Raven Moon

Chapter 13:

The Betrayal of Blood

The library, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison. Conner knew he couldn't stay.

The Hawthornes would be searching for him, their fury a palpable force he could almost feel.

He needed to find Rogue. His brother, though deeply entrenched in the family's traditions, had always possessed a sliver of doubt, a flicker of conscience that Conner had clung to for years.

It was a long shot, but Rogue was his only hope for an inside ally.

He slipped out of the library through a hidden passage, making his way to the the fae bar , He knew Rogue often retreated there, finding solace in the company of those who didn't judge him for the darkness he carried cause most there are like Rogue and Conner, different.

The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of herbs, smoke and old whisky.

He found Rogue in one of the many booths at the back of the bar, hunched over a table, a half-empty bottle of whiskey beside him.

Rogue looked up, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. "Conner? What in the hell…?"

"We need to talk," Conner said, his voice low and urgent.

Rogue gestured to a chair, his gaze still wary. "Talk about what? There was a incident in the hall - said Conner.

Conner nodded. "About everything. About what we are, what they've made us into."

Rogue took a long swig of whiskey. "They? You mean Father?"

"Yes, Father. And the rituals, the sacrifices… it has to stop, Rogue."

Rogue laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "Stop? You think you can just stop him? He's too powerful, Conner. He'll crush you like an insect."

"I know it's dangerous," Conner said, "But I can't… I can't be a part of it anymore. I won't."

Rogue was silent for a moment, staring at his brother. He saw a new fire in Conner's eyes, a determination he hadn't seen before. He also saw the pain, the guilt, the weight of their family's sins.

"What do you want me to do?" Rogue finally asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Conner leaned forward, his voice filled with desperate hope. "I need your help. I need you to help me take him down."

Rogue recoiled. "Take him down? You're talking about killing Father?"

"I'm talking about stopping him," Conner corrected. "Stopping the rituals, ending the sacrifices, breaking the cycle of violence. If that means confronting him, then yes."

Rogue paced the room, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Conner had always been the loyal son, the one who followed orders, even when his conscience screamed in protest.

But he had also seen the darkness in his father's eyes, the hunger that could never be satisfied.

"I don't know, Conner," he said, his voice laced with doubt. "This is… insane."

"Is it any more insane than what they do in that hall?" Conner countered. "Is it any more insane than the things we've done?"

Rogue flinched at the words, the memory of the sacrifices burning in his mind. He knew Conner was right. They couldn't continue down this path.

"What's your plan?" he asked, his voice resigned.

Conner explained his plan, telling Rogue about his intention to meet with Raven, to enlist her help. He spoke of the fae, the power it wielded, and how they might be able to use it against their father.

Rogue listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each word. He knew the risks were immense, but he also knew that Conner was right.

This had to end.

"Alright," Rogue said finally, his voice firm. "I'm in."

Conner let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He had expected resistance, arguments, perhaps even outright refusal. Rogue's agreement, however hesitant, was a victory.

"There's something else," Conner added. We need someone on the inside.

Be our eyes and ears. Find out what Father's planning. Gather any information you can about the rituals, the magic he's using."

Rogue nodded. "I have someone.

But Conner… be careful. He suspects something.

I've seen the way he looks at you."

"I know," Conner said. "But I have to do this. For us, for everyone."

He clapped Rogue on the shoulder, a rare display of affection between the brothers. "Thank you, Rogue. I won't forget this."

He turned and left the room, leaving Rogue alone with his thoughts and a bottle of whiskey. The betrayal of blood was a dangerous game, but it was one they had to play if they wanted to reclaim their souls, if they wanted to break free from the darkness that had consumed their family for generations.