"Vampires!" Sister Carmel declared, eyes narrowing at the two figures before her. The air thickened, and a chilling silence settled over the scene.

  Jack lunged forward with brutal speed.

  "Get back!" Sister Carmel shouted, pushing Zeke out of the way with a force that launched him straight into the side of their car. The world spun for Zeke as he crashed against the vehicle, dazed but conscious.

  Dust and smoke veiled his vision. He coughed, blinking through the haze. "Sister Carmel!" he yelled.

  A silhouette slowly emerged from the fog. Heavy footsteps echoed, deliberate and menacing. Glowing red eyes pierced through the smoke.

  "Come here, boy," Jack said with a twisted grin. "We won’t hurt you. We just want to play."

  Zeke scrambled backward. "Stay away from me! What did you do to Sister Carmel?!"

  Jack tilted his head, amused. "With her beloved Creator now—"

  Before he could finish, a flash of light tore through the air. A thunderous impact followed as Sister Carmel appeared from the smoke, her fist crashing into Jack’s face. The vampire’s head snapped sideways as he was hurled across the road, smashing into a tree.

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  Zeke stared wide-eyed. Sister Carmel stood, glowing faintly, blood trickling from her lip. Her gaze burned.

  "Who sent you?" she demanded.

  Jester cackled from behind the bushes. "Interesting… very interesting."

  Carmel’s voice was sharper this time, almost cutting. "I said—who sent the Night Clowns?"

  Jester paused, his laughter dropping into a low chuckle. "So… you know us?" he said, stepping forward. "Guardian."

  Zeke’s eyes darted between the two. "Night Clowns? Guardian? What—"

  Before more could be said, another presence entered the fray. Calm, composed footsteps echoed from the dark woods. A tall man appeared, dressed in a tailored black coat, his long hair tied back neatly. His features were striking—almost noble. He walked with the confidence of someone who knew his power didn’t need to be flaunted.

  He looked to be in his late thirties. Stern eyes. A silver ring gleamed on his finger.

  "Enough," he said, raising a gloved hand. His voice was calm, but it commanded attention. Even Jack, groaning on the ground, quieted.

  "Jovic…" Jester muttered, half in awe, half in fear.

  The man’s eyes landed on Sister Carmel. "You know of the Night Clowns?" he said, voice tight with surprise. "That is... unexpected."

  Sister Carmel did not flinch. "And you know what I am."

  Jovic studied her in silence for a moment before giving a small nod. "Not many of your kind left. A Guardian… living among sheep."

  Carmel’s gaze didn’t waver. "We protect the sheep. From wolves like you."

  Jovic’s lips curled into a slight smile, the only trace of amusement he allowed himself.

  He turned to Jester and Jack. "Stand down. We’ve tested enough for now."

  Jack grunted, still recovering. Jester lowered his blade but kept his eyes on Zeke.

  Sister Carmel took a step back, breathing heavily. Her voice dropped low as she turned slightly toward Zeke.

  "On my signal, run. Take the straight path up the hill. You’ll find a small town. Find help. Do not stop for anything."

  Zeke clenched his fists. "I’m not leaving you."

  "You must. I’ll buy you time. Now go."

  Jovic’s eyes lingered on Zeke. "Interesting…" he muttered to

  himself.

  Then Sister Carmel moved. With a sharp cry, she charged again.

  And Zeke ran.