DC VAMPIRE MULTIVERSE

The wheels of the private jet touched down smoothly. Through the window, the lights of London flickered in the distance.

Rowan leaned back in his seat and looked calm, but his mind was already working faster.

Alix stretched. "So, we're here."

"Yeah. For the auction... and the people showing up for it," Rowan said.

She glanced at him. "Still planning to recruit someone into your circle?"

"More than one," he replied. "And tonight's the best place to start."

Rowan owned the invitation—not just as a guest, but as the founder of Luxe Company, the name written at the top of every high-level tech sponsorship at the event.

As they stepped out of the jet, black cars were already waiting.

Alix looked impressed. "They really treat you like a king here."

He smirked. "I paid enough to make sure they do."

At the Museum – Later That Evening

The Global Archaeological Auction was already in motion.

Inside, the grand hall was filled with priceless artifacts, museum officials, world press, and some of the richest people alive.

Rowan walked in with his usual calm. People whispered as they noticed him. Most didn't realize he was Luxe's founder.

This made it easier to observe. Easier to plan.

He leaned in to Alix. "At least five families here have roots going back over 200 years. I traced their hidden influence. Some even crossed paths with supernatural events... directly or through bloodlines."

"You'll try to turn them?" she asked.

"Carefully. The right one can become a strong vampire servant. The wrong one could expose what we are."

They moved toward an older exhibit.

It held ancient stone carvings—female warriors merged with feline shapes.

Rowan examined them slowly.

Just then, a voice came from beside him.

"You're looking at the goddess of the Urzatga jungle, right?"

Rowan turned.

A woman stood there, wearing a simple dress shirt and dark slacks. Blonde hair tied back loosely. Confident look in her eyes.

"I'm Barbara Minerva," she said. "You must be... Rowan?"

"Yes," he replied, just slightly surprised.

She motioned toward the carvings. "You were focused. Most guests just take selfies and move on. But not you."

Rowan smiled politely. "I like old places. They hide more than they show."

Barbara tilted her head, studying him.

"They said the Luxe Company's founder was arriving tonight. No one ever said he was this young," she said. "Or this... good looking."

Rowan gave a light smile. "No one ever asked."

"Well, now they will," she replied with ease.

Alix watched her from behind, arms folded.

Barbara noticed and added, "I'm a researcher from Oxford. We study the Urzatga tribe stories. I'm heading to Africa next month with a few students. We want to find original sacred grounds."

"Urzatga," Rowan said. "You think the tribe still exists?"

"Not clear," Barbara replied. "But their stories talk of a cheetah goddess connected to a special flower... very old magic. People believed some women could become her—part spirit, part beast."

Rowan's thoughts sharpened.

So... this was her. The pre-transformation version of Cheetah.

But he didn't say anything. He didn't yet know the full history. And she had no idea what path she was walking into.

"I hope your research finds good results," he said calmly.

"Thanks. Though some investors already think it's a waste of time," she replied, shrugging. "Luxe is one of the few groups that still funds ancient programs."

Rowan looked her in the eyes. "That's because I know the past isn't finished with us."

She blinked. For a moment, something deeper passed between them.

"I'll see you around, Rowan."

Barbara walked away back toward her group.

Alix came closer. "She has something in her. You felt that?"

"Yes," Rowan said quietly. "Something's sleeping in her blood. Or waiting."

"And you're going to follow her to Africa?"

He didn't answer for a few seconds.

"I will. But not yet. Let her get closer to the truth first... then I'll step in."

Rowan looked back at the statue again.

His plans were still forming—but now, a new piece had entered the game.