The Dead Luna

Phoenix:

When we hugged each other, we stayed like that for a few seconds. She rubbed her hand on my back before pulling back.

"You can do it, sweetheart," she assured me, "Your Moon Goddess won’t leave you alone. It’s you who need to face the demons."

I nodded at her, holding her hands.

"I’ll miss you," I told her, and her fingers tightened around mine.

"I’ll miss you too, sweetheart," she smiled and then looked behind me. It was the same lake where Raya left me behind.

"You should wait here. I’m sure someone from your pack will come looking for you," I wasn’t convinced.

It was more than a week. By now, they must have assumed me dead and might be celebrating. With a sigh, I closed my eyes.

"Hey!" she cupped my cheek, "Trust me on this. Someone will be here for you. If no one comes to you, then return to my hut," she offered me, and it warmed my heart.

She then slipped something into my palm, "My bakery address is there. Visit me someday," I nodded at her.

When she turned away, I quickly slipped the mask over my face. It felt so good to spend my days without it.

Before disappearing among the trees, she waved at me with a smile. I waved back and then sat down on a rock.

Now I needed to wait for someone to take me home. The home where no one thought of me as family.

But this time I needed to fight for my place. If they thought I wasn’t good for their pack, then maybe it was time for them to leave the pack.

I don’t know, Luna Raya, why you hate me so much. If Jai rejected you, then of course I was never the reason. When I joined your pack, you were already married to Alpha Blake. If you two have a past, then you can’t blame me for something I didn’t do.

I’m not Maya. I’ll never eye someone else’s fiancé.

I looked up at the sky and smiled to myself. Thank you, Moon Goddess, for letting me meet Kiki and giving me a new perspective on this life.

Now I knew what I needed to do with my life.

I stayed on the rock, hugging my knees as the sun dipped lower. What if Kiki was wrong? What if no one would arrive?

What if Kiki was trying to get rid of me?

Too many What ifs...

No. Kiki wouldn’t do that.

It was getting darker, and it didn’t feel peaceful anymore.

I glanced towards the track Kiki had taken. Maybe no one was coming. Maybe I should go back to Kiki.

Just then, a sharp crack echoed in the woods. Leaves rustled and a branch snapped nearby. My breath hitched in my throat.

I stood up quickly as my eyes darted towards the sound. Someone was coming.

And then I saw him.

A giant beast emerged from between the trees, its body nearly brushing the branches. He was thick, muscular, covered in jet black fur. And it was huge.

Its glowing eyes locked on me, and I completely froze.

Goddess! Who is this?

I was expecting a werewolf who might come into this part of the jungle while looking for me.

To be specific, Jai.

Why would this beast ...

Oh. So, Lycans hadn’t left our pack. They were still there!

Weren’t they supposed to stay at the pack for only a few days?

Who was he? A Lycan warrior?

Lycans were a scary species and were not allowed to take their beast form among werewolves or humans.

There was a feral look in his eyes that had made me turn into a statue in fear. My legs wouldn’t move, nor could I scream. In panic, I dug my fingers into my arms. The beast took a step towards me... then another... slowly... carefully.

Like...

Like, it couldn’t believe I was actually there.

I swallowed hard, my eyes flicking around helplessly, "K-Kiki?" I whispered my friend’s name for help, though I knew she was long gone.

However, this Lycan didn’t growl, nor did it roar.

Instead, it came closer and slowly lowered itself onto all fours, crouching just inches away. Its face came down to my level, and it stared deep into my eyes.

I frowned in confusion. Like, come on. Attack me and kill me. Make it easier for both of us.

Then, to my complete shock, it crawled closer. Okay. So as a warrior, I need to fight before he kills me. I reminded myself.

Its long arms reached out, and I prepared myself for the blow. I squeezed my eyes shut and turned my face away, bracing for impact.

So is this the end? The death? Maybe I should round him and attack him from behind.

But the blow never came. His long arms didn’t strike, but touched my waist.

I flinched.

By now, my body was shaking all over. These beasts were known to be unpredictable. They might attack you with their claws and leave you behind until you die.

But...

But its touch was gentle. Too gentle.

I felt its arms wrapping around me. The grip wasn’t tight or rough. It was gentle. I opened my eyes and blinked fast, and then, gathering all my courage, I looked up into his glowing eyes again.

Something about it was too familiar.

Was he really a Lycan warrior?

His eyes were too intense.

Who was he?

And then it hit me like lightning in my chest.

No.... No... it can’t be... Was it...

I raised my hand and touched the face of the beast.

Holy Cow!

It closed its eyes, almost like it was enjoying my touch – and let out a low rumbling grunt.

S...Sebastian? My hand dropped to my side.

"King Sebastian?"

For a second, I almost forgot how to breathe.

Goddess. It was indeed him. I could feel it.

Carrying me in his arms, he slowly got up. This time, for some odd reason, I wasn’t scared. I felt safe.

I leaned my head against the beast’s chest and closed my eyes.

The beast got the message because it pulled me closer, gluing me to its hard body, and then ... without warning, it started running.

I wasn’t aware where it was taking me. But this time I didn’t give a damn. At the moment, I wanted to close my eyes and enjoy the ride.