[b]“I only need to stay here all night…”[/b]

Renaissance let the threat hang in the air for a moment, her eyes slowly scanning the Hunter from head to toe. She was analysing each minor detail, down to every rise and fall of the Hunter’s Chest. The way her lips shone slick with moisture after she’d run her tongue over them, the way her eyes were wide and alert staring right back at her… And Ren listened to that oh-so-human heart beating defiantly, pumping a stream of warm blood around the body. 

There was a determination residing in this girl, a focus that set her apart from most other humans. How brave must she be to travel alone? To face an Ancient Vampire with no reinforcements, no small army to protect her from that ancient wrath that could rain upon her? In Renaissance’s younger years, she would’ve labelled this choice unwise. Arrogant and judgmental, younger Ren was not one to respect nobility. But after eternities of witnessing suffering, sacrifice and even slavery, this was a bravery that should be admired. And this woman was still so young! She couldn’t be older than her later 20s? So very young in comparison to Ren’s 1000s of years on this planet. Once upon a time, she too may have made a decision like this one. One that took a naive courage with seeming ignorance to the risk. Discarding everything at stake. 
But this life wasn’t built for vampirism and a vampires existence depended entirely on their ability to blend in. The art of discretion. Which was exactly the opposite of what Ren was doing in this very moment. If a Belle View resident was to awake from their slumber and pull back their curtain, they’d see a gothic form of a woman hovering in midair with bat wings and ivory fangs. At the thought, Renaissance warily lowered herself right down to the ground. She felt her leather black heeled boots meet the concrete with a gentle “click” and she stood a good distance from The Hunter. 
 
A shroud of clouds passed over the moon, temporarily darkening Belle View. Still, the street lamps glowed loyally but there was no longer the moon’s soft white luminosity. 

[i]“Come on, little one”[/i] Ren cajoled in her softened voice, she folded her bat wings beneath her shoulder blades where they belonged. [i]“Let’s not engage in a messy battle just yet… Is it necessary to spill blood so early into our acquaintance?”[/i]
There were thoughts whirring through the Hunter’s head, Ren could tell. No doubt weighing up her options, debating whether to fight or flee. She saw the Hunters eyes flicker briefly in the direction of the nearby Church and Ren shook her head slowly. If she were to make a run for it, Ren would have to pursue. She was a mere vampire, after all, and there was nothing like a chase to make blood taste ever sweeter. Those primal instincts would kick in and it would be difficult to control the sheer power that would drive her to trail her prey.

[i]“Come now,”[/i] Renaissance continued, taking one solitary step towards the Hunter. She held both hands out like calming a wild bear, gesturing for her to remain still. Remain calm. 
[i]“Why don’t you tell me your name?…”[/i]