Chapter 8: The Bloodmoon Keep
762 Words
Abigail’s POV
The message burned in my mind.
Meet me at Bloodmoon Keep. Or watch your world burn.
Gideon was calling me out. Daring me to step into his trap.
Good.
Because I had no intention of hiding.
The Journey to Bloodmoon Keep
We rode through the dead of night, our forces moving like shadows through the forest. Ivy and Orion flanked me, while Lucian took the lead.
“The Phantom Pack won’t meet us until after this,” Orion murmured. “They’re still watching.”
“Then we give them a reason to join us,” I said.
Bloodmoon Keep loomed ahead. A fortress of black stone, nestled between the cliffs. Its towers stretched toward the stormy sky, torches burning red like hungry eyes.
Lucian reined in his horse beside me. “If this is a trap, we’re walking straight into it.”
I met his gaze. “Then let’s make sure we’re the ones who spring it.”
The Confrontation
The great iron gates opened with an eerie creak.
Inside, Gideon waited.
Dressed in black, his silver hair stark against the darkness, he looked almost amused as he watched us enter.
“You came,” he said smoothly. “How predictable.”
I stepped forward. “Let’s cut the games. What do you want?”
He tilted his head. “Oh, Abigail. It’s not about what I want.” His lips curled. “It’s about what’s coming.”
A chill ran down my spine.
Gideon gestured behind him. A large map was spread across the stone table. Marked in blood.
“This world is changing,” he said. “Victor was nothing. A pawn. The real war hasn’t even begun.”
I clenched my fists. “Then tell me what you’re after.”
His gaze darkened. “Balance. Power. And you, of course.”
Lucian let out a low growl. “She’s not yours to claim.”
Gideon smiled. “Ah, but isn’t she?”
Magic crackled in the air.
I felt it before I saw it, shadows curling around Gideon, moving like living things.
“I’m offering you a choice, Abigail,” he said softly. “Join me. Rule beside me. Or be consumed by what’s coming.”
I laughed coldly. “You think I’d stand with you?”
His smile never wavered. “You will. When the Hollow King rises, you’ll see.”
His voice dropped to a whisper.
“Because you are the key.”
The Ambush
The attack came fast.
One moment, we were standing in tense silence. The next chaos.
The torches flickered. Shadows sprang to life. Figures emerged from the darkness, Gideon’s assassins.
I ducked as a blade sliced past me. Spun. Slashed my dagger across a throat.
Lucian shifted mid-strike, his massive wolf form tearing through the assassins.
Ivy lost arrows, each shot finding its mark. Orion fought at my side, his sword a blur of silver.
But Gideon
He didn’t move.
He just watched.
Waiting.
And then
A scream.
I turned just in time to see one of his shadows wrap around Ivy’s throat.
“No”
Lucian lunged, but the shadows dragged Ivy back straight into Gideon’s grasp.
He held her like a broken doll, his fingers wrapped around her throat.
His voice was gentle. “Still so sure, Abigail?”
I froze.
Ivy’s eyes locked onto mine. Defiant. Fearless.
“Don’t,” she rasped.
Gideon smiled. “Your move.”
The Betrayal
I lunged forward, but Lucian caught my arm.
“Think,” he growled. “He wants you to react.”
Damn him. Damn them both.
I took a slow breath. “You want me? Fine. Let her go.”
Gideon’s expression was unreadable. “Ah, but that’s not how this works.”
His grip tightened
Ivy gasped
And then
A flash of silver.
Orion’s dagger flew through the air
And buried itself deep in Gideon’s shoulder.
He staggered back, his grip loosening.
Ivy ripped free.
Lucian moved in an instant, grabbing her before she could fall.
I didn’t hesitate. I struck.
Blade to throat.
But Gideon was already vanishing.
His laughter echoed as he disappeared into the shadows.
“You’re not ready, Abigail. But you will be.”
And then he was gone.
Aftermath
We stood in the wreckage of Bloodmoon Keep, our breath heavy, bodies aching.
Ivy clutched her throat. “We need to end him.”
Lucian wiped blood from his blade. “Not tonight.”
I stared at the spot where Gideon had vanished.
My fists clenched.
Not tonight.
But soon.
Very soon.
- Writer
