Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 18: A Desperate Plan

Laura, Selina, Vlad, and Cristoff took Alexis to their house to discuss what they could do to prevent Brigette's vision from happening.

When they arrived at the house, Alexis paid his respects to Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, and they all sat down in the living room to start the conversation.

Brigette broke the silence, her voice steady but urgent. "We need to talk about keeping Alexis safe. I think it would be best if he stayed with us for a while."

Selina nodded. "Brigette is right. If Alexis is here, we can protect him while we continue our hunt for Theron."

Vlad, always direct, added, "And Cristoff and I won't stop until Theron is dead. We need to ensure everyone in Snowmass Village is safe, especially Alexis."

All eyes turned to Alexis as Richard asked, "What do you think, Alexis? Would you be comfortable staying with us?"

Vicky and Laura watched Alexis intently, awaiting his decision. Alexis took a deep breath, considering the proposal. "I think it's a good idea, but I'm worried about my aunt Jane. I don't know what to tell her."

Laura quickly responded, "We'll make an excuse that you're going with us on a trip out of town. I'll tell your aunt myself and explain everything."

Alexis nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Alright, let's do it."

Laura and Alexis arrived at Jane's house. Jane opened the door, smiling warmly at them. "Good evening," Laura greeted, her voice polite but firm.

Jane invited them in, and Laura wasted no time explaining their plan. "Jane, we were wondering if we could take Alexis out of town for a few days. My family is planning a trip to Denver, Colorado, and we'd love for Alexis to join us."

Jane looked between Alexis and Laura, her brow furrowing in concern. "Where exactly are you going? And who all is going with you?"

"The entire Ashford family," Laura assured her. "We'll be staying at a hotel in Denver. It's just a short trip, but we'd love to have Alexis with us."

Jane turned to Alexis. "Do you want to go, Alexis?"

Alexis nodded, trying to appear enthusiastic. "Yes, Aunt Jane. It sounds like a great opportunity."

Jane hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Alright, if that's what you want. Just make sure you keep in touch, okay?"

"We will," Laura promised. "Thank you, Jane."

Once they returned to the Ashford house, the atmosphere was a blend of anticipation and tension. Alexis felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but he was determined to help however he could.

Richard gathered everyone in the living room again. "Now that we've settled that, we need to plan our next steps. Alexis will stay here, but we can't let our guard down."

"Selina, you'll keep extending your senses," Richard instructed. "We need to know the moment Theron gets anywhere near us."

Selina nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Vlad and Cristoff, you'll continue the search," Richard continued. "We can't let Theron have any more opportunities to harm anyone."

Vlad and Cristoff exchanged a look and nodded. "We'll find him," Cristoff said with grim determination.

As night fell, Vlad and Cristoff prepared to head back into the woods. The air was thick with tension as they geared up, their expressions focused and fierce. Selina stood at the edge of the woods, eyes closed, extending her senses as far as she could.

Vlad glanced back at Alexis. "Stay close to the house. Don't wander off."

"I won't," Alexis promised, feeling the gravity of the situation more than ever.

Vlad and Cristoff vanished into the darkness, moving with a speed and stealth that was almost supernatural. The forest was eerily quiet, the only sound being the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot.

Cristoff's eyes scanned the trees, his senses on high alert. "Theron won't be able to hide forever," he muttered.

Vlad nodded. "We'll find him. He's out there somewhere."

Back at the house, Laura and Alexis sat in the living room, the tension palpable. Laura's eyes never left Alexis, worry etched into her features.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Laura asked softly.

Alexis met her gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "I want to help. I can't just sit back and do nothing."

Laura reached out, taking his hand in hers. "We'll protect you, Alexis. We won't let anything happen to you."

Alexis squeezed her hand, feeling a sense of comfort despite the danger looming over them. "I know you will."

Vlad and Cristoff continued their search, moving deeper into the forest. Suddenly, Selina's voice came through their earpieces, urgent and tense. "I sense something. It's Theron. He's close."

Vlad and Cristoff exchanged a look, their eyes narrowing. "We're on it," Vlad replied, adjusting his course.

They moved swiftly, their senses heightened. As they approached a clearing, they spotted a shadowy figure moving through the trees.

"It's him," Cristoff whispered, his grip tightening on his weapon.

Vlad nodded, signaling for them to move in. They spread out, approaching the figure from different angles. As they closed in, Theron turned, his eyes glowing with a predatory gleam.

"You're too late," Theron sneered, baring his fangs.

Vlad and Cristoff lunged at him simultaneously, their movements perfectly synchronized. Theron dodged their initial strikes, but they were relentless, pressing their attack with unyielding determination.

The battle was fierce and fast-paced, the forest echoing with the sounds of their clash. Vlad and Cristoff fought with a ferocity born of desperation, knowing that they had to end this threat once and for all.

Just as it seemed they had Theron cornered, he let out a guttural growl and unleashed a burst of inhuman speed, darting through the trees and out of sight. Vlad and Cristoff pursued him, their frustration mounting as they realized he was slipping away.

"No!" Vlad roared, pushing himself to move faster.

Cristoff cursed under his breath, his eyes scanning the darkness. "He's getting away."

Theron's laughter echoed through the forest as he disappeared into the night, his speed unmatched. Vlad and Cristoff came to a halt, their chests heaving with exertion.

"We lost him," Cristoff said, his voice filled with frustration.

Vlad slammed his fist into a nearby tree, splintering the bark. "Damn it!"

Vlad and Cristoff returned to the Ashford house, their expressions weary and frustrated. Everyone was waiting anxiously for their return.

"What happened?" Laura asked, her voice filled with concern.

"He got away," Vlad admitted, his voice laced with anger.

Alexis's heart sank. "So what do we do now?"

"We regroup," Selina said firmly. "We'll keep searching. We won't let him get away again."

Alexis looked around at the determined faces of the Ashford family, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "We'll get him," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "Together."

And as the night stretched on, the Ashford family prepared for the battles that still lay ahead, knowing that they would face whatever came their way together.