Blood and Desire

gathering storm

The dim glow of twilight settled over the Valtor estate, where the atmosphere was thick with frustration and unease. Eldric's failure had enraged the Valtor leader, and the whole family gathered to regroup. Isabelle's father paced in front of the fireplace, his shadow cast large across the room.

"Seraphina thinks she's clever," he growled. "But we will strike back. We'll tear through her sanctuary, and when she has nothing left, she'll have no choice but to surrender."

Eldric stood off to the side, eyes downcast, still smarting from his betrayal being discovered. His brothers, towering figures with cold expressions, shot him icy glances.

"We can still use Valeria," one of the brothers muttered. "She knows their defenses. If we find her, we find Seraphina."

But Isabelle's father waved him off. "We don't need Valeria. She's weak. We'll strike them hard where they live."

Outside the estate, the Valtor soldiers gathered, preparing for their assault on the sanctuary. They moved silently, a shadowy force blending with the night. The plan was in motion.

Far from the Valtors' reach, Seraphina sat by the window of the secluded cabin deep in the forest, her eyes scanning the trees. She had moved everyone here without a word, knowing the sanctuary was no longer safe. The Valtors would be coming soon, and it was only a matter of time before they realized they'd been outsmarted.

Behind her, Lena and Alaric were engaged in a tense conversation by the fireplace.

"You think it's smart to trust her?" Alaric snapped, his voice low but sharp.

Lena looked up at him, frustration in her eyes. "She's been with us all this time. Why would she betray us now?"

Alaric folded his arms, his jaw clenched. "Because she's a Valtor. It's in their blood to deceive."

From across the room, Valeria, who had been quietly sitting beside Seraphina, stiffened at his words. Her gaze dropped, hurt flickering in her eyes.

Seraphina glanced at her, her hand resting lightly on Valeria's arm in a gesture of reassurance. "She's with us," Seraphina said softly, but firmly, her voice carrying over to Alaric and Lena. "I trust her."

Lena looked between the two women, something unreadable passing through her expression. She felt torn—between her loyalty to Seraphina and the unease that had been gnawing at her ever since Valeria entered the picture.

Back at the sanctuary, the Valtors crept through the silent halls, expecting an ambush at any moment. But they found nothing. The entire place was deserted.

"They've abandoned it," one of the brothers sneered.

"Smart," Eldric muttered. "But not smart enough."

As they continued searching the sanctuary, one of the Valtor scouts uncovered something—a faint trail, a hidden marker that only someone with insider knowledge could have left. It was the tracker Eldric had slipped in during his last encounter with Seraphina's group, a backup plan he had kept secret.

The Valtor leader grinned wickedly. "So they think they can hide. Good. We'll hunt them down. It's time to finish this."

As night fell and the group settled into an uneasy quiet, Seraphina found herself alone with Valeria once again. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow across their faces. Seraphina's gaze lingered on Valeria, sensing the tension in her body.

"Don't let them get to you," Seraphina murmured, her hand brushing against Valeria's. "They'll come around."

Valeria looked up, her dark eyes meeting Seraphina's. "What if they never do?"