Under the Stars A Tale of the Moon Goddess and her People

We will start our tale not in the present, but first in the past. To truly understand what happened to the five kingdoms that sorrowful night so long ago. The name of the five kingdoms were based on location North, East, South, West and Center. They were all very peaceful people living amongst one another in harmony, love and grace. Not one kingdom overpowering the other. It stayed that way for quite some time, that is until the day everything changed and everyone's fate in the kingdom was sealed. One of the five kingdoms practiced white magic, and would travel through the kingdoms to help the others however they would need. This kingdom was the East kingdom, and they became known as white witches. In return of the East kingdoms help and services the other kingdoms would give them gifts, food and on occasion an animal, as acknowledgement and thanks to them being so kind, caring and generous. Even the royals in the realm called them white witches. One day a white witch whose name was Isadora, was on her way to pick up her husband from the Center kingdom as a surprise to him for their 15th anniversary of marriage. But unknown to Isadora, the other kingdoms had begun to fear the East's power and did the most unforgivable thing possible. As Isadora arrived at the Center kingdoms castle, her inner intuition told her that something was very, very wrong. As she began to climb the cold stone steps, she could hear hushed whispers in the air. Isadora had gotten to the top of the stairs and began to walk towards the council room of the 5 kingdoms. She naturally turned right her body knowing the way, burned into her subconscious after being there so many times. She didn't know why but Isadora tried to be as silent as a mouse, she crept to the edge of the giant red oak door, and Isadora held her breath as she listened. Inside she could hear the hushed whispers from the other royals of the council, "Isadora must not know we did this!", King Magnus had said. His wife Jacira was sobbing as she was brokenly speaking," We... can't...lie...to a white...witch!". Isadora began to hear the murmurs, as all of the kings and queens of the five kingdoms were feverishly speaking and desperately trying to find a solution. Isadora huffed, extremely uneasy and irritated now, she'd had enough. She burst through the cracked door and stopped dead in her tracks. The sight in front of her curling her heart and insides in the worst way imaginable. Isadora's love, her heart, her soulmate, was lying on the floor in an unnatural angle. Ameli was dead, his lifeless grey eyes looking up toward the ceiling in horror. Isadora dropped to her knees, feeling them almost break with the impact her sorrow was inflicting upon her. She then felt another emotion, hot boiled rage," Whom is the one that killed my beloved, the father of my child!". All of their eyes immediately cast down to the floor, avoiding the wrath of the mourning witch's gaze. "You were full of conversation moments ago as you were plotting your lie! So I ask only one more time who did this and what happened!", Isadora roared, her power quaking through her voice dripping with malice and hatred. As one they all looked up at Isadora and said in unison," All of us did this." King Magnus and Queen Jacira stepped forward ever so slightly," It was I who feared that your kingdoms power was becoming to great, I initiated the idea that possibly finding a way to isolate your people would be best for our safety. Ameli arrived to early today and heard our inquiries to do this.", King Magnus said. Queen Jacira bowed her head and said," It was I who said we should not let him return for fear of retaliation. So as such a magical witch king as he was, we all acted accordingly." With rage fueling her power Isadora used her magic to call on fire and incinerate her Ameli's corpse, to give him a proper witch's burial to the afterlife. Everyone jumped at the sudden shift of scorching heat in the air, then looked at the ashes of her lost love. Isadora stood up and strode to the middle of the room and spoke in a deep hypnotic barritone," I, Isadora Destina, vow to return to this realm, to curse each and every one of the lost four kingdoms, since you blurred the lines of love and power, and acted out of fear, I will act out of calculation and will return in four years time. So as it is, so mote it be!". She roared her prophecy and promise with a power so overwhelming those in the room cowered in fear. She strode away without saying another word, head held high for all to see. Everyone in the room went into chaos," She will kill us all!", one of them said, another says," We only have four years to prepare we are doomed!". King Magnus boomed out with his powerful voice," Exactly! We must prepare, so that leaves no time for panic and chaos! Many of us have families, you must make sure not to cause panic! What happened here today, must never be spoken of to people out of this room!". Queen Jacira looked around the room and said," My husband is correct, we must remain calm and collected. We will hold council meetings as usual to discuss things further and establish a plan if possible. But if not we must live our lives normally and hope she never returns, or her child." There were many murmurs of acceptance and after a blood contract was made between the royals to maintain their secret, they all left and went back to their own kingdoms. They met every full moon to discuss plans for the future destined to come. But as it was in any or every plan formulated to many perished or there were to many flaws. Seasons changed and 4 years went by at an unfortunate quick pace. The day of Isadora's return she remained in the shadows as her daughter Cadence went into the market in town to get the herbs she would need to cast her curse tomorrow night and also some food because after their journey back to this awful place, they were both famished. But Cadence had other plans, she wanted to explore this town and so much more beyond their kingdom walls. She was never let out, even when her father was still alive, but since he was brutally murdered by the royals of the fallen four, and it had gotten extremely worse. So she knew this town would do for now, mother must never know, her wrath is everlasting and hollow, it makes you feel empty in the most awful of ways. So when the opportunity struck, she went into a nearby tavern and looked around. She immediately felt all eyes move to her frozen frame in the doorway. She then heard the most beautiful voice of her life, she turned toward the person talking though she wasn't making out the words. Cadence knew she was staring and she cleared her throat saying," Hello, my name is Cadence, I'm sorry to be blunt but I am new around here and would like to have some fun. I don't get out much, maybe you could show me around this beautiful kingdom. It is only my mother and I, so I am dying to speak with someone my age!". He giggled, actually giggled as she finished her miniature rant. Then he spoke," Hello, my name is Umbriel Night, I am prince of this beautiful kingdom. Thank you by the way," he winked at Cadence then continued," Also, it would be my honor to chat and show you around, how could I say no to someone as breathtaking as yourself Cadence." The way he said her name dripped off his tongue in waves of lust. Umbriel offered his hand and she took it. "First, if you wouldn't mind I need to find a market to purchase herbs and food for my mother and I?", said Cadence while gazing at his beautiful features. He looked over at her and said," Well of course m'lady what kind of prince would I be if I didn't show you our finest market and goods." They set off across a cobblestone walkway until they heard voices. She was awestruck, it was nothing she expected. But so much more people were happy bustling about, so she set off to get her shopping done. When she was finished she turned and looked up at Umbriel's handsome face. His piercing honey brown eyes, tousled blonde hair, full lips she wanted to take a nibble at and a body that could stop the sun from rising, beautiful she thought, then realizing again he was speaking but she didn't hear a word. She giggled, he raised his eyebrows, then smiled. "You didn't hear a word I said did you?", he asked. " Nope", said Cadence popping the p. Umbriel's eyes darkened ever so slightly," I said you are absolutely intoxicating, could we go to a quiet place to speak?", she shook her head yes in approval, he placed her hand in his and turned toward their destination. A few moments later they are leaning against a stone wall, still hand in hand. In a hidden part of the alleyway cut off from any curious eyes. He looked up at her his eyes full of heat and lust," Can I kiss you?", he asked almost forced, voice strained, as if he could hardly contain his desires. She looked deep into his eyes, that glorious honey brown and breathed," Yes". That was all he needed, one hand found her waist while pushing her back against the wall and his other tangled in the long waves of her raven black, midnight hair. Then the earth she stood on felt as if it melted away beneath her as his lips crashed against hers in a wave of passion so searing she felt she would burst. The kiss was a clumsy battle for one another's mouth, all tongue, teeth and biting, desperate to fill a need that the kiss would not fulfill. They both pulled back breathless, as they stared into one another's eyes. Ice blue burning into honey brown, she said the one word there was no going back from," More", Cadence couldn't take the beating pulse in her core the kiss created any longer. Her thighs already wet with the arousal of their kiss. He stared intently at her for a moment, then lifted her by her bottom up the wall and doing so also lifting her dress. Her grabbed the middle of her underwear and yanked, ripping through the thin silk hiding her pulsing, wet core. In one swoop his thick, long c**k was freed from his trousers and at her slick, wet entrance, one last time he looked at her then said," Cadence, are you sure?". Cadence looked back at him then all but shouted to the heavens," Yes Umbriel, take me now!". In one hard, mind numbing thrust he was hilt deep in her twitching walls, bursting through her maidenhood and taking her virginity. He immediately stopped moving, looking her in the eyes as if in permission to keep going, nodding her head yes, he slowly started pumping, as the burning sensation of her purity being taken began slipping away something else took the place of pain, it was pleasure. His thrusts became deeper and more rhythmic as he took her against the wall of the alley. She gripped his shoulders with her fingernails and heels into his back as he started pounding away at her slick, wet core. She could feel how big he was, feel herself stretching and clenching to accommodate his size and girth. " Yes! Umbriel take me! Ruin me!". He grunted and moaned his approval as he dropped her and flipped her to face the wall, hiking her dress up her flushed bottom once more. " You like that Cadence? You want it harder? Your wish is my command m'lady". Before she could say a word he was sliding his c**k back into her, pounding her and reaching around teasing the little nub between her wet folds. As soon as he pushed on that little nerve button, her body exploded into orgasm, riding the waves of her climax he whispered in her ear," You are amazing, my china doll". He ground into her hot waiting walls once more, flesh slapping flesh, as she cried out about to reach another orgasm. He grabbed her hips and drove his c**k to the base, over and over, reaching her womb on his last thrust she came, feeling his hot seed burst through her in his own release, she was riding the waves back down. He lay soft sweet kisses along her shoulders and neck, she opened her eyes and immediately panicked. It was night, mother would be worried and angry, curfew was indefinite. She jerked up frightening even herself, as he was released from her right folds with a pop. Umbriel said," Cadence what's wrong, did I hurt you?". She smiled at him and said," Of course not that was phenomenal, but I lost track of the light and mother will be angry I must go". With that she grabbed her herbs and food long since forgotten and ran. Umbriel yelling at her to come back and when would they meet again, but she couldn't spare a glance. When she got to where her mother awaited in hiding, she noticed she had fallen asleep and laid down beside her. With her being a witch she already knew she was with child. Carrying the baby of the prince, whose parents helped murder her father. But she vowed not to tell her mother, for tomorrow the kingdoms that betrayed them, the East kingdom, the witch's kingdom, will get the justice they have deserved for a long time. It's not that Cadence hated the other kingdoms, it is the simple fact that out of fear of the unknown they had murdered her father in cold blood. Thus enacting her mother's rage and search of black magic and dark magic. A search she not only completed but obliterated, becoming so powerful that even animals fled from the land she walked on. So Cadence knew she would need a child, a companion to love her unconditionally. Because once her mother has enacted her curse, Cadence would give the final blow and kill the monster her mother had become. So with a blank thought and visions of a heartbeat behind her eyelids, she fell asleep next to Isadora the dark witch that was once her amazing and caring mother. As the sunbeams kissed her skin she awoke to find her mother already preparing the ingredients for the curse conduit. A long twig of a fur tree, using my hair and hers she tied the sage, thistle and bark from the redwood tree, to the twig and when she finished it almost resembled a man. " Mother? What is that?", Cadence said so silent she thought her mother didn't hear her. " Oh my child this is what I will use to amplify my power to enact my curse this evening. But, do not concern yourself this is dark magic and you are to remain pure, now come my love and eat you brought home quite the feat last evening." Isadora said almost calmly, but Cadence could detect the dark malice that now always dripped in her voice as she spoke. They ate and dusk came quickly that day as they awaited the revenge her prophesized was to come. As the sun made it's final descent into the dark abyss, the moon had risen to the highest point in the starry sky. Isadora looked at her daughter and said," It is time my love, my revenge for your father's death will finally be fulfilled. Oh my dear Ameli how I miss you so. Tonight I avenge you my love". Cadence nodding her acceptance followed her mother out of the abandoned home they were hiding in, toward the Center Kingdoms castle and the coronation of their son , the new king of Center kingdom. King Magnus and Queen Jacira sat on the large thrones at the head of the ballroom, awaiting the anointment of their son. Umbriel entered the room exuding confidence, head held high, a walk befitting a king. He stood in front of his parents dressed in a deep red cloak that was fur-lined and leather garb that showed his figure underneath. Umbriel waited as the priest said his words that would pass his father's title to him. He looked around the room that was decorated for him in the most brilliant ruby reds and the most vibrant of golds, a feast meant for a king on the table for all of his people to eat and enough wine to satisfy the realm itself. Umbriel's people watched on with love and adoration in their eyes as they awaited the words that would pass the rein of Center kingdom down. " I, the priest of Center kingdom, deem you worthy. I hereby claim you as King!", the priest lowered the crown to Umbriel's head. Umbriel stood and bowed first to his mother and father, then to his people. The doors burst open revealing a blonde haired beauty with piercing blue eyes and trailing behind her was the girl he made love to in the alleyway. The girl named Cadence, the one who ran away without a second glance. She looked into his eyes and ever so slightly shook her head, eyes darting to the woman in front of her. Then that woman spoke," I, Isadora Destina, have returned to take my revenge upon the four fallen kingdoms that betrayed my kingdom, the East kingdom, so long ago". A collective of gasps went through Umbriel's people, but also him as well. But she was not finished," As I prophesized, I have tapped into and found the ancient black magic of my people. It was forbidden, but I am willing to pay the price with my own life if necessary. For killing my soulmate, my beloved, my husband Ameli Destina, I curse the North, South, West and Center kingdoms to become the world's first real unknown, supernaturals". Magnus and Jacira stood up and pleaded to her," Please do not punish the people for our mistakes! It was the royals no one else!". Isadora looked around the room and spoke in an almost doubled voice as she boomed," Everyone to their knees!". The entire castle immediately fell before her. Isadora spoke once more," Magnus I curse you with the grief and loss as I went through as you watch your beloved be ripped away from you and only then when I have completed my transformation for her, will I let you die of the despair and anguish I have felt every second for the four long years I have been waiting". Magnus could not speak as the power radiating from her very bones silenced him he could only watch as his soul, light and love was taken. Isadora rose from the ground, Umbriel stood protectively in front of his mother, but Jacira pushed him aside and said," No my son, my boy this is my fate, it is what I deserve for turning my back on those that nurtured and cared for us, I will accept my destiny". Isadora forced Umbriel back to his knees with but a mere glance. As Jacira stepped forward in front of Isadora, she looked up once more and pleaded," Do what you will with the royals but please leave the people be". She looked down and kneeled before Isadora then the dark witch finally began to speak. Each word dripping power in the air Isadora looked down upon the humble Jacira," Since you are so gracefully accepting the future, I will indeed leave the people be, but those who have royal blood, pure or not will be cursed". Jacira nodded her head in thanks to the last act of kindness she was to receive. Isadora's voice boomed out once more," Jacira Night your curse is not death but eternal life, as you will watch from above as the moon goddess to all supernatural creatures I will create, you will help these supernaturals to find their mates, but will never again feel the touch of another or feel the love from your beloved as you will watch and guide others to graciously find their destiny". With that Jacira rose from the stone floor, hands spread out, arms wide and legs also spread apart floating in the air, head thrown back in agony. Isadora took the life-force from Jacira with a snap of her fingers, leaving her with a bright blue glow that matched Isadora's eyes. Jacira lifted her head slowly, hair flowing around as if it was electrified, eyes pure white, with a black crescent moon just below her right eye. Then Isadora looked at her and said," You are humble and strong, you will serve your people well Jacira they need their goddess and will wait to hear your voice and guidance. If you go astray from your task and do not bestow the gifts and guidance you are cursed to do, then there will be no bigger agony than the pain you will receive". Then Isadora snapped her fingers once more as Jacira disappeared from the earth plane to do as her curse intended. Magnus cried out, staring at the space of air his love once hung. Then his lifeless body collapsed to the floor, dead from a broken heart and the anguish of watching his love be cast from existence. Umbriel was silent this whole time scared and unmoving, he watched on as she continued," The royal bloodline of the North will be cursed to become vampires, feeding off their own people and never being able to kiss the sunlight again. The royal bloodline of the West kingdom shall be cursed to be merpeople only to come out of the ocean at sunrise to regain human form, but must return by full dusk before shifting back. The South kingdom shall be cursed to be dragons, ginormous and brooding, they will live isolated from each other and can shift at will once of age, but must control the raging fire within while in human form, for it contains the heat of a hundred suns. Lastly, the Center kingdom will be cursed to be werewolves, they can also shift at will although once doing so must control their wolf or go rogue and primal". Isadora took a deep breath, then released her power. "All mates can be found at a supernaturals first shift once they reach the age of 18 years. The smell coming from your mate will alert you to when you have found them, some destined may have more than just one so be prepared. You will truly know through touch it will be the most thrilling experience you have ever known. But some will never find their mate and wander longing for a love they will never have. As I wish it so mote it be!". Her power shot out of her in wave after wave of darkness like ink it spread consuming anything royal in it's path, the sound of bones breaking filled the air as the royals of age shifted for the first time. Screams ringing out everywhere as people ran from the ballroom and then fled the castle. Isadora turned around as her Cadence who had not uttered a word, screamed out in pain. Cadence was holding a hand to her right cheek, and when she moved it there was a black crescent moon identical to the one on the moon goddess she had created only moments ago. She now knew the price she paid, her daughter, the one she had kept pure for so many years, was now tainted by darkness. Her bloodline now bonded to the monsters she just unleashed upon the world. Forever intertwined with her destiny, and the future of what's to come. Isadora gazed at her daughter and once again cast one last curse, that would suck away her life-force already too weak from creating her creatures," I, Isadora Destina, curse your bloodline to give birth or conceive only females, to ensure the white witch magic stays pure". Cadence looked at her mother with shock and horror written across her face. Isadora collapsed to the ground, chaos breaking out around them as the balance of the world was completely ripped apart. With her last breath she said to Cadence," You will remain pure, I am sorry my love I never meant to involve you, but as it seems you are my price, now bound to the creatures of this realm. Any descendant of your bloodline will forever bare the mark of the moon for my mistake. Run, darling and never look back, I love you". Isadora's eyes closed as the piercing blue became a dull, lifeless gray and her soul left her body. So, Cadence Destina did her mother's bidding one final time. Cadence ran, she ran from the chaos and screams, into the night. She didn't know where she would end up but she would make sure her daughter would never feel the pain she was in at this moment. She ran and never looked back vowing to tell her daughter everything one day so that their history and lineage would forever live on. Cadence wouldn't let their bloodline be forgotten, she would ensure it. But as the curse would have it she was now pregnant with a royal child, and all those of royal bloodlines were cursed. Since she was her mother's price for power, the brand new mark on her cheek it bound her to all of the creatures her mother created. She would never fully escape. So exactly what did that mean for her unborn daughter, who would now bare the burden of her grandmother's curse?