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Chapter 11 - Betrayal Beneath the Snow

INT. MARTIN'S LIBRARY - NIGHT

The snow taps gently on the stained-glass windows. Inside, a fire crackles. Martin stands in front of a bookshelf, arranging books with a glass of wine in hand. The door creaks open.

STEPHEN: (softly) So... what brings you here, friend? Let me bring some coffee first.

MARTIN: (smiling lightly) Any investigation you want?

STEPHEN: A case of an officer... but I also wanted to say, it was always fun with you. When I first met you, you helped me out. I loved it. You always helped us.

MARTIN: (nods, slightly suspicious) I see. You're in a different mood today. Anything you want me to do?

Stephen's eyes shift. He reaches into his coat.

STEPHEN: (quietly) I'm sorry.

He draws a gun — but Martin glances at the coffee cup and uses a hidden steel letter opener to strike Stephen's wrist. The gun drops.

MARTIN: (serious now) I see. So it's like this...

Martin charges Stephen. They collide, slamming into the table. Glass shatters. Stephen grabs his coat, tosses it aside. He's now in a white shirt, sweat starting to show.

STEPHEN: (angry, panting) You lied to all of us!

They trade blows — Martin jabs, Stephen dodges and counters. Martin spins and kicks Stephen back, but Stephen uses his weight to tackle Martin into a glass cabinet.

GLASS: (shattering)

Martin grunts, his back cut, but he smirks.

MARTIN: (darkly) Shaha... still have that spark.

Stephen lunges again. Martin grabs a wine glass, smashes it on Stephen's head. Stephen stumbles. Blood trickles.

STEPHEN: (dazed) You betrayed everything.

Martin grabs a small knife, breathing heavily. He walks toward Stephen, who raises his fists weakly. They trade a few more brutal hits before Martin knocks him down.

MARTIN: (breathing heavy, knife at Stephen's throat) You betrayed me... my old friend.

STEPHEN: (fading) You became... the thing... we swore to stop...

MARTIN: And you? You became weak. I'll never forget you.

Martin plunges the knife. Snow falls. Blood spreads.

CUT TO:

INT. LIBRARY DOORWAY - MOMENTS LATER

Lucas arrives, gun in hand.

LUCAS: Hands up.

Martin turns, smiling — blood on his coat.

MARTIN: So... you've finally caught me.

LUCAS: I should shoot you.

MARTIN: Then do it. (pauses) But first... behind you.

Lucas turns.

DR. FREDRICK: (smirking) Surprise, detective.

Lucas is knocked unconscious.

MARTIN: Too late. Thanks for the save.

FREDRICK: You owe me one.

They rush out the back. As they reach the car —

A TRUCK CRASHES INTO THEM!

Martin's door is ripped open. A masked figure injects something into Martin's neck. He collapses.

CUT TO:

INT. DARK ROOM - LATER

James stands over a restrained Martin.

JAMES: I will kill him. But I won't let him kill anyone else.

VOICE: So... will you sacrifice your life to stop him?

JAMES: (startled) What?

AUSTIN enters, pale and wild-eyed.

AUSTIN: It's the red moon. The wolves rise tonight. I will kill Martin. I will sacrifice him. And then...

(He throws his head back and laughs madly)

AUSTIN: I... will become the most powerful werewolf this world has ever seen!!

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