LUNA-FEY

THE PRESENT

Always in peril, this little bird - I can't help the excitement I was feeling. Goodbye, boring ol life, I'm never letting her go.

But more importantly, why are these ugly creatures after her? A bad feeling began to arise within me, my excitement quickly turned to rage - I'll kill them all if I have to. No one's laying a finger on Luna.

As I rush to her aid, I wonder what trouble she's stumbled into. Whatever it is, I'll shield her, keep her safe. This is my chance to make things right.

I won't fail her again.

Seeing the twisted creatures converge on her, my blood was like it was on fire, it boils. All that rage I knew what was coming next, the vampire that was almost digging it claws into her dissolved immediately turning to dust, They howl, but I don't relent - I will protect her, this time I will do it right

"You're safe now," I told her, relief washing over me as I saw her pale, shaken features. Thankfully, I had arrived in time.

"Th-thank you," she stammered, and I could tell she was still processing everything.

And then it happened - the moment I had both dreaded and longed for. "Cedric?" she said, that familiar look of pained recognition crossing her face.

That one look, the same as when we had last parted ways, shattered my heart. Perhaps I truly was not destined for love, after all. Pushing aside the sting of regret, I helped her back to her feet.

"Luna, every time we meet, you're in peril's grip. What troubles did you bring with you tonight?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of weariness.

I had hoped our paths would cross again under better circumstances, but fate seemed determined it this way, Still, I would stand by her side.

"Angus," I called, casting a concerned glance at Luna's visibly shaken state. "Take the young lady to safety. She doesn't seem to possess any stamina".

Once Luna was securely in Angus' arms, I turned my attention to the dark creatures before me, my expression hardening.

"Now," I said, the calm facade cracking to reveal the underlying rage simmering within. "What do you want from her?"

The vampire leader stepped forward, his pale features twisted in a malevolent grin. "Lord Harbinger, we were sent by our various masters to retrieve the girl".

My eye turn inside out, the air crackling with the power I barely restrained. "I asked what the lot of you want from a frail woman like her?" I growled, the edge in my voice unmistakable.

"She possesses something our masters desire," the vampire hissed. "," We will not leave until we have what we came for."

"Luna, what do they want from you?" I called out, my gaze shifting to the young woman as she fell unconscious in Angus' arms.

"She stole something," the shape-shifting creature hissed, its eyes narrowing.

"Is that so?" I replied, my voice deceptively calm as I coiled on the ground, facing the creature. "You can't lie to me. Tell me what she stole."

In response, the creature's assistant transformed into a large, green snake and slithered towards the river, attempting to intimidate me.

The snake's raspy, cunning voice cut through the air. "Master Harbinger, permit me to explain. My master, the shape-shifting lord Pierre, is growing impatient. That human has broken a deal made years ago between humans and our kind. Now, she is in possession of something so great, we need it for our rituals."

I listened, my expression unreadable. "And what, pray tell, is this 'something' she has stolen?" I asked, my gaze unwavering. "I warn you, you are on my domain, and I will not tolerate any harm coming to those under my protection."

"Lord Harbinger," the leader of the werewolves responded, "we cannot disclose the details, as it concerns matters of privacy."

I narrowed my eyes, my voice stern. "Then tell your masters that we will get to the bottom of this at a more appropriate time. I will not turn over a woman who has come to me seeking help."

Turning my gaze to the creatures, I continued, "You should all be ashamed of yourselves, ganging up against a weak woman."

The vampire stepped forward, his pale features twisted in a malevolent sneer. "Lord Harbinger, this could mean war."

"I said leave!" I roared.

I watched as the creatures scurried away, unwilling to provoke my wrath further. Once they had disappeared from sight, I let out a heavy sigh, my attention returning to the unconscious Luna.

"Angus," I called, "see to it that she is well cared for. I must convene with the council immediately. It seems we are facing a threat greater than any we have encountered in centuries."

I strode towards the castle, my mind racing with the implications of this new development. Whatever Luna had in her possession, it was clearly of great importance to those dark forces, but I will to question her first.