“QUOD ABSURDUM est!” [That is just absurd!] There is no way he would do that. Mixed emotions flooded me upon trying to analyze what Amadeus had just said earlier.I do not know what kind of trick he is trying to pull with me, but he’s just been saying nonsense all this time. Nero told me that this man wanted to talk to me first alone before going with him and took me to this small cabin, which I presume is Amadeus’ place of study. There were antiques of everything around; books, frames, bunches of gold, and lots of herbs and spices. I was standing in the middle of it all, frantically pacing back and forth in front of him while he stayed sitting at ease on his chair. A little stroke would make me mad enough to smash his table in between us, but he stayed calm and was not even a bit bothered by my outburst. To my surprise, he slid a little piece of rolled paper to the table, which looked like a letter. I did not take it like he would want me to and only looked at him with the obvious
IT FELT like a dream, and then somehow it was not. It felt so real. I opened my eyes in a slow manner. It felt like waking up from a long dream, everything feels so light and dreamy… and yet, everything is registered in mono colors, just black and white. In front of me is an enormous castle-like building with a vast green field surrounding it. Due to curiosity, I tried to move my head to look around only to notice that I cannot move any body part with me. It was only then I noticed that I couldn't feel my face… my hands, my feet… my everything. I feel like a piece of cloud floating in the air. I had to change my first perception in this situation. It does not feel like waking up from a long dream anymore, rather, a feeling of having your consciousness while dreaming. It’s like a distant memory you are reliving in your head… only more realistic. “Matilda, make haste!” In a sudden motion, I find myself turning around unconsciously to look for wherever the voice is coming from.
“Frater.” [Brother.] Anticipating, I slowly opened my eyes and moved my head. Upon hearing Dmitri’s sullen tone, I already know what he wants to say. “Adhuc nulla signa?” [Still no signs of them?] I asked lightly to ease him. I closed my eyes again as I let the heat of the sun hit my face directly. I welcomed the warmth like it was a much-awaited guest and savored every bit of it. There is only one place here in Aerith where I can do this. It is here. Truly, Salvatorre’s cliff is breathtaking. Silence enveloped us, only Dmitri’s heavy breaths from the back can be heard. I can almost feel how hard he is repressing himself from asking but he chose to be silent and wait for me instead. For that, I admire his patience. ‘Dmitri is working so hard,’ I inwardly thought as my lips formed a smile, and sighed, still not facing him. Everyone is working so hard. “Omnia bona sperantibus, frater meus... sperantibus.” [All the good things to those who wait, my brother… To those who wait
“Mater, is it true that Aerith is a dangerous place?” My innocent question caused a subtle hitch in my mother's movements. The gentle rhythm of the comb gliding through my hair faltered even further as she absorbed my words. A single, knowing glance at the maids sent them hurrying out, leaving us alone in the vastness of my old, dark room. At first, I was confused, but I silently waited. In the comfortable silence, I watched her hands, pale as moonlight on glass, meticulously combing my dark locks, so like her own. Her eyes, the perfect shade of garnet, met mine in the mirror. A comforting smile touched her lips before she set the comb down on the vanity with a sigh, and seemed ready to answer my out-of-the-blue question. My mother’s movements have always been like the fluttering of a silver moth in the moonlight, all soft grace and quiet strength. “Is that what your father told you?” I am unsure how she knows, but I only nodded in response. A flicker of darkness danced in her
More than anyone, I wish my mother was still here. She would help me understand. With each tale she'd made of Aerith, the pieces of truth might have been just lying. Facing this impossible reality, the pieces I'd diligently collected throughout my life seemed to never fit with each other. I can’t help but feel trapped in the tangled mess presented to me all at once. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. Mother, nothing could ever prepare me for this. “I am Solaris, your father…” He stepped forward, a presence that filled the air with a quiet authority. Despite his towering height and broad shoulders, a seasoned warrior etched with time, his gaze held a surprising softness. It was a curious echo of the perpetual twilight that bathed Aerith, a vulnerability that disarmed some of the initial shock of his proclamation.Solaris' amber eyes held a storm of regret as he straightly looked at me. “I know it seems impossible, Luna. Your mother and I… we knew that our love was forbidden fro
“Prometheus.” The figure stepped into the dim light, revealing the ever-imposing aura of my father. Broad-shouldered and tall, he exuded an air of power and control that was both suffocating and intimidating. His scarlet eyes, which have always been devoid of warmth, slowly went to me. It has become a more lifeless ember that sends a chill deep into my body. "Father..." I breathed out, the word catching in my throat like ice. This was Prometheus Valentin, the man who held the title of my father… and a man who embodied everything I am, and who I’ll ever be. How he found me here is a mystery, however it is a deep accepted truth in me that is slowly sinking in that he will always catch me no matter what I do, or where I go. A familiar cruel smirk played on his lips, a twisted mockery of warmth. "My dear..." he continued, his voice laced with a condescending lilt, "we're going home." My father’s playful facade could not mask the glint of ruthlessness in his red eyes. It was the
Without another word, raspy growls ripped from the throats of Dominica, Dmitri, and Nero. It wasn’t a sound of rage, but a sound of warriors readying for battle. Their bodies began to contort and shift, clothes shredding as their bones rearranged. In a heartbeat, their figures were replaced by their wolf form, each furs bristling with fury. A primal, spine-chilling roar echoed through the forest as Solaris followed suit. It revealed a magnificent wolf unlike any I had ever seen. It was a creature of legend, its fur the color of freshly fallen snow, its eyes glowing with an inner fire.The tension in the air became suffocating and thick, making it hard to breathe. My head is lowered, but I can sense their burning determination. The raw fury burning in the Elders' and Nero’s auras, the cold, calculating glint in Prometheus' eyes — they are all ready to fight. I have grown to know Prometheus and his strength is unmatched. But there are also no underestimating the four of them. Even So
Bump after another bump. I whimpered in silent protest, the ninth such incident in as many minutes. Well, so much for reliving the old days, Luna… The bustling streets of Aerith thrummed with its usual chaotic scene. Merchants hawked their wares, children running left and right, and the rhythmic clatter of iron from a nearby blacksmith added a percussive touch. It was the kind of scene that would normally get on my nerves, yet today, it provided a comforting veil of anonymity. I carefully fixed the hood of the black cloak falling into my face. Under this dark cloak, I am a ghost flitting through the world of mortals. Amusement boomed through my chest as I observed them. Freedom. It is something mortals have that no one can take away from them.And I am no mortal.It is my destiny to be caged by the fate given to me by the goddess of the moon themselves. This would be the last time, I reminded myself. This is my last act of owning myself… of relishing this sense of being free… befo
Then suddenly, a series of spine-chilling roars echoed through the hall. It was still very dark, adding tension to everything that was happening. Nero and the others were not the only ones here. Packs and packs of wolves came and from the looks of it, they came to infiltrate the event. If this is not a declaration of war, then I don't know what it is. Prometheus' rage was palpable, his eyes burning with a dangerous intensity. I backed away, my heart pounding in my chest. The wolves, once a symbol of protection, now seemed like a menacing force, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.Giovanni stood tall, his face a mask of determination. He moved with a grace that belied his strength, his eyes never leaving Prometheus. The tension in the air was thick, and heavy with the promise of violence.Suddenly, the wolves lunged. Solaris, the alpha, led the charge, his body a blur of motion. Prometheus raised his arms, his body taut with anticipation. A clash of bodies and a symphony of g
"Don't ask questions," Giovanni hissed, his voice barely audible over the orchestrated chaos. Terror seized my throat. His lips moved silently, a silent plea for trust. "In my signal, run." He slowly instructed as he placed a ring on my finger. The cold metal felt like a shackle, making my fingers trembled. I wanted to open my mouth, but the watchful eyes of Prometheus made it impossible to do so. "Run east. As fast as you can, Luna," he instructed, his voice low and urgent.Then he looked straight into my eyes. His eyes mirrored the steely glint of my gaze. Time seemed to slow down with those seconds of stare. But it took me back in an instant when he spoke. "I'll meet you at the Scopulus," he added with finality. Not allowing me to respond to anything."Giovanni—"Before I could even move a muscle. A piercing howl shattered through the solemnity of it all. The once-festive hall was plunged into darkness as the candles were extinguished. The howling grew louder, closer, more prima
“It was so unfortunate what happened to your friends…” He knows. The words hung in the air, heavy with malice. A cold dread seeped into my bones. How could I have been so blind? He knew. He knew everything. Prometheus’ whispers were like of a snake. “One of them… dead.” The slow walk to the center felt like a dance of death. And I was dancing with the death himself. And like a slave to its master, my body followed his rhythm. In the middle of the ceremony and in the eyes of all, I felt like a hostage. What is chilling is that it seemed that no soul was suspicious of the tension between Prometheus and me. “And the other one… trying its best to escape death. He is now… currently crawling his body with the other one’s body. Oh, how sweet.” My widened eyes stayed locked at the front. A wave of nausea washed over me as I imagined the scene. He is talking about Everleigh and Thaddaeus who were both left in my room. Shivers sent down my spine upon realizing he was seeing everyth
Everything happened so fast. One moment, Everleigh was a blur of motion, fighting for her life. The next, she was still, a crimson stain blooming on the pristine white carpet. The world seemed to slow down, focusing on the horrifying image of my friend, lifeless. I couldn’t move. My mind refused to comprehend the brutality of it all. I could not even move my mouth to speak her name out loud. Or walk towards her to help her… even though I know it's too late. “This must have shocked you, Luna,” Arturo's voice cut through the silence, his tone laced with cruel satisfaction. His playful facade had vanished, replaced by a predatory glint in his eyes. “But the show is just starting.” “E-Everleigh…” I did not mind what he was saying. My widened gaze stayed at Everleigh’s dead body. Tears, silent and endless, streamed down my face. I felt as if I were drowning in a sea of despair, my mind a chaotic whirlpool. Dominic, now free from my attack, pulled me to my feet. My body obeyed, but m
I accepted a long time ago that in this lifetime, and in this realm, love between you and I could not possibly happen. It was the day of the wedding day. “Luna, you have to come with me.” Lost, I looked at her dumbfounded. The weight of her words slammed into me, chilling me despite the clothing I had. “You have to get out of here. Now.” I did not even get the chance to speak when she gripped my hand. She looked alert, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. This is probably the first time I have seen Everleigh lose her composure. She looked at the large window, and even though she didn’t say it. I know what she is thinking. “Everl—” “Luna, this wedding can not happen!” My mouth went agape. “What… What are you saying…” A pang hit my chest. If anything, Everleigh would be the happiest for Giovanni and me to get married. For her to say that, it finally hit me that there was something wrong going on. “Tell me what is happening.” My voice was a mere whisper. Her gaze met mine,
If there is another world where I am me, and you are you, I wish things happened differently for them. I accepted a long time ago that in this lifetime, and in this realm, love between you and I could not possibly happen. We… were meant to be enemies. “So long, amor meus.” (my love) A rhythm of hate and vengeance clouded my voice. Before me stood Giovanni, the man who had stolen my heart and shattered my world. Once etched with love and longing, his face now held an impassive mask. Like a challenge… a silent dare. “Don’t be like that. Didn’t you miss me?” The way he is looking at me, it is as if he will not fight back with the clear sarcasm and hatred I am showing him. I lunged, my movements a blur of fury. My nails, sharp and deadly, aimed for his throat, but he was faster. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected my attack, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a surge of frustration. He wasn't fighting back. It was as if he was just letting me, indulging my rage.“Fight. back.”
“ARE YOU sure you want to do this alone?”Amadeo’s voice echoed from behind. I sighed quietly and grimaced. This is going to be a long conversation.This got to be one of the most quiet I have ever seen Oakcross. You can hear even the slightest sound crickets make. The wind whispers so silently as if it does not want to wake anyone. There is no single star in the skies, and the moon shines brightest above all.Which I found hilarious and odd at the same time. What is about to happen tonight is far from being peaceful.“I can handle myself, Amadeo.” I coldly answered as I continued combing my hair in front of the mirror. I purposely made my voice sound dismissive in the hope that he could already feel there was no changing my mind anymore and that he could stop. But to my surprise, he even leaned himself on the door jamb and crossed his arms as he continued staring at my reflection with a smirk on his lips. I rolled my eyes and shook my head in disbelief.“You should get ready by now, d
“Luna…” I felt Deva’s grip once again in my arms. I squeezed my eyelids shut, the familiar mantra from meditation thrumming in my head. Calm down, Luna. Control every thought. This exact situation is the reason why I go through meditation trainings... for moments like these. I couldn’t afford to lose control… again. Taking a shuddering breath, I shoved the demons threatening to consume me down deep where they couldn’t find me. I faced Deva. Her face etched with worry calmed me even more. “I must go there, Deva.” I rasped, my voice thick with desperation. “The light, the explosion… it was him. He was after me, and now he’s after the others.” She looked at me with a certain coldness in her eyes. Like nothing I say right now would mean anything to her. Deva may be soft, but like the other Elders, she possesses undeniable authority in her aura. Her gaze enough makes you convinced that her words are the law. And you have no choice but to obey. “Your safety… is top priority.” There
It was Nero. Not wasting any second, Artem and I rushed to the barn where Nero was heading. He was already talking to Deva, worry and confusion evident on her face. “Nero,” Artem called.Nero spun around, he looked shocked to see him. “Artem,” and me. “Luna…” His usually slicked-back hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat, and a certain paleness in his whole face made me shudder. Not until a flicker of something flashed in Nero’s face like he was hiding the fear I just saw from him a while ago. “Why were you such in a hurry, son?” Deva and Nero exchanged suspicious glances. Like they were transmitting secret messages through their gazes. Before Deva could even speak, Nero took steps forward and materialized in front of us. “Luna, I need to talk to Deva and Artem about an important matter.” No one spoke but I felt Deva’s defiance. My brows furrowed in both confusion and growing impatience. “What is something so important I am not supposed to know?” Nero avoided my hea