A Eternal Love

chapter 32

The night had settled like a heavy cloak when Daniel entered the abandoned cellar where Christian was waiting. Chains rattled faintly in the shadows, and the stench of blood was sharp in the air.

Christian didn’t look up as his brother approached; he was studying a rough map spread across a cracked wooden table. “He wasn’t alone,” Christian said flatly. “The one we caught—he’s just a pawn. The real hand pulling the strings is bigger.”

Daniel folded his arms, jaw tense. “Who?”

Christian’s eyes finally lifted, gleaming like steel. “The vampire clan leader. The one we thought was dead.”

Daniel stiffened. “We killed him.”

“Apparently not well enough.” Christian smirked coldly. “He’s the one who ordered the attack on Mia’s grandmother. And now, he’s testing us.”

They worked in silence for hours, laying out the trap: whispers through trusted contacts, false leads that would lure the clan leader into thinking one of his lieutenants had betrayed him. Christian’s mind was ruthless and precise; Daniel hated his methods, but he couldn’t deny his efficiency.

By dawn, the trap was set. The vampire was caught—bound, gagged, and hissing in fury as he was dragged into the cellar. His eyes gleamed with hatred, his body twitching against the iron restraints that burned his flesh.

Christian circled him slowly, like a predator enjoying the scent of blood. “You should’ve stayed in the grave. Tell me why you wanted the old woman dead.”

The vampire spat, his voice a guttural growl. “ Because she holds secrets that should never pass to your order yours little pet.”

Christian leaned closer, his smile razor-thin. “Secrets… or protection?”

The prisoner laughed, even as Daniel’s fist silenced him. Yet something in his words made them both pause.

Why would the clan leader risk everything for an old woman?

Across town, life was shifting toward peace.

Mia walked through the family house with a smile she hadn’t worn in years. Her grandmother was home again, propped in her favorite armchair, a warm quilt wrapped around her shoulders. The rift in the family was finally healing. Plans were already buzzing through the house: Rebecca and Kevin’s wedding was set for next month.

For once, Mia felt light.

But Jeremy remained restless. That evening, he sat on the porch with Rebecca, staring into the fading sunset.

“I can’t let it go,” Jeremy confessed, his voice low. “How I treated Reese. How I let myself believe she betrayed us. I can still see the way she looked at me… like I was someone she didn’t know.”

Rebecca laid her hand over his. “Then don’t bury it. Call her.”

“I can’t,” he said sharply, then softer: “Not yet. I wouldn’t even know what to say.”

“Then when you’re ready,” Rebecca replied, “I’ll stand by you. But you owe it to her—and to yourself.”

Before Jeremy could answer, their grandmother’s voice carried from inside. “Everyone, come here.”

Gathered in the living room, she cleared her throat. “Next week, we’ll have a joint dinner with Kevin’s family. We’ll finalize everything for the wedding. No excuses.”

Cheers and laughter filled the room. For the first time in years, it felt like a true family gathering.

Mia slipped away to her room and pulled out her phone. She needed to hear Daniel’s voice.

“Daniel?” she whispered when he picked up. “Grandma’s better. Rebecca’s wedding is next month. And… we’re having a big family dinner next week. I’ve never seen everyone so happy. I’m happy.”

Daniel closed his eyes, her words cutting through the screams in the cellar. Behind him, the clan leader howled as Christian pressed a glowing iron to his arm.

“I’m glad,” Daniel said softly, forcing warmth into his tone. “You deserve it, Mia. All of it.”

A piercing scream broke through the air, loud enough Mia must have heard something.

“Daniel? What was that?”

“Nothing,” he said quickly, gripping the phone tighter. “Just… noise. Don’t worry.”

Christian chuckled darkly from across the room. “Tell her to hang up, or her lovesick knight will be the one who breaks first.”

Daniel shot him a glare, his jaw tight.

In the corner, Harry and Lizzie exchanged looks, struggling to hold back laughter at the absurdity of Christian’s mockery even in the middle of torture.

“Be quiet,” Daniel hissed at all of them, pressing the phone close. “Mia, I’ll see you soon. Get some rest, alright?”

When he hung up, his eyes burned into Christian’s. “One day, your games will push too far.”

Christian only smiled. “And one day, little brother, you’ll thank me.”