Chapter 3 - Chapter 3. Moonlit Bloodshed.

Aubrey stood frozen in their shattered living room, Lily clinging to her. Alexander's eyes locked onto hers, blood still smeared on his hands. "Are they gone?" she whispered.Alexander nodded, his face still etched with remnants of his wolf transformation, but his eyes had returned to normal."Yes, they fled. But Victor will send more."He took a deep breath, then transformed back into his human form. His skin was still slick with sweat and the blood of his enemies.Lily stared at Alexander with wide eyes but didn't cry. Aubrey felt a surge of pride in her daughter's bravery."We need to leave here now," Alexander said, his eyes still serious."Victor will realize we're still here within minutes."Aubrey felt overwhelmed, but Alexander took charge."Okay, we'll go to the safe place. Your family's estate, Alexander?"He nodded. "Yes, the Blackwood estate, at there, we have security and people who can help us fight Victor."Lily looked up at her mother with questioning eyes. "Mommy, will we be okay?"Aubrey kissed Lily's forehead, trying to reassure her. "We'll be safe baby, Alexander will protect us."Alexander's gaze locked onto Aubrey's, his eyes burning with intensity. "But you need to trust me completely."Aubrey's heart skipped a beat at his words. Could she truly trust this mysterious werewolf? "Why I must trust you completely?" Aubrey asked, her voice soft but laced with suspicion.Alexander took a deep breath, his eyes burning with intensity when he replied, "Because at Blackwood Estate, my family's secrets will be laid bare before you. And if you don't trust me, it could mean death for us."Lily looked up at her mother with worried eyes, prompting Aubrey to answer hesitantly. "Alright... I trust you, Alexander."But when Aubrey followed Alexander to the car, she felt a gnawing sense of unease. Alexander opened the door and helped Aubrey and Lily in, his touch sending shivers on Aubrey."I'll explain everything at the estate," Alexander said. "But I must warn you, Aubrey, Victor isn't our only enemy." Aubrey's heart skipped a beat, "Who else?"Alexander's response sends ice through Aubrey's veins."My own family."The car sped into the night, Aubrey trapped in a labyrinth of lies and danger.Will Aubrey uncover the truth about Alexander's family?The Blackwood Estate loomed before us, its turrets reaching like skeletal fingers toward the moon.Aubrey's grip on Lily's hand tightened when Alexander parked the car, "We safe here, for now," he said, his eyes scanning the darkness.When Aubrey and Lily stepped out, the massive wooden doors creaked open by themselves, revealing a dimly lit foyer with cobweb-shrouded chandeliers.Lily clung closer to Aubrey, whispering, "Mommy, this place is scary."Aubrey forced a reassuring smile, but her heart raced with dread.Alexander gestured for us to enter, his voice low and mysterious. "Welcome to my family's home... and secrets."Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows - an elderly woman with piercing green eyes and silver hair pulled into a tight bun."Alexander, darling. You've brought guests... and trouble," she started, her gaze lingering on Aubrey and Lily before narrowing at Alexander."Grandmother, this is Aubrey and her daughter Lily. Victor attacked them."The woman's expression turned glacial, "How convenient. Another liability for our family."Aubrey felt a sting from the woman's words, but Alexander stepped forward his voice firm."Grandmother, Aubrey saved my life tonight. She deserves our protection."The elderly woman's eyes flashed with surprise, with calculation"Indeed... she might be useful."Aubrey's skin crawled at Alexander's grandmother's piercing words."Useful?" Aubrey repeated, her voice laced with suspicion.Grandmother Blackwood stepped closer, her piercing eyes boring into Aubrey's soul."Yes, useful to our family's interests, Aubrey Moonwhisper. You possess a rare courage and a hidden secret."Aubrey felt Alexander tense beside her, like a wolf ready to strike if needed."What do you mean?" Aubrey asked, her voice steady despite her racing heart.Grandmother Blackwood's smile sends worries to Aubrey."You have a special blood Aubrey."Aubrey's eyes widened, her heartbeat pounding like a hammer. "What do you mean by 'special blood'?"Grandmother Blackwood smiled mysteriously, her green eyes glinting in the faint foyer light."Your blood Aubrey Moonwhisper, contains ancient witch DNA. Blood that can influence supernatural powers."Aubrey felt like she'd fallen into a deep abyss with no bottom in sight. Alexander's silent grip on her hand offered comfort."That's impossible," Aubrey denied, but her voice lacked conviction.Lily clutched Aubrey's hand tighter, her big eyes filled with worry like can sensing Aubrey fear.Alander stepped forward, his tone protective.But Grandmother Blackwood raised her hand, silencing Alexander."No, Alexander. Aubrey must know the truth about our family... and about herself."Aubrey's heart felt like it had been slammed with a sledgehammer. What truth would the Blackwoods reveal?"What does this have to do with your family?"Aubrey asked. Her head spun like a raging storm.Grandmother Blackwood replied with a smile that made Aubrey's skin crawl."You, Aubrey, might hold the key to breaking the curse that's plagued the Blackwood family for centuries."What curse was Grandmother Blackwood talking about?Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed from upstairs, turning all heads upward."It seems we have another guest." Grandmother Blackwood said with displeasure.A figure loomed at the top of the stairs - a tall, dark-haired man with piercing yellow eyes that fixed intensely on Aubrey."Victor Brother," Alexander whispered ominously.The air felt heavy with tension when Ryker, Victor's brother descended the stairs.Aubrey felt Alexander's grip on her hand tighten, his body tense like a wolf ready to strike."Ryker, what brings you here?" Grandmother Blackwood's voice was laced with warning.Ryker gaze never left Aubrey. "Victor sends me, he wants the girl."Aubrey's heart skipped a beat. "What does Victor want with me?"Ryker's smile was cold. "You possess something he desires. Something that could shift the balance of power in the supernatural world."Alexander stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "She's under my protection, Ryker. Leave now."Ryker sneered. "Or what, Alexander? You'll fight me?"