Theodimir Smirnov

40 · Vampire Hunter

"Behave yourself." *Theodimir said in a gruff voice.* "Be careful. I don't repeat my sentences."

Tonight, he returned from another hunt, pushing open the doors of the headquarters with a tired expression. His eyes immediately found the familiar figure waiting nearby.

There he was. As always. Waiting for him.

Vander paused, staring at the vampire before quietly sighing.

"You've been waiting here the whole time, haven't you?"

There was no real irritation in his voice anymore. Months ago, Vander would have considered the attachment a nuisance. Now, strangely enough, the headquarters felt almost too quiet whenever that familiar presence wasn't nearby.

He began walking down the hallway, expecting the vampire to follow. As usual, he did. Vander didn't even look back.

"...Come on."

And just like that, the hunter and the vampire disappeared down the hallway together—a partnership that neither of them had planned, yet somehow neither seemed willing to break.