Sophia and Bastien's triumph over the vampire coven brought temporary relief to Bayou Bleu, but the mysterious pact and Bastien's family secrets lingered, begging to be unraveled.
One evening, as the full moon dipped into the horizon, Bastien took Sophia to his family's ancient cabin, hidden deep within the bayou. Yellowed scrolls and dusty tomes revealed the Dubois family's history.
"Bastien, what's this?" Sophia asked, unfolding a parchment with strange symbols.
"That's the original pact," Bastien replied, his eyes locked on the document. "Made between my ancestor, Étienne Dubois, and the vampire lord, Alexandre LaMorte."
Sophia's eyes widened. "LaMorte? The same family that founded Bayou Bleu?"
Bastien nodded. "The same. Étienne traded our family's protection for their safety. We'd guard against other vampires, and they'd keep their kind from invading our lands."
Sophia's mind reeled. "But why would LaMorte agree to this?"
Bastien's expression turned grim. "He had a hidden agenda. LaMorte sought to harness the power of the loup-garou for his own kin."
Suddenly, the cabin door creaked open. A figure, shrouded in shadows, stood at the threshold.
"Welcome, Sophia," the stranger said, voice dripping with malice. "I see you've discovered our little secret."
The figure stepped forward, revealing a woman with piercing green eyes – Adèle LaMorte, Alexandre's descendant.
"Adèle, what do you want?" Bastien growled.
"The pact is broken," Adèle spat. "Your family's protection is no longer needed. It's time for LaMorte to reclaim Bayou Bleu."
Sophia's heart pounded. "Not if we have anything to say about it."
The battle for Bayou Bleu had only just begun.