter antibody would fight the venom inside the vampire's body.

When she'd been on the verge of transforming the pain had her wishing for an early death. Why wouldn't it affect Vlad the same way?

The vision faded and grunts and groans reached her again. She had no idea what these hallucinations were, but she now knew what had to be done.

Her entire body shaking, she rose on her hands and knees and glanced around the room. Daniel and Vlad were still fighting, dodging each other's hits. If she'd only be strong enough to lunge at Vlad. Maybe there was a way.

Daniel, immobilize him. Use your shield. The ideas fell into place like pieces in a puzzle. If this worked, they would win.

Daniel looked at her, then pushed Vlad against the wall nearest to her with his shield. She could tell he couldn't hold it in place for long. His energy was almost drained. But the little time he could give her was enough. She pushed her body forward and grabbed onto Vlad's shoulder. Daniel's shield pushed hard against both of them. Rachel sunk her fangs in Vlad's neck and took in gulps of blood.

Her burning throat eased. It was divine. The pain in her body vanished as the sweet liquid filled her mouth. With each mouthful, she felt stronger. She tightened her grip on Vlad's shoulders.

Rachel, what are you doing?

Trust me! It wasn't working. Though Vlad groaned, his body wasn't sagging. Help me!

She could feel him hesitating, but it took him less than a second to lift the shield and come to her aid. Vlad roared and dropped to his knees as Daniel sunk his fangs into the vampire's shoulder. Rachel's body hummed with energy and Daniel was filling up nicely too. All they had to do was pass on some of their venom into his weakened system. Nothing easier. Rachel yanked the stake out of her bloody shoulder and shoved it through Vlad's neck.

The yell died in his throat. Daniel took his blood-stained t-shirt off and rubbed it on a cut on the vampire's forearm. Vlad's whole body tensed, his arms and legs moving frantically.

Why exactly are we doing this? Daniel asked.

The venom. Rachel pulled away from the vampire now thrashing on the floor. "Let's see if he likes our antibodies messing up his poison."

Daniel backed toward her. "You're brilliant, did I ever tell you that?"

Vlad stopped gurgling and remained on the floor, twitching.

"Do you think he's dead?" she asked, gasping for breath. Even if she was no longer hungry, her wounds still hurt and the energy she'd gathered from the feed flooded out of her as her body tried to heal.

"I doubt it." He pulled out the stakes he had left in his belt and laid them on the floor. His whole body ached as well. "We should do this while he's knocked out. Then throw up to make sure we don't metabolize his venom."

Rachel scrunched her face in disgust, but didn't move. For some reason, she wanted to see what would happen next. Would Vlad die on his own, or what? Daniel obviously felt the same. His hand lingered over the stakes.

"We should do this. If he gets up again, we're too drained to kill him." He picked up a stake and raised it, but his hand froze in midair.

Rachel's body tensed as the familiar bitterness filled the air. They were no longer alone. She reached out her hand, desperate to conceal Daniel from the incoming Hunters, but he shook his head.

"It's no use. They already sensed me."

The door burst open and a group of four Hunters entered the room, all of them armed with crossbows and knives. They pointed their weapons at them and fired. Daniel put up the shield before the arrows reached them, but that simple action seemed to sap him of the little energy he had left. The stake in his hand clattered to the floor.

"They're both alive," one of the Hunters said, surprised.

"Take them out!"

Daniel's muscles clenched as he tossed the shield at the four, knocking them out of the room. He put a new shield around them. "Rach, kill Vlad!"

Rachel grabbed a stake and launched at Vlad. He stirred and she faltered. Behind her, the door burst off its hinges. She turned to see a fresh group of Hunters filing in the room. An arrow flew through the air and struck Daniel in the side. He groaned and fell over, the shield lifted.

"What are you doing?" came a familiar voice. "I said I'd only take you here if you didn't hurt them."

The Hunters took out guns and shot her, Daniel and Vlad.

"Shut up, wraith! This does not concern you," said one of the Hunters.

Rachel tried to sink the stake into Vlad's heart, but her body wouldn't listen to her anymore. She fell to the floor, her vision hazy.

"Justin?" she whispered.

"I'm sorry, precious," Justin wailed.

"Da-Daniel?"

Hold on, Rach. His thoughts were barely discernable and she could feel he was even weaker than her. It'll be okay. We'll get out of this.

She nodded even if he couldn't see her. He knew she'd heard him. 

Did we falter? Will it matter?

🦇🦇🦇

Well, that didn't turn out quite the way you may have expected...

Thanks for reading another chapter of Hunters. Hope you had fun! I know this chapter is huge, but I didn't want to break up the climax. Leave a comment or vote in case you enjoyed it. And thank you for your support!