Cautiously

Maria watched intently as Ethan walked down the street, her mind buzzing with questions and a sense of unease.

What the hell was he doing in my apartment? If he's a thief why would he choose exactly my place out of all? Or...was he looking for me?

Her eyes fixated on the suspicious duffel bag he carried, its metallic contents clinking within. Something inside her told her to be cautious, to tread carefully in this situation.

Once Ethan was out of sight, Maria's curiosity got the better of her, and she mustered the courage to venture back up to her apartment. To her surprise, everything seemed to be in its place. Nothing of value was missing, not even her precious jewelry that she had left out in the open. It became clear that Ethan wasn't there to steal; he had been searching for her specifically. The thought sent shivers down her spine, and she knew she needed guidance.

With a determined mindset, Maria decided to call Nikolai, seeking his wisdom and counsel. She dialed his number, hoping he would answer because sunrise was approaching fast in Europe. To her relief, he picked up.

"Well, my little thirsty tease finally decided to give me a call..." he began playfully.

"Hi Nikolai, sorry, but I urgently need your advice." Maria interrupted his casual tone.

"Uhm, sure, what's it about?"

Maria took a deep breath and quickly recounted the events, leaving out some of the details of her unsuccessful corruption of Rachel and focusing more on Ethan and his interaction with Rachel. Nikolai listened attentively and as she finished there was just silence for a moment or two.

"Nikolai?" Maria asked, checking if he was still on the line.

"I'm here. Huh, this doesn't sound so innocent, Maria. What did you say his name was again?" Nikolai responded, his voice filled with worry and curiosity.

"Ethan. I don't know his surname or..."

"And you said he was a Brit?" Nikolai pressed.

"Yeah, that's what Rachel said, yes. Why, do you..."

"And he only started showing interest in Rachel after you began corrupting her?" Nikolai wasn't hiding his concern anymore.

"Yes..."

Another moment of silence from Nikolai got Maria worried as well, he was the kind of a guy that usually had all the answers prepared.

Nikolai's voice took on a somber tone as he cautioned her, "Well,...fuck. At first I hoped it was just some idiot hunter from the woods, Connor. But I'm afraid it's much worse, this might be one of the elite vampire hunters we've heard rumors about. You must leave the city immediately, without contacting Rachel. Sharing your whereabouts to her could put you at great risk. Your safety is paramount to us...to me."

"Uhm, are you sure about this? Rachel said he's just some health freak, it didn't sound like he posed any threat at all."

"Look, I can't really say for sure but it all sounds like he is indeed a hunter. That detox juice you mentioned he gave her, for example - it's an old concoction meant to neutralize any vampire influence. No, this can't be a coincidence. You must stay away, he's onto you and he won't stop until he destroys you. Be careful, Maria."

As the call ended Maria was already sitting in her car, ready to start the engine and go. But where?

The weight of Nikolai's words sank in, and Maria found herself torn. Could she truly abandon Rachel to face this vampire hunter alone? The realization that Ethan had used Rachel as a means to reach her, fueled a surge of protective instincts within her. It wasn't the desire to corrupt her, not even her lust for her, it was the need to protect her that got her thinking. She pondered her options, contemplating the risks and the potential consequences of her choices.