Blood moon

Chapter 98. Disease

The goddess Selene gazed down at her werewolf children from the sky, observing the deeds they had accomplished. They had done such good things, like fixing the issue with the stream, although it was very sad that humans were capable of such actions. But at least she had her boys to protect her children.

She felt proud to have granted so much power to Hunter, enabling him to protect his pack. When he transformed into the red-eyed, nearly two-meter-tall wolf that multiplied his strength, there were moments when it seemed as if the air had stopped around him, as if everything had frozen in awe of his power.

Although she was somewhat worried because, in her experience, a man with so much power often ended up alone. The previous men who had possessed the spirit had experienced very bad outcomes. One couldn't have everything in life, and love was something that most of them could not have.

One of the ancient werewolves, who had possessed the same formidable powers as Hunter, served as a poignant example of the consequences of such strength. His name was Lucius, and he was renowned for his prowess in protecting his pack and his unwavering dedication to their well-being.

Lucius had once been in a passionate and intense romantic relationship with a fellow werewolf. Their love had burned as brightly as the full moon, but it was equally as tumultuous. Their powers, combined with their fiery emotions, had often led to destructive conflicts. The intensity of their love was matched only by the intensity of their fights.

Their disagreements became legendary among the werewolf community, with tales of thunderous clashes and earth-shaking confrontations. The very earth beneath their paws quaked with their power. Despite their love, the tumultuous nature of their relationship eventually took its toll.

One fateful night, in the midst of a heated argument, their powers clashed in a cataclysmic explosion of energy. The force was so great that it shattered the bonds between them, tearing their love apart. Lucius and his beloved were left scarred, both physically and emotionally.

As time continued its relentless march, Lucius found himself spending more and more solitary nights patrolling the forest. His imposing figure, with fur as black as the midnight sky and eyes that gleamed like silver stars, struck fear into the hearts of any intruders who dared to enter his territory.

One moonlit night, while he was on his solitary patrol, he came across a group of younger werewolves from a neighboring pack. They were young, wild, and full of enthusiasm, their voices filled with laughter and camaraderie as they ventured into the forest.

Lucius watched them from the shadows, his keen senses picking up on their conversations. They spoke of their adventures, their joys, and their relationships. Their lighthearted banter reminded him of a time long ago when he, too, had been filled with youthful exuberance.

Unable to resist the allure of their camaraderie, Lucius approached the group cautiously, concealing the immense power that lay dormant within him. As he drew closer, one of the young werewolves, a spirited and fearless female named Elara, noticed his presence and greeted him with a friendly smile.

—Hello there— she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

—You seem like you've seen your fair share of the moon's phases. What's your story?

Lucius hesitated for a moment, unused to such open conversation. His voice, deep and resonant, carried the weight of centuries as he responded

—I am Lucius, guardian of this territory. I have seen many moons rise and fall, and I have dedicated my life to protecting my pack.

The other young werewolves listened intently, their expressions a mix of respect and awe. They had heard tales of Lucius, the legendary guardian, but this was the first time they had met him in person.

Elara, always one to be unafraid, asked another question

—But Lucius, what about love? Have you ever found someone to share your life with? Someone who understands the burden of your power?

Lucius's gaze grew distant, and he sighed deeply.

—Once, long ago, I was deeply in love. We were passionate, like fire and ice, but our love was as destructive as it was intense. In the end, our powers tore us apart, and I became what you see before you—a solitary guardian.

The young werewolves exchanged glances, and Elara's eyes held a mixture of empathy and determination.

—Maybe, Lucius— she said softly —it's never too late to find love again. Perhaps you just need to meet someone who can match the intensity of your spirit without succumbing to its destructive force.

Lucius looked at Elara, his silver eyes locking onto hers. In that moment, he saw a glimmer of hope—a possibility he had long thought lost. The weight of his solitude felt just a little lighter, as if the moon itself had offered a small respite from his enduring burden.

As the young werewolves continued on their way, Lucius stood there, lost in thought, pondering the words of the spirited Elara. Perhaps, he thought, there was still a chance for him to find love and companionship without sacrificing his power and purpose as a guardian. The forest whispered its secrets, and the moon above watched over him, its pale light a symbol of hope in the darkness of his solitude.

Selene's gaze remained fixed on Lucius, her heart heavy with the weight of his solitude. From her celestial vantage point, she observed his solitary figure as he continued his vigilant patrol through the moonlit forest.

As the night deepened, Selene decided to descend from her celestial perch, her silver fur shimmering with an otherworldly glow. With each graceful step, she approached Lucius, who remained unaware of her presence. Her eyes, like twin pools of moonlight, radiated wisdom and compassion.

Finally, as Selene drew near, she spoke softly, her voice carrying an ethereal quality that seemed to blend with the rustling of leaves and the whispering of the night breeze.

—Lucius— she said, her voice filled with empathy —your path has been one of immense sacrifice and strength, but it has also been marked by profound solitude. I have watched your journey with a heavy heart, knowing that your story is a cautionary tale of the price of power.

Lucius, startled by the unexpected voice, turned to face Selene. His silver eyes met her luminous gaze, and he recognized her as the guardian of the moon and the source of his own powers.

—Goddess Selene— he greeted her respectfully —your presence honors me, but my path is one I have chosen.

Selene's response was filled with understanding.

—I do not seek to change your path, dear Lucius, but to offer guidance. There is a balance to be found between strength and companionship, between duty and love. I hope that you may find a way to embrace both aspects of your existence.

Lucius sighed deeply, his massive shoulders bearing the weight of centuries.

—I have seen the destruction that unchecked power can bring, and I fear causing harm to those I might come to love.

Selene's eyes held a profound wisdom as she replied

—Power need not be a destructive force if wielded with wisdom and love. There are those who can match your strength, who can walk beside you without being consumed by it. The echoes of your own strength need not be your only companions.

Lucius pondered her words, and a glimmer of hope flickered in his silver eyes.

—Is such a balance truly possible, goddess?

Selene nodded, her ethereal presence radiating serenity.

—It is a path that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to learn from the past. Your journey need not be solitary, Lucius. There may be someone who can walk with you through the moonlit forest, sharing in both your strength and your heart.

Lucius lowered his head in contemplation, his thoughts filled with the possibility of a different future. The goddess Selene, her message delivered, began to ascend once more toward the starry skies. As she disappeared into the celestial expanse, her blessing lingered, a whisper of hope in the depths of the forest.

Lucius continued his patrol, his heart heavy but now infused with the glimmer of a new possibility. The night around him seemed a little less lonely, and he couldn't help but wonder if, someday, he might find the balance Selene had spoken of—a path that led to love, companionship, and a life filled with more than just the echoes of his own strength.