"The Elders won't hold back either. Elara might be a dream with a bow, but Cielo will have you tracking wild boar through the thickest brush.” Dominica’s words echoed in my mind upon falling to the ground for the nth time. I am well aware that Cielo has not liked me ever since, for some reason. I tried to swallow the bitter taste of frustration that rose in my throat, reminding myself this wasn't personal. But every jab, and every mocking comment makes it harder to do so. “Keep up, princess! Is that all you can do?” Frustration burned in my throat. Cielo’s voice, laced with a sharp amusement that felt like a jab, echoed through the dense woods. I pushed myself up from the damp earth, wincing as a twig dug into my palm. Dirt streaked my face after my numerous, clumsy tumbles.Cielo, perched effortlessly on a low branch a few paces ahead, seemed to embody everything I wasn't - graceful, swift, a predator in her element. Her dark eyes glinted with a teasing cruelty today."Look, litt
"Am I really not allowed to see Asha and the others?" I said, catching my breath. Nero paused upon hearing my question. We were on a treacherous mountain path, sunlight dappling through the ancient pines that clawed at the rocky slopes. Our destination: the peak where Deva awaited, shrouded in the tranquility needed for her meditation training. “I’m kind of missed the village.” I continued, sighing. "It's not that you're not allowed, Luna," Nero replied, his voice holding a hint of concern. "Let me see what I can do." The certainty in his tone, as if he could bend the rules themselves, warmed a corner of my heart. I pouted my lips. He couldn't see it, of course, not with me a few paces ahead."You never say no to me," I teased, a playful poke laced with a touch of truth. I couldn't deny the way Nero indulged me, sometimes to a fault.We stopped abruptly, the silence pressing down on us. He bent his head to the side, his brow furrowed in confusion. Then, with a clueless shrug, he cha
Like music to my ears, a continuous metallic tang slashed through the air upon my movements. Catching my breath, I stopped for a while and looked at the weapon clutched in my hand. Like whispers, memories of Prometheus’ disapproval echoed in my head. He made it forbidden for me to use, or learn weapons of any kind. Daggers had always been a fascination for me, years of stolen moments had honed my skills in secret, and today, the open field felt like a stage for my forbidden dance. Each flick of the wrist, each pirouette with the blade, was a defiance against him. Sweat beaded on my brow in every practiced precision of my movements. Suddenly, a twig snapped beneath a stealthy footfall. I froze, but I quickly recovered. I continued slashing the dagger in the air like I hadn’t noticed anything. Though I didn't turn, my senses prickled with awareness. The footsteps approached slowly, deliberately, contrasting the frantic swings I'd envisioned facing. In a swift movement, I spun on my he
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
“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
“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
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.”
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,
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