Hellbound with Lucifer: when the moon forgets her name

PROLOGUE: For thousands of years, the werewolves had been enslaved, living in fear and terror of the demons who ruled the earth. Those monsters in human form had come in as refugees, but over the years, they grew powerful, subduing the werewolves, taking their lands, ruling their kingdoms, and inflicting punishments on them. But that era is about to end. The moon goddess has heard their cries. Destined to come into earth, born of an omega, she will live among them, bring down the demons , and redeem her people. But there's a price. As proclaimed by the four gods of the universe, a law was made. In the quest to enter Earth, taking on the form of a mortal to save her people, the laws of incarnation must take place. She'll have no memory of who she was or where she came from, but she possesses powers so strong that demons tremble and cower in terror—a power that can only be awakened by burning. And so, in the presence of the god of earth, water, fire, and wind, the deal was sealed, an oath was taken, and a ruler was sent down to Earth, waiting for the appointed time. ****** CHAPTER ONE: KAREN'S POV All my life, I have been groomed for this day—a day when I finally get to move into the palace. Not as a queen or a servant, but as a cure for the prince. Lucifer Damon. Born with a blood disease, Lucifer Damon was bound to die at a young age. For years, his father, King Damon Chad, had taken desperate measures to find a cure, but all were in vain. Two years ago, at a royal banquet, Lucifer took a walk into the kitchen where I was busy searching the bin for something to eat when I noticed him. He showed compassion toward me, gave me some bread, and for some reason stepped closer, his hot breath brushing against my neck. "You smell beautiful," he said. "I want to take a bite." And without warning, he sank his fangs into my neck, drawing so much blood that I passed out. That night, the royal home received a miracle. It was said that the gods had finally remembered them. For the first time, the prince showed signs of recovery. The royal physician examined me and said my blood had potential—a potential so strong it could cure the prince completely. From that day on, my family and I never went hungry. I was fed, and my blood replenished for this day—a day I finally got to live in the royal house and the commencement of the crowned prince's treatment. "Why are you seated there like that?" A sharp voice cut through my thoughts. I looked up to find my mother's delicate frame scrambling across the room. "The royal guards are on their way. Where are your shoes, Karen? Put them on quickly," she said in a hurry, pulling out a red box from beneath the bed. I never thought I had something like that in there. My mother paused, taking a deep breath as she turned to me. "You know why we're here today, Karen; it's because the gods have finally blessed us for our kind deeds. This is what you're born for—to wipe away tears and take our poverty away." The door creaked open behind us, but I didn't turn to look. My mother stepped toward me, her smile bright as she reached out to caress my cheeks. It was the second time she'd ever truly smiled at me, the second time she looked at me like I truly mattered. First was when the physician found out that I was a cure for the prince's illness, and today when I finally got sold to the royal house like some commodity. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" she asked, pulling me out of my thoughts again. I nodded. "Yes, Mother." For years she'd called me a curse, all because I was an omega, but now... now she looked at me like I wasn't a mistake or an act of kindness. That was something I'd always dreamt of. "Right now, it doesn't matter if you're an omega. All that matters is that the royal house needs you, and our lives are protected. Listen, don't do anything stupid; be calm and don't hesitate to give your blood when called for. You know what happens to omegas and the people who raise one in clance. Do not put us in danger," she warned, her tone growing harsher, her expression turning stern. In Clance, alphas were considered second-class, but omegas were forbidden. Anyone caught within the kingdom did not survive a day. The reasons were unknown, but the order was placed by the king: a demon. Ranked highest in the nation, so powerful it could kill in a heartbeat. It didn't need to move; its eyes alone did the job. I bowed my head, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I understand; I won't put you or your son in danger." Martha released a breath as I said that, her composure returning. Martha had taken me in as a child when my mom died in the bloodshed of the omegas. She kept me hidden and provided for me until I turned sixteen. It was only right that I repay the favor. Behind me, Ethan sneered, his cocky voice filling the air. "Good. Always keep that in mind. You owe us." He snorted, arms crossed over his chest. I didn't need to respond; he knew I heard. The trumpet sounded, signaling the arrival of the royal guards. My heart skipped; even though I had mentally prepared myself for this, I couldn't help the realization dawning on me. This was happening. I was leaving, and who knows how long it would take until the prince gets cured and I am cut off just like the rest of my kind? Who knows how long my body will be able to keep up with their exploitation? "Karen?" Martha called from outside the door. I took a deep breath, wiped the tears from my chin, and felt my eyes burn with determination. If I was going to be used, then I might as well make the most of it.