The cafe was a cacophony of noise - the clatter of plates, the hiss of the coffee machine, the chatter of customers. The four vampire hunters slipped inside, their eyes scanning the crowd. They looked like any other group of friends catching up over coffee.

"Snake, make sure no one gives him permission to leave," said Owl.

"Got it," Snake replied as she scanned the room.

The vampire sat at a corner table in the bustling cafe, sipping his coffee and tapping away on his sleek MacBook. He wore a plain white t-shirt and jeans, looking like any other young professional in the city. His jet-black hair was styled neatly, and his sharp features were almost handsome. But there was something about his piercing gaze that made him seem otherworldly. A red pendant hung from his neck. It was a double-edged sword - an enchanted device that allowed him to dwell without thirst for blood and protected him from daylight's wrath but also revealed his nature to anyone who knew its purpose.

The hunters ordered coffee and began chatting while keeping an eye on the vampire. After about half an hour, he finished his third cup of coffee, then stood up and made to leave the cafe.

Snake suddenly cried, "Everyone, look at me and say 'no'!"

It seemed like a silly plan, but it was one that experience had taught her worked. The other patrons looked at her curiously but did as they were told. The vampire reached for the door handle but couldn't turn it. He tried again but still couldn't leave.

"Gotcha," said Owl softly as they quickly surrounded the vampire. The vampire hissed, so Owl leaned into him and whispered, "Resist, and we will kill everyone in this cafe. We would rather keep a low profile, so I hope you don't push us to that option."

The vampire stiffened, but he made no moves.

Owl smiled. "Good choice. Now, follow us and be on your best behavior, understand?"

He nodded. They led him outside, the other patrons still looking on in confusion.

As they led him to the van they'd arrived in, the vampire hissed, "Vardic sent you, didn't he? You're wasting your time; I'll run away again. I'm not going to kill for him."

Owl shrugged. "Not our problem. We only do the job we're paid for."

"So you're hired hunts? Who are you people?"

"The Band of Night."

The vampire's brow furrowed. "Never heard of you."

"Good."