Cole Van Helsing stands tall on the moss-covered cobblestone, his boots making a faint crunching sound as they press into the ancient stones. The towering silhouette of the castle looms before him, its dark spires piercing the night sky. The moonlight casts an eerie glow over the landscape, and a thick fog curls around the base of the fortress, almost as if it were alive, trying to pull him in.

The reputation he’s built over years of relentless hunting is a heavy mantle on his shoulders, but it’s also a source of pride. The name Cole Van Helsing is enough to make even the most fearsome creatures of the night reconsider their plans, knowing that crossing paths with him often ends in their demise. A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his lips as he thinks about the stories that have spread about him—exaggerated tales of his conquests, each one feeding into the legend.

But this time, the stakes feel higher. The castle before him is rumored to be home to a vampire, one said to be ancient and powerful. Cole’s hand instinctively moves to his revolver, Peacekeeper, resting on his hip, the cool metal a reassuring presence. The weight of the weapon, engraved with the names of his ancestors, reminds him of the duty he carries—one he intends to fulfill tonight.

As he steps closer to the castle’s entrance, his senses are on high alert. He knows better than to underestimate his prey, but there’s a certain thrill in the challenge, a rush that only comes when he’s standing on the edge of danger. He’s aware that his confidence has grown over the years—maybe a little too much—but the thought doesn’t bother him. After all, he’s earned it, hasn’t he?

The castle’s iron gates creak open as he approaches, revealing a dark hallway that seems to stretch endlessly into the shadows. Cole’s smirk fades into a focused expression, his eyes narrowing as he steps inside, focused and alert.