Derek approached the river, the eerie silence only heightening his unease. Raising his right hand, he motioned for his warriors to halt as his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, every sense heightened to the subtle sounds and movements around him.

From where he was standing,he could see the vampire's hideout that Sara described—a small, ancient structure carved from the rocky cliffs by the water, it was hidden partially by a dense cluster of trees and overgrowth. If you don't look ...