The Alaric estate felt quieter than usual in the days following the ambush in Silverwood. Conversations among the family were clipped, guarded and impenetrable as night. Each member careful not to reveal the fear simmering beneath their surface calm. Luca knew his father, Donovan, was working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen alliances, but doubt was starting to slither in slowly.
Eva, however, wasn't one to wait around. She sensed that the only way to uncover the full extent of the vampire conspiracy was to investigate alone, silently observing the movements of each family. Even though Donovan had advised caution, her instincts told her that she couldn't let Viktor's threat linger. She wasn't the type to let fear paralyze her—she preferred action.
As the sun dipped below the horizon one evening, Luca found Eva gathering supplies in the courtyard, her leather satchel slung over one shoulder and her demeanor focused.
"Eva, where are you going?" Luca asked, stepping into her path.
"I need to know more," she replied, her voice steady and firm. "Viktor hinted that the Blackwoods aren't alone, and that means someone else is hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike. I'm going to find out who."
Luca frowned. "Do you really think wandering into enemy territory alone is wise? Viktor could be setting a trap."
She held his gaze. "If I stay, we'll be waiting in the dark. We need answers, Luca. I'll be careful, and I won't be gone long."
Luca hesitated. He respected his sister's determination, but he couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into danger. "Promise me you'll come back by dawn. And if you find anything suspicious, you'll retreat. Don't try to face them alone."
Eva gave him a small nod. "I promise."
Without another word, she disappeared into the night, her steps silent as she slipped into the shadows. Luca still wasn't reassured of her safety, but he had to respect her resolute determination to uncover the truth. So he persuaded no further.
- - -
Eva moved swiftly through the winding streets of Valewood, her senses alert. She knew where she needed to go—the Blackwoods' territory bordered a secluded part of the city, marked by dense trees and narrow, winding paths. It was the perfect location for secret meetings, shielded from prying eyes.
When she finally reached the edge of the Blackwood estate, Eva slowed her pace, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement. She crept closer, finding a vantage point hidden within the underbrush that allowed her to observe the main house. Lanterns flickered in the windows, but the rest of the grounds were shrouded in darkness.
After a tense wait, a figure emerged from the shadows—Caleb Blackwood himself. He moved cautiously, looking around before slipping toward a hidden pathway leading into the forest. Eva's instincts flared. She followed him, keeping her distance, each step carefully measured to avoid detection.
As Caleb ventured deeper into the woods, he finally stopped near a small clearing where two other figures were waiting, their features obscured by the darkness. Eva strained her ears, catching snippets of their conversation.
"You failed," one of the figures said coldly, the voice unfamiliar to her. "The ambush in Silverwood cost us, and the council is starting to suspect you."
Caleb shifted uncomfortably. "I told you, I did my best. I tried to slow the Alarics down, but they're relentless."
The second figure scoffed. "Excuses won't save you, Caleb. Viktor isn't patient, and neither are we. If you want our protection, you'd better find a way to deliver."
Eva's mind raced as she watched, piecing together the situation. The Blackwoods had indeed aligned themselves with the vampires—but there was more. Viktor wasn't the only one behind this scheme. Whoever these vampires were, they operated with their own agenda, using Caleb as a pawn to weaken Valewood from within.
As Caleb pleaded his case, Eva felt a hand clamp down on her shoulder. She spun around, ready to defend herself, only to come face-to-face with a vampire—a pale, wiry figure with gleaming eyes.
"Well, well," he sneered, tightening his grip. "Look who decided to spy on us."
Eva struggled, but his strength was overwhelming. The vampire dragged her into the clearing, throwing her to the ground before the others. Caleb's face paled as he recognized her.
"This isn't what it looks like," Caleb stammered, a flicker of fear in his eyes.
Eva glared at him. "Oh, it's exactly what it looks like, Caleb. Betraying Valewood to gain favor with vampires? You're a disgrace."
The unknown vampire stepped forward, looking amused. "Spirited, aren't you? Too bad your curiosity has sealed your fate."
Eva braced herself, refusing to show fear. "You think killing me will keep your secret? My family will know something's wrong the moment I don't return."
The vampire's smile faltered for a moment before he motioned for the others to hold her. "Perhaps you're right. Killing you now would be a waste. But don't worry, you'll be useful to us in other ways."
As he raised his hand, a cold sensation swept over her, immobilizing her muscles. Eva's vision blurred, her strength waning as darkness closed in around her.
- - -
Luca paced restlessly in the Alaric manor, watching as the sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn. Eva should have been back by now. He had tried to convince himself that she would return any moment, but worry gnawed at him.
At last, Donovan entered the room, his face etched with concern. "She hasn't come back, has she?"
Luca shook his head, guilt weighing heavily on him. "I should have stopped her. She went to investigate the Blackwoods' connection with the vampires."
Donovan's expression hardened. "Then we're out of time. Gather everyone—we're going after her."
The Alarics moved quickly, rallying their allies as they prepared to confront the Blackwoods. By the time they reached the edge of the Blackwood estate, the sun had fully risen, casting harsh light on the silent grounds.
Edwin Blackwood met them at the entrance, his face impassive but guarded. "What's the meaning of this, Donovan?"
Donovan's voice was cold. "We're here for Eva. If you know where she is, you'd best tell us now."
Edwin's brow furrowed, but he didn't answer. Instead, he gestured for them to follow, leading them to the back of the estate where Caleb was waiting, his face pale and fearful. When he saw the Alarics approaching, he took a step back, his eyes darting nervously.
"Where's my sister, Caleb?" Luca demanded, his voice laced with barely restrained anger.
Caleb swallowed hard. "I… I don't know where she is. I tried to stop her from following me, but—"
Donovan cut him off, his tone icy. "Enough lies. We know you've been conspiring with the vampires. Your actions have endangered all of us."
Caleb's shoulders slumped, defeat clear in his posture. "I didn't want this to happen. I thought… I thought working with them would give my family a chance to rise. But I never wanted anyone to get hurt."
"Too late for regret," Luca snapped. "Tell us where Eva is, or we'll make sure the council knows exactly how you betrayed Valewood."
Caleb hesitated, glancing toward his father, who looked at him with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. Finally, Caleb spoke, his voice a whisper. "They took her. The vampires… they said they'd keep her alive, use her as leverage. I don't know where they've gone, but I overheard something about the caverns beyond Silverwood."
Luca's fists clenched. He had feared the worst, but knowing Eva was still alive gave him a sliver of hope.
Donovan nodded, his expression resolute. "Then we have our mission. We're going to the caverns and we're bringing her back.
The Alarics and their allies set off, moving swiftly through the forest toward the caverns. Tension hung in the air, each one of them aware that they were walking into vampire territory. This wasn't a simple rescue mission—it was a declaration of war.
When they reached the caverns, the entrance loomed before them, dark and foreboding. Donovan turned to Luca, his eyes fierce. "Stay close, and remember: our priority is getting Eva out safely. We fight only if we have to."
They entered the caverns, moving carefully as they navigated the winding paths and treacherous drops. The darkness pressed in on them, but Luca's determination kept him focused. Eva was somewhere in this labyrinth, and he wouldn't leave without her.
Finally, they heard voices echoing from deeper within. As they approached, Luca spotted Eva, bound and guarded by two vampires, her face pale but her eyes blazing with defiance.
Luca didn't hesitate. With a feral growl, he launched himself at the nearest guard, taking him down before he could react. Donovan and the others followed, swiftly overpowering the vampires with ruthless efficiency.
Eva looked up, relief flooding her face as Luca freed her bindings. "I knew you'd come," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Luca helped her to her feet, his gaze fierce. "We're not letting Viktor win. This ends here."
As they made their way out of the caverns, Luca felt a new sense of purpose. The vampires had pushed them too far, but the Alarics were stronger than they realized. They had their family, their unity—and now, they had a reason