1. Blood Moon

3008 Words
Blood Moon She sat on the chair of her living room, slumping down in exhaustion. Adrenaline was pulsing through her veins and her breaths were heavy and laboured. She felt hot all over and the stench of blood on her clothes stirred a ravenous hunger deep in her bones. Beside her, Rigel shook, sending droplets of water everywhere. His wet fur smelled of forest and the metallic scent of blood. She stared at his eyes that gleamed with the fire in the furnace. "We did well tonight Rigel, but next time, end them fast." She said as she held out her hand to him. He crept closer and nudged his wet nose on her palm. She ran her hand on his massive head down to his thick neck. She felt pride blossom on her, knowing that despite the hunger they had faced, she had been able to provide enough for him. Rigel was a large wolf with thick black fur, allowing him to conceal himself during the night. His paws were large and heavy with sharp claws that kills bunnies in one swipe. His body was firm with muscles that seem to shiver before he attacks his prey with his sharp fangs that were as long as her middle finger. He has a lot of intimidating features, but what stood out most of all was his eyes. His eyes were glowing orbs the same colour of the moon, white with specks of grey that contrasted with his jet black mane. It shone with intelligence and dominance that whenever he passed by the village down the mountain, all creatures including men are compelled to take a step back. He was an alpha wolf, and one day, she will find him companions that he will lead. She rose up in her chair and stood by the table, gazing down at their hunt. It was a fawn. Its neck was mangled as Rigel was unable to kill it in one bite, resulting in a gruesome wound that it endured seconds before she shot an arrow to its heart. She sighed and pulled her scimitar from its sheath. The blade was pitch black, letting no shine from the light of the moon betray Luna of her location when she's out hunting at night.  She ran her hand down its body and whispered a prayer, showing her gratitude for its sacrifice for her survival. It was the law of nature, yet she respected life, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Slowly she sunk the blade in the fawn's flesh, her stomach rumbling and her mouth watering with the thought of the meal she was about to have. She cut it into pieces, dividing it to portions that will last until next week for her and Rigel. When she was done, she put it into her clay pots and placed salt in it. "Let's just wish this rain will stop in the next few days Rigel, or else we'll stick to berries and leaf vegetables for the next few weeks." Rigel let out a disapproving howl. They had experienced it once when they were unable to gather enough food to last the Blood Moon. Luna's brows furrowed at the thought of the incoming Blood Moon. The Blood Moon lasts for two weeks, the sun won't shine and only the moon will rise, its light as crimson as newly shed blood. It casted the earth with a red light that roused all beasts from their hiding places. Monsters like skinwalkers, trolls, orcs, blood suckers, and worst of all, devils. They would lurk the mountains and villages, leaving blood and mutilated corpses -human or animal- in their wake. Those times Luna and Rigel will be unable to hunt and the villagers will stay couped up in their place, praying to God that they have enough food to last them two weeks and their fortifications and spells would keep them safe. Sadly, that wasn't always the case. When the sun rises on the 15th day, piles of bodies will lay littered everywhere. Families died in cold blood in their own home, devoured by strong beasts that were able to break down the barriers casted by the village witch. She sat down by the furnace, roasting her meat. The scent wafted through cabin and a string of saliva dripped from Rigel's open jaws. "Down, boy." Luna laughed. "It won't be long." Once she was done, she placed a large chunk of meat on her plate and tossed the other one to Rigel. Both of them ate heartily, knowing that if the rain doesn't stop in the next few weeks, this just might be their last plentiful feast before they ration their food strictly. As she sat enjoying her feast, a loud gush of wind went by, almost putting out the small fire dancing in the furnace. Luna's heart pounded hard, making her swallow the lump in her throat. The scent of rotting flesh entered her nose and her blood thrummed in both excitement and fear. They were coming closer. Rigel stood up from the wooden floor, ignoring his half eaten steak completely. A deep growl rumbled like the rolling of thunder from deep within his throat and he bared his fangs whilst gazing at the darkness outside the window. A gag forced its way out of Luna's mouth when the stench grew strong, carried by the wind. Luna stood up and scooped up water from her basin, throwing it on the table and washing away the blood stains in it. She picked up the bones from the floor and tossed it on the fire. "Sorry Rigel, you can get the bones next time," she gazed outside, sweat forming in her forehead. "For now, we get rid of the smell of blood." She proceeded to rummage through her jars until she found the one with wild roses. She took a handful and tossed it to the fire. Seconds later, the sickening sweet smell of the flower filled the room until it morphed into the smell of burning leaves, driving away the thick smell of blood. From deep within the dark woods, a wolf howled in the distance. Soon, a howl started, echoing around the mountain. The villagers was for sure trembling at their feet. The howls sent a warning to all. Rigel sat, refusing to howl. He never howled to the moon, or even answered the calls of his kind. He only howled for her when he loses her during their hunt. He had a distinct howl, once his powerful howl resonates on the mountain, it will travel down into the village, rendering all creatures silent. He viewed no one to be superior to him, no one but Luna. As the howls continued, his mesmerizing eyes met Luna's. He raised his chin, asserting his dominance. Luna knew that look all that well.  "No, Rigel. I won't let you out. Tonight we remain here, we're not certain of their numbers and I won't let you go out there on your own. You can keep me safe here." The howls increased in volume and Luna made her way to her bed, clutching his scimitar tightly. "Get some rest, Rigel. Tomorrow we'll head down the mountain. The Blood Moon will come early this year." She said grimly. When morning came, Luna was awakened by Rigel's wet tongue on her cheeks. After eating what's left of her oats and feeding Rigel with some meat, they headed down the mountain. She cloaked herself with her red riding hood and sheathed her daggers, cautious of what they may meet on their way. The sun shone brightly up at the sky but Luna knew it won't last long. Rigel ran up to her side, thumping his paws on the ground twice. Luna knew what it meant. "Are you sure? We're not halfway there and I had gained more weight since the last time you carried me down the mountain." He raised his head proudly and huffed, shaking his body with arrogance shining in his eyes. "I know, you did too. Two years and you're still growing larger and larger by the month," Luna chuckled as she sat himself upon his massive furry back. "Grow a bit more and you won't fit through the door anymore." She tightened her hold on his neck and Rigel only let out a bark before he lunged. He ran down the mountain, past all the gnarly trees as if he had no burden in his back. Luna leaned to his companion, relieved with the knowledge that no harm will come to her while Rigel was there. When they finally reached the village, Luna could hear the sharp gasps from the village women. They stared at her with disgust and fear, gazing at her unnatural attire. But with those gazes, came a sharp tang of jealousy. Luna's amber eyes glimmered with intelligence, ruthlessness, and weirdly, warmth. Her eyes were framed by thick and long dark eyelashes that caressed her skin every time she blinked. Her skin was supple and pinkish in color despite the fact that she lived in the forest and had a rough life ever since her grandmother died. Her hair was jet black, falling in waves down her slender back. Her lips were plump with the colour of rose petals and her nose was feminine, topped by her heart shaped face, Luna was a beauty. All men gazed upon her in admiration, but despite of this, no one ever dared to go near her. Her beauty wasn't enough to make the villagers forget who she was spawned from. Those who dared, never got past her beast of a pet. When she reached the heart of the village, she saw the chief outside the hall. His gray eyes lightened up at the sight of her but uneasiness and worry replaced his bright expression. "Luna, come here, fast." Rigel ran up to the steps, making the Chief's disciples scatter. "Chief Faramus." Luna got off Rigel's back and bowed. "Rise, dear one." Luna rose and looked at the man who was one of the few people who had treated her nicely since her grandmother passed away. "The forest, how is it?" "The rain had sent most animals into hiding, Chief. If the villagers are not quick enough in their food gathering, they won't last through the blood moon." "Ah, the blood moon. The wolves had already started the howls." A shadow fell upon the chief's face and he gazed at Luna woth a stern expression in his face. "Was there any activities last night?" "No-" "Are you quite sure?" The Chief said, his voice growing firm. "Yes, but their scent is growing stronger by the day. The blood moon's coming early this year, no doubt. The birds had gone and silence has already fell upon the mountain. They're coming. I implore you to start casting your spells-" "That's the problem, Luna." The Chief cut her off, the worry in his face increasing. "The village witch is dead. Killed." She went quiet, as if struck. Silence fell upon the place, the only sound that remained is the silent whimpers of the Chief's wife as she prayed. Luna was bewildered. Witches bore strong incantations that served as their protection from beasts, you seldom hear of witches that are killed. They mostly die by natural causes, leaving heirs that will replace their position. The village witch had just started training her successor and now she's dead. But that wasn't the cause of Luna's concern. She looked at the chief with curious eyes. "How?" "Come with me, I'll show you." "Faramus!" The chief's wife stood up, grasping his arm and leaving her prayers. "You will not show such gruesome scene to this child!" "Ataska, this child has seen more bloodshed than either of us did. And no one else knows more about dark magic aside from. The village witch had not reached half of what she could teach her succesor, she's our last resort. But of course, if you do not want to, I will not force you Luna." "It's alright chieftess, I agree with the chief." Her kind eyes swept over jer and Luna felt warmth. "If you must." The chief and Luna along with Rigel walked to the village witch's lair. The moment her abode reached Luna's line of sight she felt a chill down her spine. Her fence was torn apart and the aura her incantation was almost lost. As she gazed at the damage, confusion started to blossom within her. When she looked up, she saw that by the door stood a young boy, the same age as Luna. Rigel growled beside her, taking a threatening step forward. The boy remained standing. His jaw was clenched and the strong heat of rage radiated from him. His dirty blonde hair was disheveled and his silvery eyes shone with battle rage emotions as he stared at the inside of the home. Luna frowned with curiosity. "Legosi." The young boy turned to them. His eyes were red rimmed but it burned with contempt. "Chief." He bowed gently and turned his eyes to Luna. "This is Luna, Luna this is Legosi, the witch's apprentice." "I know." Luna stepped forward, eyeing the boy intently. "You reek of her magic. It is not strong, but it is there. How long were you out before you discovered her body?" He rolled his jaw but he answered. "Not long. I came out to fetch firewood from home as she ordered me to do so and when I came back, she was dead." Luna came in, followed by the chief. There on the floor lay Vaga, her white hair dyed red by her own blood. Her chest was torn open and her eyes were wide with fear. On her hand was her book of prayers, still clutched between her wrinkled fingers. Luna stepped towards her, letting her crimson blood soak her boots. She knelt beside her, tearing the book from her hardened hands. She ran her hand down her face and forced her eyes shut. She stared at the open page on her book and a smirk crept to her face. "You found her like this?" She asked, looking directly into Legosi's eyes. The young boy's eyes still burned with fury, it hadn't faltered since they came. "Yes." A humourless laugh escaped Luna's lips. "You lie." Coldness filled the room and the Chief held a grim expression in his face. Rigel let out an animalistic growl that seemed to shake the whole house as he edged closer to the devil, forcing the chief behind him, his back muscles bunching and his teeth bared maliciously. "You seem unable to change your expression, devil. Was battle rage the emotion coursing through Legosi's veins when you possessed him?" Luna caressed the booklet in her hands, gazing coldly at the page with the illustration of a devil in it. The Deceiver. Her suspicions the moment she arrived was confirmed. The damages at the front was done from the inside, seeing that the wood was facing outward, made to mislead the unobservant. The smell of venom also lingered in the place, almost covering the all that remained of Vaga's scent. As she got closer to Legosi, Vaga's scent became stronger, along woth the revolting smell of death. The Deceivers are lower rank devils that possesses  its victims, taking over their bodies and minds. Its ability to possess people was almost impeccable if it wasn't for the fact that they are only able to display the last emotion that the real owner of the body had felt. They must stay on the body long enough to devour every inch of the person's soul before they can claim the body as their own. "You..." His pupils started to stretch into sharp straight lines with shades of green on his irises and fangs started to protrude past his lips. A sharp thin tongue slithered out from his mouth as he spoke. "Your scent is familiar." The devil said, sniffing the air deeply, a smile stretching on his lips. Still, his eyes blazed in pure hate and wrath. Legosi is still in there somewhere. "You're the dweller in the woods." He said, an amused smile playing on his maw. Luna retreated deeper into the house along with the chief as the devil took a threatening step forward. Luna slowly pulled her scimitar from its sheath. "Luna! You must not kill him!" "I know, that will only let the devil take the body all to himself." She ran her fingers along the blade while whispering an incantation. Markings started to appear on the blade, glowing red and hot. "Rigel, bring the chief outside. Chief, ride on Rigel, he'll take you somewhere safe." "Luna, I cannot leave-" "I need you to call for help." The chief clenched his jaw but swung himself on Rigel's massive back. Luna kept her eyes trained on the devil before her, once she heard a crash and the sound of Rigel retreating, she took a step forward. "Here is the elusive one who hunts the east mountain. A little slip of a girl! those who have fallen before you are a disgrace to our kind." The devil laughed mockingly. Luna scoffed. Heat started to travel to the back of Luna's eyes and her vision blurred. She threw her head back, groaning painfully. The devil before tilted his head in curiousity as she stood there, her head thrown back and agonizing moans slipping past her lips. She started to shake uncontrollably, her head bobbing vigorously. Then silence. Suddenly, all her movements seized. She brought her head back down, smiling tentatively. The devil took a step backwards and braced himself. Luna slowly opened her eyes and where amber eyes should have been, was a pair of burning red eyes surrounded by black irises. "Are you quite sure of that?" The ground trembled and shadows started to envelope the house, casting a darkness on all its corners. The devil hissed, taking a step back. "What are you?" 
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