Whitechapel High was unusually quiet as Sarah, Ethan, and Benny slipped through the deserted hallways. Ethan’s latest vision had shown Jesse lurking near the school, and it hadn’t been good.

“He’s definitely planning something,” Ethan whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows.

“You think he ever stops planning something?” Benny muttered, trying to sound brave but clutching his spellbook a little tighter.

Suddenly, a familiar laugh echoed from behind them. They spun around to see Jesse leaning casually against a locker, his vampire allies Gord and Wes flanking him with menacing grins.

"Miss me?" Jesse smirked, his eyes locked on Sarah. "I’ve got unfinished business with all of you—and tonight, it’s personal."

Sarah stepped forward, fists clenched, trying to suppress the vampire instincts tugging at her. "Back off, Jesse," she warned, her voice steady but low.

Jesse just grinned wider. "You’re still fighting it, huh? The vampire inside you?" He chuckled, glancing at Ethan. "One of these days, she’s going to give in. And when she does, I’ll be waiting.”

Benny swallowed hard, trying to summon a spell, but his hands shook too much. Ethan shot him a reassuring look, then turned back to Jesse, standing his ground. "If you want her, you’ll have to get through us first."

Jesse’s eyes gleamed. "That’s the plan."

The air was thick with tension as the two sides stared each other down. The battle was coming—and none of them were ready for what it would cost.