Chapter Five | Blood

The next few days passed without much fuss. The manor was held in a state of tense silence. No wanted to talk about the so-called elephant in the room; but, rather go along their days with tight lips and shaded looks. Wyatt and Chris spent most of their days in their bedroom, not wanting to churn the water anymore than his mere presence already did.

Paige, Phoebe, Melinda, and a few of the younger cousins were the only ones that gave off a warm vibe towards the Demonic-Wiccan hybrid. The older cousins were a bit more apprehensive, their education that demons were bad battling against their view on Chris as a human witch. Piper and Leo were silent, torn between wanting to rip their eldest away from the demonic prince and wanting to keep him happy. On top of the torn emotions, they were mostly hurt that their son - whom they thought told them everything important - kept something as long as his boyfriend's heritage a secret.

It was the fourth day of Chris's stay at the manor when everything shattered. The group was eating a subdued dinner. The scraping of forks against plates and a few murmured words was interrupted by a high-pitched cackling laugh. Instantly, the sound of seats scratching against the wooden floor filled the room, eyes wide and searching and hands posed for attack. Gently, Chris pushed the youngest - Phoebe's daughter Payton - behind him as a pillar of flame erupted in the dining room.

Before it went away, Chris already knew who came into the Halliwell manor.

"So this is where you fled to, nephew."

Chris gritted his teeth as his aunt came into focus. Dark red eyes were gleaming with mirth as the swept over the Halliwell family before settling on Chris. Sharp white teeth poked out between two black lips as Alix smirked, "Still fucking the Blessed One, huh? Do they know, nephew?"

"Leave Alix." Chris demanded, "I was pretty sure I banished you the moment I step up to that damn mantle."

"Your word has no meaning here," Alix remarked, "And a little birdy told me you got cold feet and you left. Did the mean demons hit you too hard? Human flesh always bruises so easily."

"You would know," Chris seethed, "Do you really think you'll get out of here alive?"

"You would let these Wiccan scum vanquish your dearest Aunt."

"Without a second thought."

Alix tsked, "Once a traitor, always a traitor." she stated before flinging her arm forward, a wide arc of flame erupting from her hand.

Glass shattered, the shards raining down upon the crouching Halliwells. Chris jumped up and responded with a pulse of telekinesis. The plates of food and silverware flew towards Alix. Piper reacted by flicking her hands, small explosions appearing as Alix dodged it and Chris's attack.

"Protect the kids," Chris heard Piper tell Wyatt before she and her sisters moved forward.

A couple seconds later, the soft blue shield surrounded him, Wyatt and the cousins. "This isn't right,"

Chris could feel Wyatt's eyes on him. "Alix wouldn't be foolish enough to flame into a room full of powerful witches just to get to me." Chris explained, "She might be a demon; but, she's a smart one. And I can't figure out what the hell is going through her damn mind."

"Distraction for another demon?"

Chris shook his head, 'I don't know how. Alix is more of a solo worker rather than a group player…"

"Then what is she- Mom!"

Chris gasped as Piper was flung back. She hit the wall with a sickening crunch and landed on the floor in a slump. "Wyatt, go to her." Chris said, "Go. I got the kids."

"But-"

"Go!" Chris shoved Wyatt before turning towards the pre-teens and children behind him, "Stay behind me."

"Protecting Wiccan scum? Sickening nephew. Sickening." Alix hissed, throwing Paige to the side.

Chris gritted his teeth and pushed the children more behind him as he watched Alix toss Phoebe away, the woman's shoulder being burned by a fireball. Chris glanced at Wyatt, the young man still crouched over his mother healing her.

"Your turn, nephew."

Chris's attention snapped back to his aunt. She was stalking closer, with the Charmed Ones out of the way and Wyatt occupied with healing his severely injured mother, the two main barriers were gone. Chris gritted his teeth. "On the count of three, run to the kitchen." Chris whispered to those behind him.

"But-"

"Payton, go. Samantha, make sure they stay in there until someone gets them, please. One...Two...Go!" Chris grunted as he threw his arm forward and threw three dining room chairs at his aunt as the girls sprinted to the kitchen.

Alix roared and responded with a series of fireballs. Using his telekinesis, Chris flung his aunt's attack around the room and back at her. "What is your goal, Alix?! You know you won't leave here alive!"

"And neither will you!" Alix screamed.

Chris gasped when something wrapped around his ankles. Glancing downward, Chris struggled against the thick green hands that were holding on to him. "Without you alive, your claim on our throne is gone."

"I don't even fucking want it!" Chris snapped back, "You can have. Hell, even your bastard son can fucking have it! Oh wait, one can't rule from the grave now can they?"

Fury contorted Alix's face into an ugly expression. Spittle flew from her lips as she sprinted towards her nephew, blades sparking to life in her hands. Struggling, Chris tried to force his feet out of the conjured hands. Chris's eyes widened as his aunt came closer. Throwing out a pulse of telekinesis, Chris tensed his jaw as it was merely shrugged it off. He could see Wyatt rushing after her; but, he knew he wouldn't make it in time, even if he orbed.

He made eye contact with him, hoping that Wyatt could see the remorse in his eyes before he let them slide shut.

Wyatt would take care of Alix.

But, not quick enough.

Pain erupted and he suddenly couldn't breathe.

The last thing he heard was Wyatt screaming before darkness overtook him.

Author Note : I apologize for the delay. If you've been following me for a while, you will know that this time is horrible for a retail worker, especially for one in a manager position. I will try to get another chapter up soon as this one is so short. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for all the reviews thus far (And yes, including you Flamer ;) )