Lucius opened the door, exhaustion etched on his face. The events of the day weighed heavily on his mind.
"Welcome home, Lucius!" Mrs. Von Doom called from the kitchen.
Lucius forced a smile, trying to shake off his concerns. "Hello, Mother."
Mrs. Von Doom bustled around the kitchen, preparing dinner. "How was your day, dear?"
"It was good," Lucius replied, avoiding eye contact.
Mrs. Von Doom nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'm glad to hear that. But I'm worried about these hunters roaming around town. They're causing quite a stir."
Lucius's grip on his chair tightened. "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Von Doom sighed. "They're everywhere, asking questions and searching for that... creature. I fear for our safety."
Lucius's heart ached, knowing the truth about Marriate. But he couldn't reveal it, not even to Mrs. Von Doom.
"I understand your concerns, Mother," Lucius said reassuringly. "But the hunters are just trying to protect us."
Mrs. Von Doom's expression turned skeptical. "Protect us? They're more likely to harm innocent people. Mark my words."
Lucius nodded, trying to placate her. "I'll be careful, Mother. Don't worry."
As they sat down to dinner, Lucius's thoughts drifted back to Marriate and the Musketeers. The danger was far from over.
"Lucius, are you listening?" Mrs. Von Doom asked, her voice breaking into his thoughts.
"Yes, Mother. Sorry," Lucius replied, forcing himself back to the present.
As dinner continued, Lucius struggled to maintain the facade, hiding his secrets behind a mask of calm.
After dinner, Lucius pushed his chair back and stood up.
"I'm heading out, Mother," Lucius announced.
Mrs. Von Doom looked up from her sewing. "Where are you going, dear? It's getting late."
"I need to see Monsieur Pierre," Lucius replied.
Mrs. Von Doom's brow furrowed. "Can't it wait till morning? Those hunters are still roaming around."
Lucius reassured her. "I'll be fine, Mother. I promise."
Mrs. Von Doom's expression remained skeptical. "Be careful, Lucius."
Lucius smiled warmly. "I will, Mother. Don't worry."
With a final glance at Mrs. Von Doom, Lucius left the house.
Instead of heading to Monsieur Pierre's, Lucius made his way to the local tavern.
The sign creaked in the wind: "Le Coq Rouge". Lucius pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Lucius walked into the bustling tavern, the sounds and smells enveloping him. He took a seat at the bar, ordering a pint of ale.
The bartender, a gruff but friendly man, asked, "What brings you here tonight, Lucius?"
"Just enjoying the evening," Lucius replied, scanning the room.
The tavern was filled with hunters, sharing stories and boasting of their exploits.
Lucius listened intently, gathering information.
"...heard the Beast took down five men last night," one hunter claimed.
Another chimed in, "I saw its tracks, bigger than any wolf's."
Lucius sipped his ale, processing the rumors.
As he continued listening to the hunters' tales, Lucius pieced together the chaos.
The Beast's attacks were becoming more frequent.
The hunters were on edge.
Lucius finished his ale and left.
The night air was crisp.
Lucius pondered his next move.
Marriate savored the roasted meat, smiling at the Chastel family's warmth.
Jeane Chastel, a rugged hunter, chuckled. "Remember when we were young, Marriate? We caused quite a stir in school."
Marriate's eyes sparkled. "How could I forget, Jeane? You were the troublemaker."
Jeane's wife, Francoise, laughed. "I've heard stories about your pranks."
Their son, Jacques, grinned. "Father, tell us again about the time you and Marriate skipped class."
Jeane obliged, launching into a tale of mischief.
Maria Jeane, their daughter, listened intently, refilling Marriate's wine cup.
As the evening wore on, Marriate felt a sense of belonging.
Jeane leaned in, his expression serious. "Marriate, I'm glad you're here. These Beast attacks have us on edge."
Marriate's smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. "I understand your concerns, Jeane. But I'm sure the hunters will handle it."
Francoise nodded. "We just want our family safe."
Marriate's gaze met Maria Jeane's, and for an instant, he felt a pang.
Little did they know, he was the monster they feared.
As the night drew to a close, Marriate bid the Chastels farewell.
"Thank you for the hospitality, Jeane," Marriate said, embracing his friend.
Jeane clapped Marriate's back. "Anytime, Marriate. You're family."
As Marriate stepped into the darkness, his expression twisted.
The Chastels' kindness would soon turn to horror.
He vanished into the night, the Beast's presence lurking.
Marriate waited, his eyes glowing in the darkness. His Werewolf form rippled with anticipation.
He had manipulated Jeane Chastel's trust, using their shared past to lure him into a false sense of security.
Now, under the light of the full moon, Marriate's true nature emerged.
With a deafening howl, Marriate burst into a sprint, racing toward the Chastel's residence.
The small house, once filled with warmth and laughter, now trembled with fear.
Jeane Chastel, sensing danger, grabbed his rifle and rushed to the window.
"Francoise, Jacques, Maria! Get down!" he yelled.
But it was too late.
Marriate smashed through the door, his massive paws shattering wood.
The family cowered as Marriate loomed, his eyes blazing.
Jeane fired his rifle, but Marriate dodged, the bullet lodging in the wall.
Francoise screamed, clinging to her children.
Marriate's jaws snapped, mere inches from Jeane's face.
"You should have stayed out of this, Jeane," Marriate snarled.
With one swift swipe, Marriate knocked Jeane to the ground.
The family's cries filled the night as Marriate's claws tore through the house.
Maria Jeane's eyes locked onto Marriate's, horror and recognition dawning.
This was the monster that had haunted their dreams.
The Beast of Gevudan.
Marriate's gaze lingered on Maria, a flicker of hesitation.
But his rage consumed him, and he continued his rampage.
The Chastel family's screams echoed through the night, a haunting melody.
As the moon reached its zenith, Marriate vanished into the darkness.
The house lay in shambles, the family's laughter silenced forever.
Maria Jeane, battered and shaken, stumbled out into the night.
Her world shattered, her family torn from her.
A burning resolve ignited within Maria.
She would hunt the Beast, no matter the cost.