Chapter 3 Bloodhunt

CHAPTER THREE

"Zeon," Jennifer whispered, the moonlight casting her in silver as they stood at the edge of the forest, "I overheard something disturbing. Some in the pack... they want me dead."

Zeon's eyes, old and wise with a glint of something unreadable, met hers. A gentle hand, calloused from battles long gone, rested on her shoulder. "You are the legacy of your grandfather. They fear what they do not understand. But I am here, child, and I will protect you."

"Thank you, Zeon. I don't know what I'd do without you," she said, a genuine smile touching her lips.

"Come," he beckoned, leading her deeper into the woods. "You must learn to hunt-not just for survival, but to become untouchable to those who wish you harm."

Jennifer nodded; her heart filled with trust as she followed him into the darkness.

"Are we all agreed then?" growled Tye, his amber eyes flickering with malice within the council's cave. "She cannot stay. Jennifer must be dealt with... permanently."

"Agreed," snarled Lysa, her voice sharp as the blade she often carried. "But how? She's guarded by that old wolf Zeon. He won't let her out of his sight."

"Ah, but hunters know no loyalty to werewolves," Tye sneered. "We lure her to their den. Her demise will look like an accident."

"And how do you propose we do that?" asked Thorne, skeptical as ever.

"Leave that to me," Tye grinned, his plan unspooling like a dark thread.

"An escape route? Why would I need that, Zeon?" Jennifer's brow furrowed in confusion as they sat beneath the ancient oak, a map spread between them.

"Because, my dear, even the mightiest warrior cannot find herself outnumbered. You must know the land better than your own skin," Zeon explained, pointing to a narrow path sketched on the parchment.

"Through the ravine, past the river, and straight to the northern fields," she recited, committing it to memory. "But, why there?"

"Because" Zeon replied, his voice a low rumble, "it's where you'll find sanctuary should the need arise. Trust me, Jennifer."

"Always," she affirmed, her eyes not leaving the map.

"Jennifer's headed right into the hunter's trap," Tye smirked, sharing the news with his conspirators. "By dawn, she'll be nothing but a memory."

"Perfect," Lysa whispered, satisfaction curling her lips. "Once she's gone, we'll have no more ties to the old ways."

"Let us toast, then, to a new era," Thorne said, raising an invisible glass.

"Indeed," Tye raised his head in a silent salute. "To the future."

"Zeon, wait!" Jennifer called out, her breaths coming out in visible puffs as she sprinted through the underbrush to catch up to him.

"Quickly, child! The hunters are upon us!" Zeon cried, urgency lacing his voice as he motioned her forward.

"Where are we going?" she panted, her legs pumping hard beneath her.

"Remember the escape route I taught you? Now's the time to use it!" he shouted back, pushing her ahead of him.

Adrenaline surged through Jennifer's veins as she veered toward the ravine. The knowledge of the land Zeon had imparted gave her speed, and she clung to the hope of safety as she ran for the northern fields.

But as she burst through the treeline, a net cast from shadows fell upon her. Strong hands grabbed her, restraining her struggles. Werewolf hunters, their faces twisted with hatred, surrounded her.

"Zeon, help me!" she screamed, searching frantically for his familiar form.

"Jennifer, my dear," Zeon's voice came, not with warmth, but icy cold. He stepped into view, not as her protector, but as one of the hunters. "There is no one coming to save you. I am the leader of these hunters. And I killed your grandfather."

"Wh-what?" Jennifer's world shattered, tears streaming down her face. "Why?"

"Revenge, my dear," Zeon said, his gaze devoid of any affection that once dwelled there. "Your grandfather and your precious pack took everything from me. It was only fitting I return the favor."

"Zeon, please..." Jennifer's voice broke, pleading with a man who was never truly there.