Chapter 17. Night of the Hunt (2)

A soft fog of incense smoke rolls throughout the city as the bell tolls with the midnight hour. The full moon bathes the Hunters crawling along the empty streets and along rooftop ledges, who are setting up barricades and perches. Several Hunters start to light their beastlure cigarettes, adding to the smokescreen. The fog parts, and a low growl in the distance makes every Hunter turn their head to the source.

“… Help!” a voice calls. “Heeelp!” A few Hunters track down the man calling from near the Church. “Help,” the priest breathes. “Beast… The bishop, it killed the bishop!”

“Oh no,” Hunter mutters. She turns to the others and orders, “One of you come with me; we’re going to investigate the area. The other gets word to the masters,” and the Hunters split up.

Relian and Kai stand on guard at the city’s east gate, the older Hunter flexing his riveted hands while the trainee holds onto his crossbow. “… Brother?” Kai starts.

“Yeah?”

“What are you doing he