Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 21: The Bait

When Vlad, Cristoff, and Brigette returned from hunting Theron, the tension in the air was palpable. They entered the Ashford house, tired but resolute. Richard called everyone into the living room, his expression grave. The family gathered, each sensing the urgency of the moment.

"Alright," Richard began, his voice steady. "We need to talk about how we're going to trap Theron. We've tried hunting him, but he's always one step ahead. So, we need to make him think he's in control. We need a bait—someone he can't resist."

Vlad's eyes narrowed. "This plan is insane, Father. It's extremely dangerous. You're suggesting we sacrifice one of our own?"

Brigette nodded in agreement, her face pale. "We can't risk losing anyone. There has to be another way."

Alexis, sitting beside Laura, took a deep breath. "If that's the only way, let's do it."

Vicky's eyes filled with tears. "There must be another solution. I can't bear the thought of sacrificing any of you. Alexis, you included."

Richard hugged his wife tightly. "I know it's hard, Vicky. But if we don't do this, we might lose everyone. We need to be smart about this."

Cristoff stood up, his jaw set. "I'll do it. I'll be the bait."

Richard shook his head. "No, Cristoff. Not you."

Cristoff's eyes flashed with determination. "Then who?"

A heavy silence filled the room. Everyone looked at each other, searching for a solution.

"It must be Laura," Richard finally said, his voice barely a whisper.

Alexis's eyes widened in shock. "Laura? No! Absolutely not."

Laura looked at her father, her own surprise mirrored in her expression. "Me?"

"I'll do it," Vlad said quickly. "Don't put Laura in danger. I'm stronger, faster—I can handle it."

Brigette and Selina both voiced their objections. "We can't risk losing you, Vlad," Brigette said. "We need everyone at full strength."

Richard held up his hand to silence the room. "Theron knows that Alexis loves Laura. He'll do anything to save her. It's the only way we can lure him out."

Alexis stood, his fists clenched. "I can't let you do this, Laura. It's too dangerous."

Laura stepped forward, her face calm but determined. "No, Alexis. If this is what we have to do to stop Theron, then I'll do it."

Richard nodded, respect and sorrow in his eyes. "We'll need a plan. We can't afford any mistakes."

They gathered around the table, Richard laying out the details. "We'll stage a scenario where Laura appears vulnerable. Theron will take the bait, and we'll be ready to strike. We need to ensure he feels confident, that he believes he's in control."

Laura listened carefully, her resolve unwavering. "Where will we do this?"

"In the woods," Richard replied. "It's isolated enough, and we can control the surroundings better. We'll set traps, and we'll have a team ready to move in the moment Theron shows up."

Vlad crossed his arms. "We need to be positioned strategically. Selina and I will handle the perimeters. Cristoff and Mother will cover the escape routes."

Alexis interjected, his voice firm. "I'll be with Laura. I won't leave her side."

Richard object, understanding the young man's determination. "No. You will stay here with Brigette. Theron will knew if you come with us. Your blood is our problem. It has a strong essense. We can't risk Theron sensing something is off."

They spent hours fine-tuning the plan, going over every detail until they felt as prepared as they could be. As the night wore on, the weight of what they were about to undertake settled over them like a heavy fog.

Later, as the family dispersed to gather supplies and prepare, Laura and Alexis found themselves alone. They stood in the garden, the moon casting a silver glow over them.

"Are you sure about this?" Alexis asked, his voice filled with concern.

Laura nodded. "I have to be. For all of us. For you."

He pulled her into a tight embrace. "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," she whispered, her voice filled with a fierce determination. "We'll get through this. Together."

As they held each other, the enormity of the task ahead loomed over them. But in that moment, they drew strength from their love, preparing to face whatever came their way.