Torn Family Tree (DISCONTINUED)

XVI. Unanswered Questions

We arrived in the woods not far from home and I immediately let go of Hunters hand. I began to blush and walked quickly back to the manor. I ran up the stairs and into my room. I unpacked my bag, grabbed my laptop, sketchbook, notebooks, and pencils and headed to the library. When I entered the room I pulled all the books father had on Lycanthropy and Wood Nymphs and placed them on the large table. Before opening the books I place my sketchbook in front of me and drew the wolf form of Hunter and Alec. I then drew a picture of my mother, and theirs. Last but not least, I drew a picture of Father. I looked through the the books, and began to write.

Lycanthropy- the supernatural transformation of a person into a wolf; the assumption of the form and characteristics of a wolf held possible by witchcraft or magic

Dryad- tree nymph; female tree spirit; female spirits of nature who preside over the groves and forests.

I had to use my laptop to find any information on Father. I was shocked to say the least.

Sexual Offenderman- Lures women ages 14-20 to his mansion with his hypnotic voice. He tortures them and kills them, drinking their blood to survive.

I remembered the moans of agony behind the various locked doors of the manor. The floorboards behind me creaked and I jumped up from my chair, and fell back onto the desk, startled. Alec was standing in front of me. His eyes never left mine as he picked up my notebook. He looked at me and knotted his brow in aggravation.

"You're research is pointless."

"Excuse me?"

"You could have asked my idiot brother. He would have told you anything he knew. Which is more than you will find in those books."

"Hunter is not an idiot."

"He accompanied you into a house full of murderers, who would not hesitate to kill him."

"That's my family."

"I realize."

"Why must you be so rude?"

He narrowed his eyes and left the room, throwing my notes back onto the table. I gathered my things and began to leave the library. I noticed a slight glint coming from the fireplace. I walked over and began to dig through the soot. There was a black skeleton key sitting in the ashes. I dusted the key off and placed it in my front pocket. Exiting the library I began to wonder what the key could open. Does it open the doors to the manor? I asked myself as I walked up the stairs and into my room returning my books and laptop to my desk.. Cerberus was laying on my bed. He jumped down when I entered the room. I patted my leg and he walked over to me. I ruffled the fur on his head and he jumped back onto my bed. I decided it would be best to get some frsh air after being in the library for so long. Sitting down on the floor I transported into the forest, close to the clearing where I first saw Alec and Hunter. Suddenly I felt a sharp, burning pain in my chest. I began to scream in pain. My sudden outburst scared the local wildlife, the birds fluttered from the trees and the deer ran off in fear. Hunter ran over to me from the clearing. He pulled my head to his chest and cooed me.

"Hey, its okay, you're okay."

The pain subsided and I was left gasping for air with tears in my eyes. I looked up and saw Alec standing above me. He turned around and stormed off. I got up to stand, and had to lean on Hunter for support. He helped me walk back to the manor, and mother rushed over to me, Father standing close behind.

"Kalleria! Did you feel it too?"

"If you're referring to the sharp burning pain in my chest that left me breathless, the yes mother. I felt it too,"

"Hunter, did you notice anyone harming the trees, or the rose bushes?"

Alec entered the room, "Amalthelia, I must apologize for my actions. I was carving a tree, and flew into a rage. I tore through the forest destroying many of your rose bushes in the process. I was unaware of the consequences caused by my actions."

"Alec, we must think of more creative wys for you to express your anger. Im not sure if I will be able to survive if you continue to harm my forest."

"Yes, ma'am."

Alec left the room and Hunter ran after him.

"Mother, Father, I believe training room will be suitable for Alec's outbursts."

"Whatever do you mean by training room?" Mother asked

"A room, in the manor, that can hold objects that Alec can release his anger upon. Punching bags would be an example. If the room was sound proofed, he could also yell any obscenities necessary."

Father pondered the idea for a moment, "Amalthelia, this is a valid option. I do believe the sound profing of the rooms will be extremely...beneficial."

"Yes, husband, I agree. Do you think your nefews will be willing to help?"

"Father, I could ask them. They do enjoy it when I visit."

"Kalleria, you may go, but Alec must accompany you. Visiting the others may change his perspective on our family, and calm his temper."

"I bet Jeff would like him." I muttered when mother and father were out of earshot.