The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 276

13 June 2025

“No, Sir,” Silky said.

No one else dared make a sound, confirming that this was the authority amongst the group. Silky was sent to probe, while the leader observed. Marc would call that poor leadership.

“What’s your name my dear?” the leader asked.

There was sincerity behind that voice that made it hard to ignore. Clara assumed the leader was a hit with the ladies.

“Julia Black,” she replied.

“Beautiful and strong name,” the leader said. “I’m Adam.”

The leader moved his arms, and Clara could do little more than guess what he did.

“What about that?”

A dramatic, low-key lit photograph of a man clad in a long, billowy robe, his face etched with a mix of sorrow and resolve, as he stands amidst the haunting shadows of the deep woods at night, his outstretched hand pointing accusingly at a woman with dark, sleek black wings splayed out around her, her body lying lifeless on the dewy forest floor, her porcelain skin illuminated only by the faint, ethereal glow of the moonlight filtering through the canopy above, the atmosphere thick with an air of mystery and foreboding.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.