Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 20: Morning Promises

The next morning, the sun cast a warm, golden light over the Ashford estate. Laura and Alexis strolled hand in hand through the garden, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. Birds chirped from the treetops, and the world seemed peaceful, if only for a moment.

Laura looked up at Alexis, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Do you remember the first time we met in the woods?"

Alexis smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "How could I forget? You meet me in the old chapel in the woods and i almost lost in the trail."

Laura laughed. "You looked like a lost puppy. It was adorable."

"Oh, so now I'm adorable?" Alexis teased, pulling her closer.

"Absolutely," she replied, standing on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You're my adorable lost puppy."

Alexis chuckled and wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her towards a large oak tree at the edge of the garden. "And you're my fierce protector. I guess we're a pretty good team."

As they reached the tree, Laura leaned against it, pulling Alexis to stand close in front of her. "I think we make a perfect team," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from his face.

He leaned in, their foreheads touching. "I couldn't agree more."

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes. Then Alexis broke the silence with a playful grin. "You know, if you keep staring at me like that, I might get a big head."

Laura laughed, the sound like music to Alexis' ears. "Oh really? Well, maybe I should stop then."

"Maybe," he replied, his voice dropping to a whisper, "but I hope you don't."

She smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "I won't, I promise."

From her perch on the roof, Selina watched the couple with a small smile. She used her heightened senses to scan the area, ensuring no unwanted visitors approached. She admired their bond, even if she did occasionally feel a pang of envy. But protecting them, and especially Alexis, was her priority.

Meanwhile, deep in the woods, Vlad, Cristoff, and Brigette moved silently through the underbrush. They had been searching for hours, hoping to pick up Theron's trail. Brigette paused, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the forest. "Anything?" Vlad asked, his voice low.

Brigette shook her head. "Nothing. It's like he's vanished."

Cristoff clenched his fists in frustration. "He can't hide forever. We'll find him."

Back at the house, Vicky bustled around the kitchen, humming to herself as she prepared lunch for Alexis. She chopped vegetables with practiced ease, her thoughts focused on creating a delicious meal that would provide some comfort amidst the chaos.

In the living room, Richard sat in deep thought. Maps and notes were spread out before him as he tried to devise a new plan to trap Theron. He knew they needed to be smarter, to anticipate Theron's moves. His mind raced with possibilities, each idea more daring than the last.

As the morning stretched on, Laura and Alexis continued their walk. They reached a small pond, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. Laura picked up a pebble and skipped it across the water, watching it bounce before sinking. "Do you ever think about what might happen after all this is over?" she asked quietly.

Alexis wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "All the time. I dream about a normal life, where we don't have to worry about being hunted."

Laura leaned back into him, closing her eyes. "That sounds perfect. Just you and me, living our lives without fear."

He kissed the top of her head. "We'll get there. I promise."

They stood there in silence, wrapped in each other's embrace, their hearts beating in unison. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, giving them a moment of peace amidst the storm.

As they made their way back to the house, they found Selina still perched on the roof, her eyes scanning the horizon. She waved down to them, a reassuring presence amidst the uncertainty. Laura waved back, feeling a surge of gratitude for her family's unwavering support.

Inside, the aroma of Vicky's cooking greeted them, and they found Richard still deep in thought. He looked up as they entered, offering a small smile. "Good walk?"

Laura nodded. "Yes, it was nice to get some fresh air."

Richard gestured to the maps. "I've been thinking. We need a new strategy, something Theron won't see coming."

Alexis and Laura joined him at the table, their hands still entwined. "What do you have in mind?" Alexis asked.

Richard's eyes gleamed with determination. "We set a trap, but this time, we make him think he's the one in control. We'll lure him out, make him believe he's got the upper hand, and then we strike."

Laura and Alexis exchanged a glance, their confidence in Richard unwavering. "Let's do it," Laura said, her voice firm.

With the plan set in motion, the Ashford family knew they had a challenging road ahead. But with their love for each other and their unwavering determination, they were ready to face whatever came their way. Together, they would protect what mattered most and fight for the future they dreamed of.