Chapter 3 Bloodlines Awaken

The night had settled like a heavy cloak over Midvale, but Kaia couldn't sleep. Her room was a cage, the walls pressing in with memories she couldn't escape. She traced the cold scars on her wrists-reminders that this new existence was not a choice.

Stephan's voice came through the door, low and steady. "Kaia, you need to talk to me. I know something's wrong."

She hesitated, then opened the door just a crack. His eyes were tired but fierce with concern.

"I don't know what I am," she whispered.

Stephan nodded slowly, his fingers brushing her hair back. "I think you're what we've been afraid of. But we're family. We face it together."

The truth spilled from his words-a legacy Kaia had never known she was part of. Their blood was tied to an ancient line, guardians and hunters entwined through centuries. The lake hadn't just changed her; it had awakened something dormant.

Meanwhile, Raine dug into the town's history, piecing together old legends and warnings hidden in dusty books and forgotten archives. The deeper she went, the darker the secrets became.

In the shadows beyond Midvale, unseen eyes watched Kaia's every move. A gathering storm was coming-one that would demand loyalty, sacrifice, and blood.