Chapter 67: Home Without Peace

Chapter 67: Home Without Peace
I saw a sign by the road. Private property of the Zedler clan. 55 hectares ahead. The property was inside a small town. It was separated and covered almost one third of the town. The fact that it had clear boundaries and landmarks bothered me. It felt like it had its own community.

Like Elwood, the place was surrounded by trees but there was no familiarity. I felt no connection to this place. I was used to Elwood's feeling of safety, of home. In this place, there was no alpha or orders. In this town, hybrids were treated like monsters. The normal life here suffocated me.

I was once like them, surrounded by my own kind, unaware that humans are not special. We assumed this world was made only for us but when you step away from the crowd of mortals, you see that there are creatures more special than us. We call them monsters because we cannot accept that this world was once not ours alone.

The car entered the woods. It felt like the forest was used as a natural barrier for the property. Not far ahead, I saw an arch on the road. The Clan of Zedler.

“This property is divided into three,” Yuan said. “Grandpa’s mansion is the main one. It’s at the center of the property.”

The trees slowly cleared as we went deeper. The area became more open. After a few minutes, the car slowed down. I saw several houses. It was a town within a town.

“They either work at the mansions, around the property, or for the clan.”

Some people recognized the car. Some stopped and stared as if greeting us. Others looked surprised when they saw that Yuan had someone with him.

Soon, a building appeared in front of us. It wasn’t just a house. It was a three-story mansion. My heart started beating faster as we got closer. More people noticed us. Most of them looked curious.

The road led to a wide grass lawn surrounding the mansion. The car stopped. Staff from the mansion came to meet us. People from outside also came closer. There were children, elders, mothers, and fathers who lived on the property.

The engine stopped. I couldn’t move in my seat.

“They’re waiting inside,” Yuan said.

He got out of the car. I unlatched my seatbelt with shaking hands. I took a deep breath before opening the door.

Silence filled the air when I stepped out. People stared at me. Some frowned, wondering who I was. Then one by one, recognition appeared on their faces.

“She’s a Zedler.”

Yuan held my hand and pulled me away from the crowd. Some greeted him. He smiled kindly as he tried to lead me away. All the eyes watching me made me dizzy.

“Is that her?”

“Is she the missing granddaughter?”

“Theron's child.”

We reached the mansion door. There was no gate, as if it was open to everyone. A man approached us and bowed in front of me.

“Welcome back, Miss Cosette.”

He turned to Yuan. “Your grandfather is waiting inside.”

We entered the mansion. It was well-lit. Like the Elwood mansion, many of the things were old. They felt like they held the secrets of the family. From the huge crystal chandelier to the worn staircase, everything felt heavy with history. I noticed large paintings on the walls.

I froze when I saw my face in one of them. A portrait of me at seven years old. I stopped walking and looked at the paintings one by one until I saw it. A portrait of my father. We had always been part of this clan. Our presence had always been here. It felt like this was truly home.

“Cosette.”

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Yuan. I looked at the paintings once more before following him. This shouldn’t feel this way. This family was the reason my father died. They caused all our suffering.

We stopped in front of a door. Yuan stood straight and took a deep breath before opening it.

“Cosette, explain your side clearly and briefly,” he said. “Grandpa doesn’t like long explanations. Be direct. And no matter what happens, don’t show weakness.”

The door opened. The room was familiar. This was where my father and grandfather talked for the last time. History was repeating itself.

The room hadn’t changed in more than ten years. There was a thick wooden table, a large glass window, old books on the wall, and a brick fireplace. A strange smell filled the room, pulling me back into the past.

I noticed movement at the far end of the room. An old man stood there, holding a cane. The bright window behind him hid his face, but I knew who he was.

He walked closer. The sound of his cane echoed in the quiet room. When I saw his face, I almost weakened. He looked exactly like my father.

“Yuan,” he said. His voice sounded calm, but it carried authority and danger. “You may leave.”

I looked at Yuan. He stayed calm and looked at me, reminding me of his warning. He bowed slightly and left.

The door closed. My grandfather’s gentle look disappeared. He stared at me seriously.

“You have your father’s eyes,” he said. “You have your mother’s gentle face, but your eyes show courage, fear, and confusion.”

He sat down on the sofa. I had never felt so overwhelmed by someone’s presence.

“Sit.”

“I won’t stay long,” I said.

“You’re just like your father,” he replied.

“Do you still have the bullet your father gave you?”

My hand tightened. He knew I had it.

“Do you know where it came from?”

I didn’t expect his calmness.

“The bullet killed a member of the Elwood family,” he said. “It killed the alpha’s grandparents.”

My hands went cold.

“You keep it because it came from your father. But it also destroyed the life of the man you care about now, didn’t it?”

I shook my head.

“Do you see the connection between the Zedler and Crimsons clans?”

“Some things cannot be changed,” he said firmly. “The Zedler and Crimson can never be more than enemies.”

“You’re wrong,” I said. “I will end this cycle of hatred.”

I looked at him.

“Free this clan from anger. Don’t wait until no one is left beside you. My father sacrificed enough.”

“You don’t understand what you’re saying,” he replied.

I stood up. “I’m going back to Elwood. I respect you as family, but I won’t be trapped by beliefs that destroyed your lives.”

“Is that your decision?” he asked. “To let those around you be destroyed for your selfish wish?”

I froze.

“If you truly care for each other, you will stay away for your safety.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“He’s not in Elwood right now, is he? An alpha is weakest when away from what he protects. And Elwood is weakest without its alpha.”

I felt weak.

“You know what this family can do,” he said.

“Grandpa—”

The door opened. Two guards and a servant entered.

“Take her to the third floor,” he ordered.

“Grandpa! Please listen to me!” I struggled.

“Don’t let her cousin Yuan come near her.”

They dragged me out. I looked back at him.

“Please don’t do this.”

He didn’t respond.

They forced me up the stairs. No one stopped them. My body trembled. They reached the third floor and opened a door.

“Be careful with her,” the servant said.

They pushed me inside and closed the door.

I banged on it. “Let me out!”

I cried and tried to open it. Tears filled my eyes.

Time passed. I didn’t know how long. I sat on the floor, weak and exhausted. The sky outside the window was dark.

My thoughts went back to Elwood. I closed my eyes. Tears fell.

Aslan.