Lucy
As the evening sun began its descent below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, I waited nervously in the lobby of Stacy's building. My heart raced with anticipation, each passing moment feeling like an eternity. Most of my floor was still hanging around in the lobby, pretending like they weren't here to see me off. I had never experienced anything like this before – a private dance lesson with David at the Blood Moon Estate. It was a dream come true, and yet it filled me with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.Just as I was beginning to think I might faint from the anticipation, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The door swung open, and there he was, David, in another three-piece suit, beaming at me. His eyes lit up with a warm smile as he stepped out of the car and entered the building to reach me."Lucy," he greeted me with a gentle nod, his voice carrying that soothing cadence that always managed to calm my racing heart. "You look lovLucyAfter the first dance lesson, David and I found a few moments every day to practice in between classes. I was sure that people had already figured out that we were going to the Crescent Festival together, and I was a little nervous that I'd be attacked or harassed about him, but nothing had happened yet. David smiled down at me every time and squeezed my hand as he led me around in the empty hallway. Soon enough, I found myself back in Magical Combat class with Duke. I could honestly say I had gotten better. Moving through the stances with the staff was easier now. I could at least go at a normal pace. It wasn't super impressive compared to everyone else in the class, but it made me feel like I was making progress. I wondered if my mother had wielded a staff. As I worked through the steps, my mind kept thinking about the waltz lesson with David. Using the staff felt a little bit like dancing, but I wondered if one day we'd spar together. I couldn't imagi
MattThe thought of returning to the Blue Moon Estate with Tony had my stomach churning, but when he asked me to drive him there, I couldn't refuse. Ginevra was still in the hospital, unconscious and not getting any better, but that didn't mean we could leave Quillan at the pack house with Oren and the rest. Tony was hopeful that the pack had been doing their best to keep Quillan distracted from her absence, but I knew better. The pack wasn't doing anything but what Oren told them to do.Oren was likely not even concerned with what would happen to Quillan if he lost his mother-- just like he had never been all that concerned about how we felt after our mother died. Still, I was grateful that Tony seemed more grounded, more aware that there was something off with Oren's way of doing things. If nothing else, it seemed like the reality of him being a father had caught up with him. "You alright?" I asked. Tony said nothing for a moment. "I keep wondering how
PeterThe anticipation bubbled within me as my beta navigated the streets of Blood Moon, heading towards the Blood Moon Estate. It was one of her off days and another chance to be with her, to learn more about her, and to make her smile. I smiled at the thought. "You seem happy, alpha," he said. "I'm grateful for it."I chuckled. "I am."When I reached the Estate, I slipped out of the car and took a moment to compose myself. My palms were slightly sweaty, and my heart raced. I felt like a younger man than I had been in a long time. I supposed that was the mark of something more than worthwhile growing between us. I made my way to the front door and knocked.Seconds later, the door swung open, revealing Michelle standing there with a bright smile that could outshine the moon. She looked stunning, as always, and my heart skipped a beat as she extended her hand towards me."Hey, Peter," she greeted warmly.I took her hand eagerly, our fingers interlocking n
PeterHer expression was flat. I felt the distance between us growing as she looked at it. Her fingers trembled slightly. My heart sank as I saw the confusion and fear in her eyes. I narrowed my eyes at the malicious glint on the edge of it. Perhaps I had been cursed.Her voice was filled with worry as she asked, "Peter..."She paused. She shook her head and held it out to me. "I suppose you should give this back to her-.""Michelle--""Whose is it?" She asked. "Are you taking her shopping for a gown as well? Dating? Is she a distraction the way I was?"I said nothing about it as my head started to pound, and the urge to take the pin from her and tell her the whole truth started to push at my teeth. I tightened my grip on her hand and balled my other fist. "You have every reason to be upset."Her eyes filled with tears. "Given how we parted ways last, but never have I ever considered you a distraction."Her jaw trembled. "That's no
LucyI stepped out of the classroom, my backpack slung over one shoulder. Another day of human classes was behind me, and now it was time for something entirely different—my second dance lesson with David. My heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I headed to the designated meeting spot. We had practiced a little since the last time, but I wasn't sure how the instructor would feel about what little progress I felt like I was making.The Blood Moon escort accompanying me flashed a reassuring smile. It was a woman I didn't recognize, but she wore the same suit and crest as all the others had. "Relax, Lucy. Just make sure he doesn't step on your toes," she teased, and I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll try."When we arrived at the Blood Moon Estate, I made my way to the grand ballroom. The moment I stepped inside, my eyes landed on David, who was still dressed in a sharp, dark three-piece suit. His collar was undone, and his tie was missing.
LucyHe turned his head to the instructor, and I looked at her as well. It was like coming up for air after being underwater too long. The instructor had a pleased smile on her face as she watched us. "Very impressive for a first attempt," she commented. "Your chemistry is undeniable."I blushed as David lifted me back up. My whole body was tingling. I blinked, my cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and the lingering heat of our closeness. "I'll expect you two to be practicing until our next lesson."David said nothing for a moment, but he nodded. "Of course."His voice was rough. It made my stomach clench. As we stepped apart, I tried not to be disappointed. I felt shaky and overcharged. "Thank you for coming," David said. "I'll walk you out."I listened to their voices growing more distant. I sank onto the low bench as the fever seemed to remain. The lingering intensity of the dance still pulsed through me, leaving me breathless and uncer
LucyThe next day, classes ended as usual, and I met up with Duke, Sarah, Michelle, and Amy outside the human college. I waved to them as I got closer. "Thanks, guys.""Any time," Michelle said, adjusting her tennis shoes. "I think it's pretty cool that you want to compete."Duke stretched. "I'm sure running around practically naked is a form of foreplay."I flushed. "I am not going to be practically naked!"Michelle laughed. "Come on. Let's at least get a few laps in before sundown, hm?"We started off together, our sneakers pounding against the rubberized track. The sun beat down on us, and beads of sweat formed on our foreheads. I think we got halfway around the track before Sarah stopped and threw up her hands. "I'm out!""We just got started," Amy puffed as we kept going. "I'm too pretty to sweat!" Sarah wailed. We all laughed, shaking our heads. Amy fell out next, unable to keep up and falling to a walk. Duke seemed to be the best in
LucyAfter our arrival at the Blood Moon Estate, we were greeted by a sense of safety and security. The tension from our encounter in the city started to dissipate, and I could breathe a little easier.David appeared not long after, coming through the door dressed as if he had spent all day in a high rise."Everyone all right?" He asked, his gaze sweeping over us."Lucy's fine," Duke said. Sarah burst into laughter. David pinched Duke's cheek."So much sass."I smiled as David started to tug at his tie. Then, my phone chimed with a reminder – our scheduled dance lesson. I had nearly forgotten about it."Are we still… having a lesson tonight?"David shook his head."The instructor had to cancel," he explained, disappointment briefly flickering in his eyes. "But if you're still up for it, it could just be practice instead."A smile tugged at my lips as I nodded. "I'd love to. What time should I be ready?"David checked his watch. "Give me a couple of h
LucyThe morning sun, a mischievous wink through the blinds, painted golden stripes across our bed. I snuggled deeper into the warmth of David's embrace, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest a soothing lullaby. He slipped his hand across my lower back. The warmth of his bare skin against mine set a spark of pleasure through me. He rumbled low and content into my hair. “Wake up,” David rumbled. He kissed my head and twined a curl around his finger. “We have things to do.”“You shouldn’t have kept me up all night.”He chuckled. “You didn’t say that last night.”I nudged him. He dipped his head to nip my lips. “You know, if it’s too much, you can always tell me to slow down.”He’d been saying that for five years now, and I never found a reason to tell him to. He knew that. His eyes flickered between colors. I nipped his lower lip. “Give me a reason.”He smirked and rolled me onto my back. “To slow down or…”“To get up,” I said as he kissed
LucyI sat on the cold stone, watching her, but she didn’t move another muscle. I didn’t know how long it had been, but it didn’t matter. The spectral glow around her was starting to dim, and my mind was just too stressed to do too much thinking. The light of the ritual, the spell I’d used, the blood on my hands all flashed through my mind, and part of me wondered if it was all just a dream. I looked down at the stained and ruined gown. The armor was as pristine as ever, but most of the embroidered roses were torn or stained. This dress would never be white again, let alone whole. I flicked a piece of the long, gossamer fabric and shook my head. I really liked this dress.“Lucy!”I turned my head toward the sound of David’s voice, wrung out and relieved to hear him. He was rushing through the air towards me. He dropped down a few feet from me, looking so worried I could cry.I smiled at him as he dropped to his knees beside me and threw his arms around me,
LucyI sailed through the air, landing with a jarring thud within the ritual circle. With a trembling hand, I pushed myself up, my senses on high alert. A figure, cloaked in darkness, appeared in front of me. My blood ran cold. Selene."Well, well, Lucy," her voice, honeyed yet laced with venom, slithered into the darkness. "Thank you ever so much for making this easy at last.”I grit my teeth. I wouldn't go down without a fight. Straightening my shoulders, I met her gaze, my voice shaking but resolute. "You underestimate me.” “No, Lucy,” her voice dropped, and a cruel smile twisted her lips. "You underestimate me.” The chanting grew louder around me. I lunged for the necklace, my fingers grazing its cold surface before Selene snatched it away, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. But that touch, fleeting as it was, ignited something. I felt her pushing at my mind. I felt her shoving me back until I could see the forest from before, and we were fighting in a ci
MattMy vision pulsed and flickered, a strobe light of pain blurring the edges of reality. Tony rained blows down on me, slashing with claws. Each hit chipped away at my resolve and my control, leaving behind a raw desperation to end this quickly. My armor protected me from most of the damage, but still. He was always the stronger of the two of us. I thought it was just because he was the older of the two of us, but this was different. I thought for sure he was going to bite off my head. Then, a flash of golden light arced through the air, and a spear lanced past my shoulder, catching Tony square in the chest. I turned back to see Ginevra hovering in the air. Her golden dress glowed as she passed me with a glowing winge spreading from her back. What the absolute fuck?Tony staggered, falling to the ground, and Dad darted forward, encasing Tony in a shimmering web of light. The wave turned to chains. He thrashed and howled, straining against the magical bonds, but t
LucyPeter's breath hitched, rasping, and shallow, then deepened into a cough that wracked his battered body. His eyelids fluttered, eyelids so pale they were almost luminous in the dim torchlight. He struggled to get up, leaning on his Spear and on Michelle. The light pulsing through the Spear rippled over his skin. He let out a soft sigh and stumbled a little. “Peter?”“I... It’s gone.”“What?” Michelle gasped as his hair started to change, losing the gray color and growing dark. His face turned younger until I was sure that he was all of twenty-something. He grew a bit taller, too, bigger until his shirt strained against his chest and his buttons popped. He flushed. “Well… that’s not…” He cleared his throat as Michelle smiled up at him. “So this is what you looked like in your youth?”He scoffed. “I’m much younger than you think.”He grunted, pressing a hand to his side. “Wish the Spear would heal the wound, though.”I winced. “Sorry… it’s a
PeterMy feet pounded a frantic rhythm against the uneven earth, branches whipping at my face, thorns tearing at my clothes. How long had I been running? How much further did I have to go? I didn’t know, and it didn’t matter so long as I got there. My lungs burned, legs screaming in protest, but still I ran. The trail of blood behind me and the patchwork of wounds across my body, chunks of missing and regrowing flesh, weren’t my concern right now. The creature—the wolf was after me, and unlike before, it didn’t seem willing to back off or slow down. It was going to kill me, and what happened after that was anyone’s guess. Behind me, the guttural snarl of the wolf echoed through the trees. Too close to be comfortable. Too close to make sense. This was too much like that dream, but worse. So much worse. The sky was a kaleidoscope of images I could barely make out. They flashed in the sky and in my vision, making it hard to see. I saw Lucy. I saw Michelle. The long
LucyAdrenaline surging, I grabbed Michelle and pulled her after me deeper into the inky depths of the tunnel.“Quick!”She panted. “What’s going on? Peter—”“He’s possessed,” I said. “Just keep running for now!”I saw my Allison up ahead, leading me down another tunnel. Behind us, I heard Peter's guttural snarls, the rhythmic thud of his feet echoed eerily in the confined space. We had to lose him and the other one quickly, but we didn’t seem to be putting enough distance between us. Panic coiled in my gut, urging me to run faster and push my body beyond its limits. Michelle kept up relatively well. We twisted and turned, navigating the treacherous path by torchlight and the spectral murmurs of White Moon's fallen. But the passage seemed to twist back on itself. When we were back at the forked path, the faint light that had been illuminating the tunnel went out, plunging us into darkness.Michelle shuddered. She drew closer to me and tightened her grip on m
LucyI was back in that house with that couple that adopted me. I felt the floorboards creaking as I went downstairs. I saw the men in suits. I shrieked, turning. Not again. I couldn’t be back here. Where was David? How had I gotten back here? I looked down. I wasn’t… wearing the dress or the armor. I had no daggers. My hair was just as uncombed and dry as it had been then. When I looked in the mirror, the skinny young woman who had barely had anything more than ramen and school lunch stared back at me. My stomach lurched. The door opened, and I turned to run, knowing what was about to happen. I dug my heels in as dark shadows pulled me towards the door. I felt myself being lifted onto someone’s shoulders. I fought and kicked, but all my training and all my strength were gone. I saw the calendar on the wall, but the date was different. It wasn’t my birthday. It was the day of the Crescent Moon Festival. I screamed, grabbing anything I could manage. Then, Sele
DavidOren's head arced through the firelit air, landed, and rolled. His body dropped to the ground, still spurting blood. Then, all hell broke loose.The shimmering barrier around the Ball faltered, rippling like a pond, before collapsing entirely. Hunters poured into the arena, their snarls blending with everyone's shocked gasps. “Defensive measures, now!” I yelled, my voice carrying over the sound of the attack. A group of dragon shifters took to the sky as my blade clashed with the first hunter. How had they gotten through the barrier? I saw a flicker of a ghost and growled. “Selene!” I shoved the hunter back, slicing through him before sending out a shockwave of air. She’d been behind this, and maybe she’d been planning this for years, using the werewolf virus to spy on the preparations. It would make sense to try and get rid of me. I was the direct descendant of Fenris. More than that, it was their movements. Each and every one of them moved e