Bloodlines

Sin ‘Aimée’ du Luq

Beloved Sister & Devout Aunt

1003 Circa - 2022

Dominique hand her hands over Ridley, who all but held her aunt on her feet. The black leather gloves were squeezing the huntress’ hands. Under different circumstances, Ridley would have shoved her aside or dumped her onto Tomás. After everything her family had endured, Ridley found herself taking comfort in Dominique’s embrace.

Tomás and Sebastian stood on either side of the headstone, folding the cover from unveiling Aimée’s headstone. Ankh had a hand on Ridley’s shoulder, squeezing firmly. The estate servants were behind the family but still gathered around. Ankh inhaled deeply then let out a mournful howl. Her green eyes tinted to her wolf-like silver and talons pierced into Ridley’s shoulder. The Source took the strain with her murky grey blood seeping onto her turtleneck.

Ankh gasped for air then moved to hug Tomás. The morning suit and cravat only highlighted the astronomical age gap between Tomás and Ridley. The brother and sister embraced each other, taking in the headstone. Sebastian sniffled, resting his head against Ankh's crown although both their focus was on Ridley and Tomás.

They moved away but Dominique stayed close to the grave that was in the lush gardens of Chateau du Luq. Her curves were on full display from her T-length frock. Ridley watched her aunt carefully, mindful of any danger that might be around. She knew they were safe but her instincts as a hunter refused to let her relax. Even when she gave sigh towards the engraved granite.

“Why only Aimée? Why not put ‘du Luq’ in quotes too? They’re Mesopotamian; I doubt French was their native tongue,” Ridley whispered.

“You know, sister, du Luq is actually her surname. Consider that our mother and our aunts were all born in a time before surnames were invented.”

Ridley shook her head then took Tomás’ hand in hers, along with Ankh’s. “Viggo is still out there,” she concluded coldly. She shook her, watching Dominique’s long loose hair blow in the frigid wind. Ankh wrap her hands around Ridley’s arm, leaning her head onto the Source’s shoulder. “I don’t know what his plan is but I know that we can stop him.”

Tomás and Sebastian turned to her, along with Ankh on her other side. Ridley’s staunch stare didn’t break away from the aunt she was named after. The curvy woman wore a black bustier with her vintage skirt that had a modern bustle on it. Not even when Ankh’s green curious eyes were paired with the question on her lips. “How?” It was here when Ridley whipped her hair lightly against the breeze before answering:

“Together, only together.”