Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 4: Family Secrets Revealed

The Thompson brothers' laughter faded as they pulled into the mansion's driveway.

"Alex, it's time you knew the truth," Lucas said, his expression serious.

Ethan nodded. "About the family curse and Olivia."

Alexander's eyes widened. "What curse?"

Lucas took a deep breath. "Our family's wealth and power come with a price. A curse that drives us to destroy each other."

Ethan's expression turned defensive. "That's not true. Father did what he had to do."

Alexander's face paled. "You mean killing Olivia?"

Ethan's voice hardened. "Father was protecting the family. The curse demands sacrifices."

Lucas remained silent, his eyes avoiding Alexander's.

Alexander felt a chill. "You're defending him?"

Ethan's jaw clenched. "I'm defending our family's legacy."

Lucas's silence spoke volumes.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "You're not going to say anything, Lucas?"

Lucas's gaze dropped.

Ethan continued, "The curse is what makes us strong. We can't break it."

Alexander's voice shook. "I won't accept that."

Ethan's expression softened. "Alex, understand—"

"No," Alexander interrupted. "I won't defend murder. I can't understand wait.."
Alexander's voice trembled. "So, the family curse... it's not just about power and wealth?"

Ethan's expression turned grim. "No, Alex. It's about survival."

Alexander's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Ethan hesitated before speaking. "The curse dictates we can't have daughters. If a daughter is born, she must be... eliminated."

Lucas's eyes dropped, his face pale.

Alexander felt a chill. "And what about the other part? The sacrifice?"

Ethan's voice was barely above a whisper. "When you turn 18, you'll have to take a life. It's the curse's demand."

Alexander's face contorted in horror. "You're saying we have to murder someone? And kill our own daughters?"

Ethan's expression remained resolute. "It's the price of our family's legacy, Alex."

Lucas remained silent, his eyes fixed on the floor.

Alexander's voice shook. "How can you justify this?"

Ethan's voice hardened. "It's not about justification, Alex. It's about duty. Our family's duty to the curse."

Alexander felt his world crumbling.