Tainted Bloodline...🩸

21.

_POV: IN THE HUMAN WORLD_

The boys led Kael and the others through a neglected neighborhood, roots crawling over crumbling houses, and dirt-lined streets. The area resembled a forsaken ghetto, with piercing gazes from passersby making Aria's skin crawl. She rubbed her arms, seeking comfort.

Xavier noticed her distress and moved closer, his expression impassive. Aria glanced up at him, but his eyes remained fixed ahead.

Rave halted before a dilapidated house, its door hanging crookedly. "Don't mind the interior," he chuckled nervously. "It's all we've got."

Ryan rubbed his neck as they entered. Kael pushed his way back out, holding his nose.

"What the fuck?!" he yelled.

Lax followed, equally repelled. "Oh my goodness, the house reeks of piss!"

Xavier's expression remained inscrutable, his face a mask... Nimue and Aria expecting the same reaction

"Demons can hold their breath for a long time," he said, his voice matter-of-fact. "I haven't been breathing since I can remember. It's almost like I forget how to breathe."

He walked into the house, leaving Nimue and Aria exchanging glances. They followed him, trying to hide their reactions.

Outside, Kael and Lax laughed, holding their nostrils.

"It doesn't stink that bad," Nimue said, twisting her face in distaste.

Aria forced a smile for Rave and Ryan's benefit. "Yeah, Lax and Kael are just being dramatic."

Nimue peeked outside, observing the unlikely duo's camaraderie.

"They actually get along... I never knew bratty Kael was this bubbly," she whispered to Aria.

Aria smiled. "Yeah, he's loosening up a bit... maybe my magic caused it."

Nimue nudged Aria's shoulder. "The only person I don't think will ever budge is..."

"Xavier," they chimed in unison, bursting into laughter...

Inside, the house resembled a mirror image of the street: torn chairs, ripped curtains, and scattered cans of alcohol. Aria and Nimue navigated the cluttered space, their footsteps echoing. Pictures hung crookedly on the walls, frames broken and barely clinging to their nails.

Nimue's fingers traced the edges of a dusty frame on a worn desk. She lifted it, revealing a family portrait: a man, a woman, and three boys. Two boys shared the family's blonde hair, but one stood out – a boy with raven-black long hair.

"A-asher?!..." Nimue's voice trembled as realization dawned. Her hand shook, and the frame slipped, shattering on the floor.

"Hey! Nimue, what happened?!" Aria rushed to her side.

Xavier's gaze locked onto the broken glass, his expression unwavering.

Lax and Kael entered, drawn by the commotion. The blonde boys hurried over, concern etched on their faces.

"Miss, are you okay?" Rave asked, grasping Nimue's hand.

Ryan picked up the broken frame, studying the picture.

"W-who's that boy?"

Nimue snatched the frame, pointing at the dark-haired boy.

"M-my brother?" Ryan replied, perplexed by her reaction.

Nimue showed the picture to Aria, whose eyes widened in shock.

"That's him.." Aria exclaimed.

Ryan's face twisted in annoyance.

"Uh, yeah... Do you know him?"

"I knew something was off...I knew I was forgetting something and that something or someone is him.." nimue said her voice breaking

"What's his name?" Aria asked Ryan

"Asher...what's happening here!?" He grew impatient

"You all have blonde hair...if he's your brother.." Aria was cut short when Ryan intervened

"My mum and dad adopted him way back before we were born"he said

"And?"nimue turned to him

"And?" He asked confused

"Where the fuck is he!?" She yelled gripping the boy's shoulder

"I dont know!..okay!? He's been missing!..I dont fuckin know okay!?" Ryan yelled

Nimue's eyes darted wildly. "I-I need to go back..."

Lax grasped her petite frame, holding her in place. "W-what!?..No!"

"We didn't tell him... We left him, Lax," Nimue whispered urgently.

"Uh..Who?" Kael asked, confusion etched on his face.

"I don't think going back is a good decision Nimue.." Lax said

" Why not!?" Nimue snapped

" Wait...aria how long was the spell going to last.."

Aria's face dropped

"I was suppose to renew the spell when we meet again...it's probably faded by now"

To be continued...