Amidst the mingled scents, a faint, bitter trace of herbs hung in the air, almost imperceptible against the others.

Felicia’s eyes snapped open. She leaned forward, pointing. “Turn left, then right—”

Before she could finish, the car door on the passenger side swung open. A cool night breeze rushed in as someone slid into the seat. Felicia glanced up, catching a glimpse of a sharp, chiseled profile. His complexion was pale and cold, his features strikingly defined; she even saw his Adam’s apple move as he spoke.

“Drive. I’m coming with you,” his deep, resonant voice commanded.

It was Stephan. Felicia hadn't expected him, but considering his unusual connection with Mike, it wasn't entirely surprising. Stephan, now in the passenger seat, addressed Mike directly, seemingly oblivious to Felicia’s presence.

Only when Mike, one hand on the wheel, glanced back and asked, “What’s next?” did Stephan register her.

“Head to the bridge. Keep going straight. I’ll let you know when to turn,” Felicia instructed.

She rolled down the window, letting the wind whip through her hair as she focused on the lingering scent. Stephan, noting her unusual behavior, shot her a surprised look, but she ignored him.

Following Felicia's directions, the car wound through the streets until it reached an abandoned fireworks factory. The factory appeared derelict, overgrown with weeds, and shrouded in darkness; only the pale moonlight offered any illumination. The interior was suffocatingly dark, its windowed state impossible to discern.

Felicia inhaled deeply, sensing the scent still clinging to the air. “This is it. The trail hasn't faded.”

Mike didn't hesitate. With deadly intensity, he exited the car and strode towards the factory's large, rusted gate. A heavy lock secured the gate, but it proved no match for a few brutal kicks; the metal twisted, and the lock shattered. The gate creaked open.

Before following Mike inside, Stephan turned to Felicia. His tone was calm, yet brooking no argument. “Stay in the car and lock the doors.”

Staying put would have been safer, but Felicia couldn't remain still. She bent down, picked up a loose brick, tested its weight, and then quietly slipped in after them.

Inside, Mike located the power box. He flipped the lever upward, and a blinding spotlight flickered to life, harshly illuminating the area. The sudden brightness was disorienting, momentarily blinding everyone.

Mike instinctively shielded his eyes, but the brief pause gave his enemies an opening. A steel pipe swung down towards his head with terrifying force.

Reacting instinctively, Mike dodged, narrowly avoiding the blow. However, he hadn't noticed another attacker behind him. A knife gleamed in the harsh light as it lunged toward his lower back.

Before the blade could strike, another hand intercepted it mid-air. In one swift motion, the attacker wielding the knife was sent flying backward, his body contorting unnaturally as he crashed to the ground like a ragdoll. Stephan had kicked him.

The force of the kick was so brutal that the man twitched several times before falling still.

The other attacker, clutching the steel pipe, paled with fear, stumbling back. After a moment's hesitation, he roared and charged at Stephan in desperation.

Stephan sighed, a sharp, annoyed sound escaping him as his patience snapped. With a single, sweeping kick, he sent the man flying.