[Intro] [The sharp, rhythmic CLANG of a hammer striking an anvil. A heavy, relentless 4/4 marching drumbeat joins in. The music is militaristic, driven by low brass and tense, driving strings. The mood is resolute, dangerous, and righteous.] [Verse 1] [Van Helsing (Bass/Baritone): A weathered, gravelly, and commanding voice. He is examining the aftermath of Elara and Valerius's hunt.] Another alley painted red, another empty vein, Another victim swept away beneath the city rain. They think they own the shadows. They think they own the street. They haven't heard the thunder of the Dawnbringers' feet! I know your signature, Valerius, you arrogant old ghost, But now you've brought a fledgling to feed upon my coast! [Pre-Chorus] [Ensemble (The Hunters): A tight, militaristic male chorus building in intensity.] Sharpen the cedar! Polish the silver! Gather the vials of the sanctified tears! Light up the lanterns! Stoke up the furnace! We are the answer to centuries of fears! [Chorus] [The orchestra explodes into a massive, driving Broadway march. Brass blares, timpani roll, and the ensemble sings with militant fury.] [All:] We march for the living! We hunt in the dark! With a cross on our chest and a silver-tipped spark! No monster is safe from the judgment we bring, For the night may have teeth, but the daylight is King! By the stake and the hammer, by the fire and the sun, We won't rest 'til the Dawnbringers' duty is done! [Verse 2] [Van Helsing:] [His voice drops to a deadly, focused growl, marching at the head of his men.] They dance their bloody tangos, they revel in the feast, But every drop they swallow just isolates the beast. They leave a trail of hubris, of arrogance and pride, A bloody little breadcrumb trail with nowhere left to hide! This new one, this Elara, she's drunk upon the power, She doesn't know she's sprinting toward her final, burning hour! [Pre-Chorus] [Ensemble:] Load up the crossbows! Ready the iron! Whisper the prayers for the souls we will save! Corner the alley! Seal up the crypt door! Send the immortals straight back to the grave! [Chorus] [Full, thunderous orchestral power, pushing the tempo slightly.] [All:] We march for the living! We hunt in the dark! With a cross on our chest and a silver-tipped spark! No monster is safe from the judgment we bring, For the night may have teeth, but the daylight is King! By the stake and the hammer, by the fire and the sun, We won't rest 'til the Dawnbringers' duty is done! [Bridge] [The heavy marching stops. A single, ominous church bell tolls. Van Helsing sings alone, a cappella, before a slow, menacing snare drum rolls.] [Van Helsing:] You've lived a thousand years, Valerius. You've seen empires crumble to dust. But you've never faced a fury like this... And turn to ash, you must. [Outro] [The driving march rhythm slams back in at double speed. It's a chaotic, aggressive buildup.] [Ensemble:] WE BRING THE DAWN! [Van Helsing:] Strike the match! [Ensemble:] WE BRING THE DAWN! [Van Helsing:] Lift the latch! [All:] TO THE LAIR! TO THE LAIR! LET THE VAMPIRES BEWARE! [The music builds to a massive, brassy crescendo, ending on a final, resonant clash of cymbals and a single, echoing anvil strike. CLANG.]
