Miria ran through the corridors, following the trail of battle.
Every corner could hide an enemy.
Her breathing was short, but her determination remained unbroken.
She turned sharply at an intersection.
And collided with someone.
"Miria!"
Marlie pulled her into her arms, tears streaming down her face.
"You're alive!"
Miria, surprised, gave a weak smile.
"I'm fine… Where are the others?"
Kira stepped closer.
"We got sep—"
A sound behind Miria.
A silhouette burst forward at blinding speed.
Its fangs sank into her neck.
"AAAAAH!" Miria screamed.
"MIRIA!" Marlie cried out.
Alix reacted instantly.
She leaped and tore the attacker off Miria, hurling him against the wall.
The vampire rose with a howl.
His movements were erratic. Savage.
He charged again.
Kira cast a spell that knocked him back.
The creature, maddened by pain and hunger, lunged with inhuman brutality.
Alix parried the attacks, fast as lightning.
Kira bound his legs with chains of energy.
"Now!"
Alix pierced the vampire's heart.
He collapsed, dead.
Silence fell once more.
Kira stared at the body.
"A vampire…"
Alix nodded.
"Obviously."
But Miria had gone deathly pale.
*No…*
Vareck's vampire…
The one with the infected blood…
"Miria?" Marlie called.
No answer.
"Miria?"
Still nothing.
Marlie shook her.
"MIRIA!"
She jolted.
"Yes! Yes…"
Kira knelt beside her.
"Are you okay? You looked completely out of it."
Miria forced a smile.
"The shock… probably."
Alix pointed at her neck.
Blood was still flowing.
"We need to move. And treat that right away."
Marlie slipped Miria's arm around her shoulders.
"We're getting you out of here."
Miria pressed her hand against the bite.
A cold dread crept into her.
If his blood really is poisoned…
Then time was now working against her.