The night air pressed against Carl like a living thing, heavy with the scent of rain-soaked cobblestones and iron. He followed Seras Victoria through the winding alleys, every step alert, every shadow a potential threat. She moved with quiet grace, a weapon always at the ready, yet there was a tension in her posture, a flicker of curiosity and something else—something unspoken.
"You've never fought like this before," she said, glancing at him. "Not human, and… not entirely vampire." Her tone was almost teasing, though Carl detected an undercurrent of caution.
"I'm not human," Carl replied with a smirk. "Guess that makes me… better at this."
Seras chuckled, a soft, low sound that sent a strange heat through him. She was dangerously close, close enough that he could feel her warmth, the subtle brush of her uniform against his arm. Damn… she's noticing me, he thought, his pulse quickening.
They stopped in a shadowed courtyard, the mist curling around their boots. Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the darkness. Two vampire figures lunged at them simultaneously, fast and silent, their eyes glowing with hunger.
Without thinking, Carl moved. His reflexes were faster than instinct, his body responding with a precision that made even Seras step back in surprise. One vampire crumpled under his fist; the other was thrown back with a flick of his wrist, a spray of crimson marking the cobblestones.
"Impressive," Seras murmured, her voice close, almost brushing against his ear. Her gaze lingered on him with undeniable intensity, a mixture of admiration and something more intimate. Carl felt a pulse of warmth at her proximity.
"Thanks," he said, his voice low. "But there's more coming, isn't there?"
Seras smiled, sharp and knowing. "Always." She moved closer, pressing lightly against him under the pretense of guiding him. The touch sent an electric thrill through his body. So this is part of the night… seduction and danger combined, Carl thought, grinning internally.
Before they could prepare further, a shadow darker than the mist detached itself from the far end of the courtyard. Alucard's tall form appeared, his grin wide and knowing.
"Ah… our newcomer is learning quickly," Alucard said, his voice smooth, dangerous. "But do you understand what it means to survive the night? It is not just strength—it is instinct, cunning… and desire."
Carl met his gaze steadily, unflinching. "I'll learn. And I'll survive… and thrive."
Alucard's eyes glinted with amusement, and for a brief moment, Carl felt the weight of scrutiny like a physical force. "We shall see," he said, stepping back into the shadows, leaving Carl and Seras alone again.
Seras' hand brushed his shoulder. "You'll need to rest, if only briefly," she said, her voice softening. "The night has many teeth."
Carl nodded, feeling the lingering heat of her touch. He knew that this night was only the beginning—not just of survival, but of something far more dangerous, intoxicating, and thrilling. He had survived his first fight, earned the notice of Seras, and drawn Alucard's attention.
And this is just the beginning, Carl thought. The night belongs to me now… and to those who choose to follow.
The mist swirled around them, wrapping the courtyard in shadows, as Carl took his first real step into the darkness of Hellsing London—a world where danger, power, and desire intertwined at every turn.