Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 3: The Ashford Siblings

The next day, Snowmass College was buzzing with the usual energy of students rushing between classes. Alexis, Mia, Sam, Tyler, and Rachel had settled into their usual spot in the canteen, their laughter and chatter blending with the hum of the room. It was their break time, and everyone was engaged in their own activities-Tyler was absorbed in a video game on his phone, Rachel was flipping through a fashion magazine, and Sam was reviewing his notes for the next class.

Mia was scrolling through her phone, looking for something interesting to share when Alexis noticed movement at the entrance. He looked up to see Laura entering the canteen, accompanied by two boys and two girls. They walked with an air of quiet confidence, crossing the room to a table on the far side.

Alexis nudged Mia, unable to contain his curiosity. "Who are they with Laura?" he asked quietly.

Mia glanced up and her expression darkened slightly. "Those are her siblings," she said, her voice low. "The big guy is Vlad, the skinny one is Cristoff, Brigette is the girl who's always close to Cristoff, and Selina looks almost identical to Laura."

As Mia spoke, Alexis observed the siblings. Vlad was a towering figure with a muscular build, exuding a protective aura. Cristoff was tall and thin, with an almost skeletal appearance, his sharp features accentuated by his pale skin. Brigette, who stayed close to Cristoff, had a peculiar intensity in her eyes, as if she were constantly analyzing her surroundings. Selina, with her striking resemblance to Laura, moved with a quiet grace, her yellow eyes scanning the room.

"They're all so... different," Alexis said, unable to look away.

"They definitely stand out," Mia agreed. "But trust me, it's best to keep your distance. They're not exactly friendly."

As Alexis watched, Laura and her siblings settled at their table, speaking in low tones. He felt a strange pull towards them, an inexplicable urge to understand who they were and why they were so isolated.

"Why do they keep to themselves?" Alexis asked, still watching the Ashfords.

Mia sighed. "It's just how they are. They've always been like that. People in the village have all sorts of theories about them-dark rituals, supernatural abilities, you name it. But nobody really knows the truth."

"Do you believe any of it?" Alexis asked, turning to face Mia.

"I don't know," Mia admitted. "But I do know it's easier to avoid them. There's no point in getting involved."

As they spoke, Alexis noticed Laura glance in his direction. Their eyes met, and for a moment, he felt as if she were trying to communicate something to him. Then, as if on cue, Vlad, Cristoff, Brigette, and Selina also turned to look at him. The intensity of their collective gaze sent a shiver down his spine.

"They're staring at me," Alexis said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.

Mia leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just ignore them, Alexis. Trust me, it's better that way."

But Alexis found it hard to look away. There was something about the Ashford siblings that intrigued him, something that went beyond mere curiosity. He wanted to understand them, to uncover the truth behind the rumors.

The rest of the break passed in a blur. Alexis tried to focus on his friends' conversations, but his mind kept drifting back to the Ashfords. Even as he laughed at one of Sam's jokes or discussed a project with Rachel, a part of him remained attuned to the siblings on the other side of the room.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, Alexis gathered his things and stood up. As he did, he caught one last glance from Laura. It was brief, but it felt charged with meaning, as if she were inviting him to look deeper.

"Ready for the next class?" Mia asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Yeah, let's go," Alexis replied, forcing a smile.

They made their way to their next lecture, but Alexis's mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the Ashfords. There was something about them that he couldn't shake, a mystery that beckoned him to explore further.

Later that afternoon, after classes were over, Alexis found himself wandering near the edge of the forest that bordered the campus. The tall trees stood silent and imposing, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. He had hoped a walk would clear his head, but it only seemed to deepen his resolve to understand the Ashford siblings.

As he walked, he heard a faint rustling behind him. Turning, he half-expected to see one of the Ashfords. Instead, it was Laura, standing a few feet away, her yellow eyes glowing softly in the dim light.

"Laura," Alexis said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Laura stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied softly.

"I needed some air. And to think," Alexis said, his curiosity piqued. "What about you?"

Laura shrugged. "This is where I come to be alone. To escape the whispers and the stares."

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier," Alexis said, feeling a pang of guilt.

Laura shook her head. "It's not you. It's everyone. They don't understand."

"Understand what?" Alexis asked, taking a step closer.

Laura hesitated, then sighed. "Our family. We're different, yes. But it's not what people think. We're not monsters."

"I never thought you were," Alexis said sincerely. "I just... I'm curious about you and your siblings."

Laura studied him for a moment, as if weighing his words. "Curiosity can be dangerous, Alexis. But I appreciate your honesty."

"I just want to understand," Alexis said. "Maybe even be friends."

A faint smile touched Laura's lips. "We'll see," she said cryptically. "But for now, it's best if you keep your distance. For your own safety."

Before Alexis could respond, Laura turned and walked deeper into the woods, disappearing among the trees. He stood there for a moment, processing their conversation. Laura had given him a glimpse into her world, but it only fueled his determination to learn more.

As he made his way back to the campus, Alexis resolved to uncover the secrets of the Ashford family. Whatever mysteries lay hidden in Snowmass Village, he was ready to face them head-on.