Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 14: The Trap Is Set

The Ashford family spent several days perfecting their strategy, coordinating every detail of their plan to ensure it would work. The day of entrapment arrived, and the atmosphere was thick with tension.

In the middle of the deep forest, where the first battle had taken place between the Ashford siblings and the attacking vampires, Alexis stood bravely, his heart pounding as he looked around the shadowy woods. The Ashfords hid in the bushes, their keen senses alert for any sign of danger.

Vlad, his voice barely a whisper, leaned towards Cristoff. "You think this will work?"

Cristoff nodded confidently. "It will."

Richard, the family patriarch, gave a silent command to Cristoff. "Conceal our presence," he ordered.

Cristoff concentrated, his unique ability to manipulate shadows enveloping the Ashfords in darkness, making them nearly invisible.

Brigette turned to Selina. "Extend your senses," she instructed. "We need to know the moment they arrive."

Selina closed her eyes and expanded the range of her supernatural senses, her mind reaching out into the forest. "I can feel them," she whispered. "They're close."

Laura, her nerves fraying, leaned towards Brigette. "Can you see what will happen today? Have you had any visions?" she asked, hoping for reassurance.

Brigette shook her head, worry etched on her face. "No, nothing. Every time I try, it's like there's a fog blocking my sight. I can't see anything about today."

Laura's anxiety deepened. She focused on Alexis, trying to read his thoughts. He was scanning the forest, his mind echoing a single, urgent question: "Where are you now?"

Alexis took out a small knife from his pocket, his hand trembling slightly. He looked at his palm for a moment before making a small cut. Blood began to drip, the scent immediately permeating the air.

Cristoff and Selina tensed, feeling the powerful pull of Alexis' blood.

Richard and Vicky moved closer, their eyes stern. "Stay focused," Richard reminded them. "We've practiced for this. Control yourselves."

Cristoff and Selina nodded, forcing themselves to resist the tantalizing scent.

Suddenly, Brigette's senses flared. "They're coming," she whispered, alerting the others.

Richard nodded. "Get ready."

Three vampires emerged from the shadows-Theron, Aric, and Sophia-drawn by the irresistible scent of Alexis' blood. They lunged towards him, fangs bared.

The Ashfords sprang into action. Laura grabbed Alexis and ran, moving so quickly they were a blur. Vlad and Cristoff tackled Aric, pinning him to the ground. Vicky moved in with a flash of speed, decapitating Aric in one swift motion.

Theron pursued Laura and Alexis with relentless speed. Richard followed closely, his eyes locked on the enemy. Selina and Brigette captured Sophia, pulling her arms apart as she screamed. Vicky swiftly beheaded Sophia, her movements precise and deadly.

Vlad and Cristoff set to work, igniting a fire to burn the remains of Sophia and Aric. The air filled with the acrid smell of burning flesh.

Laura continued to run with Alexis, but he saw Theron gaining on them. "He's right behind us!" Alexis shouted.

Theron lunged, grabbing Alexis and wrenching him away from Laura. Alexis struggled, but Theron's grip was unbreakable. Laura attacked, but Theron kicked her away, sending her sprawling.

"Laura!" Alexis screamed.

Theron lowered his fangs towards Alexis' neck, but Richard intervened, pulling Theron off and throwing him to the ground. Laura rushed to help Alexis stand.

Brigette, Selina, and Vicky arrived, surrounding Theron. Seeing he was outnumbered, Theron glanced around, realizing his companions were gone. "Where are Aric and Sophia?" he demanded.

"They're dead," Vicky replied coldly.

Theron roared with fury, his eyes wild. Knowing he couldn't win, he turned and fled into the forest. Vicky, Selina, and Brigette pursued him, their forms disappearing into the trees.

Richard knelt beside Alexis, bandaging his hand. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle despite the chaos.

Alexis nodded, his face pale. "I'm sorry. We need to try again. We need to catch Theron."

Laura shook her head. "Not now. We will, but not now."

Vlad and Cristoff approached, their expressions grim. "Did you get him?" Vlad asked.

Richard shook his head. "He escaped."

Vicky, Selina, and Brigette returned, their faces showing their frustration. "He's gone," Vicky said, her voice tinged with anger.

Alexis looked at them all, determination in his eyes. "We'll get him next time. I promise."

The Ashfords nodded, their resolve strengthening. They knew the fight was far from over, but they were prepared to face whatever came next, together.