Moon's Blood: when destiny defies duty

Chapter 2

Aria pov.

I hurried through the thick woods, struggling to catch my breath. My heart was beating frantically as my feet rhythmically pounded on the forest floor. Each shadow appeared to conceal a pursuer; every rustle of leaves posed a possible danger. As I loaded my crossbow, my typically steady hands shook, the familiar heaviness providing little comfort for my nerves.

As I sprinted through the forest, everything became a blur except for one vivid image in my mind—a set of intense golden eyes. Jace Owen's eyes. The intensity of our bond repeated in my mind continuously, refusing to fade despite my efforts to suppress it.

I couldn't get rid of the feeling that things were different after that one moment. The world I knew had been completely flipped around, and I was struggling to understand everything.

My shoulder was caught by a branch hanging low, bringing me back to reality. I made a noise of discomfort andannoyance, pushing myself to concentrate on what was around me. Getting caught because I was distracted by some werewolf would be beyond embarrassing.

"Pull yourself together, Aria," I whispered to myself while searching the area for any sign of being followed.

The forest stayed silent, except for the usual noises heard at night. No howls, no heavy footfalls of a transformed werewolf. Only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and my heavy breathing.

I slowed my speed, feeling the burning in my legs from the long run. As my adrenaline decreased, fatigue began to take over. I had to locate a secure spot to relax and collect my thoughts.

I found a big oak tree with twisted roots that formed a natural shelter. It would provide decent cover while I caught my breath. I slumped against the rough bark, sliding down until I sat nestled between two massive roots.

After ensuring that I was saved, I was overwhelmed by the gravity of what had just happened. My chest constricted, a blend of excitement and anxiety causing difficulty in breathing. I shut my eyes, attempting to ease my racing mind, but all I could see were those cursed golden eyes. I imagined Jace Owen's appearance vividly in my mind—from his defined jawline to the way his dark hair fell over his forehead to the fierceness of his gaze. A shiver ran through me unrelated to the cold temperature of the night.

“f**k," I whispered, vigorously shaking my head, trying to erase the image from my mind.

This was insane. He was a werewolf, for goodness sake. The enemy. A monster.

So why couldn't I stop thinking about him?

I winced as my fingers got caught in leaves while running through my tangled hair. What in the world was happening to me? I was Aria Brown, one of the White Hunters' top operators. I'd been training for this my entire life. One encounter with a werewolf shouldn't be affecting me like this.

And yet...

There had been something in Jace's eyes. Something that defied everything I'd been taught about werewolves. It wasn't the mindless bloodlust I'd been warned about. There had been intelligence there. Warmth. Humanity.

My fingers absently traced the White Hunters' emblem embroidered on my jacket. The familiar symbol should have grounded me and reminded me of my purpose. Instead, it only intensified the conflict raging inside me.

How could I reconcile what I'd seen in Jace's eyes with everything my father had drilled into me since childhood? Viktor's lessons echoed in my head—a lifetime of warnings about the true nature of werewolves.

"Never forget, Aria," he'd say, his voice stern. "Werewolves are animals, driven by base instincts. Any humanity you think you see is just a mask, a trick to lure you in."

I'd always accepted those words as gospel. Still, remembering Jace's stare, uncertainty seeped in slowly like venom. What if we had been wrong all this time?

The mere idea caused a pang of guilt to surge within me. How could I question my father's wisdom? Everything the White Hunters stood for?

I forced myself to stand up, no longer able to remain seated. The forest surrounding me was dark and unknown. In my blind flight, I'd run much further than I'd intended. I felt my muscles protect as I began to move once more, sore from the extended effort.

The physical unease was almost reassuring, providing a distraction from the chaos in my mind. I relied on my training, looking around for a good place to set up camp. It was too dangerous to try to make it back to base tonight. I would need to wait until the morning.

While collecting fallen branches for a small fire, memories of that moment in the clearing resurfaced in my mind. I felt a tightness in my chest as I recalled the power of that bond. It was something I had never before encountered, unlike anything I had witnessed before. The attraction was so powerful that it seemed like we were being pulled together as if by a force of gravity.

"There must be some sort of spell on me," I whispered, igniting the fire with my flint. "A werewolf prank or something."

Even as I uttered the words, I was aware that they had no real truth. The genuine emotion I witnessed in Jace's eyes was undeniable. It was too real, too powerful.

I watched as the fire burned, letting the warmth from it wash over me. What should I do? I should report this encounter to Viktor and the other hunters immediately. It could be vital intelligence about werewolf movements in the area.

And yet...

The thought of betraying Jace made my stomach churn. God, what was happening to me? I'd known the guy for all of five seconds, and suddenly I was willing to compromise everything I believed in?

I needed to think this through logically. Figure out my next move.

However, whenever I tried to concentrate, the only thing I could see were those shining golden eyes.

The forest was bathed in the soft hues of pink and gold as dawn appeared. I had been sleepless, my thoughts too restless to allow slumber. But, when the new day began, a feeling of determination came over me.

I couldn't report this. Not at this moment. I required additional details to reach a conclusion. That's the story I convinced myself of. A quiet voice in my mind suggested that I was actually trying to protect Jace, but I dismissed that idea.

I put out the remaining ember of my fire and collected my equipment. It was time to return to headquarters. I breathed deeply, composing my expression into the composed, professional demeanor required of a skilled White Hunter.

But on my way back, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that everything was different. That one meeting had changed the course of my life, leading me to question everything I believed.

I simply wished I had the strength to confront whatever was coming.

I spotted the White Hunters' compound as I reached the top of a small hill. The fortified walls, a mix of ancient stonework and modern security systems, emerged from the side of the mountain. It had always symbolized protection to me, a stronghold against the otherworldly dangers that haunted the world.

For the first time ever, a slight feeling of discomfort crept over me as I neared the gates.

I entered my access code, flinching at the loud buzz of the gate opening in the still morning. Some people who wake up early were already moving around the courtyard, getting ready with equipment, or going to the mess hall for breakfast.

"Aria!" A familiar voice called out. I turned to see Roran jogging towards me, his brow furrowed with concern. "Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to return hours ago.”

I put on a smile, hoping it appeared more real than it actually felt. "Lost my way a bit in the darkness," I fibbed effortlessly. "Decided to make camp rather than risk getting more lost."

Roran's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew me too well to buy that excuse completely. "You? Get lost? That's a first." Shrugging casually in an attempt to seem less disturbed "Even the most skilled hunters experience days when they're not at their best, don't you think?"

For a while, he observed me closely, and I struggled to not squirm under his intense gaze. Ultimately, he gave a nod, but his expression showed he still had doubts.

"I'm happy that you returned safely,” he stated. “Viktor has been asking about your whereabouts. Sounds like he's got a new assignment in the works.”

I felt my stomach sink when my father was brought up. How could I confront him carrying this heavy secret? However, I couldn't reveal my inner turmoil. I nodded briskly, all business.

"I'll report to him right away," I said. "Thanks, Roran.”

As I moved further, I sensed him watching me from behind. At times, Roran's observant nature was a disadvantage to him. I'd have to be careful around him until I sorted out this mess in my head.

The halls of the compound were a familiar maze of stone and steel. I'd grown up in these corridors, trained in these rooms. But now, for the first time, it felt nearly claustrophobic.

I stopped at Viktor's office, inhaling deeply to calm my nerves. I could do this. I was Aria Brown, top operative of the White Hunters. I had encountered werewolves, vampires, and various supernatural dangers. I could handle a simple debriefing with my father. I was starting to get the feeling that I was on the verge of entering a lion's den.

Hesitating for a moment, I raised my hand to knock. Once again, Jace's face raced through my thoughts in an instant. I shook my head, banishing the image.

With a new determination, I knocked my knuckles on the sturdy wooden door.

"Come in," Viktor's rough voice shouted from inside.

I entered the office with a professionally composed expression on my face. Viktor was seated at his large desk, with different maps and reports laid out in front of him. As I walked in, he glanced upwards, his piercing steel-blue eyes examining me with the same level of focus he applied to all aspects of his life.

He uttered, “Aria,” without displaying any emotion in his voice. "You're late."

I stood at attention, falling back on years of ingrained protocol. "My apologies, sir. I encountered some... unexpected complications during my reconnaissance."

Viktor's eyebrow arched slightly. "Complications?" he repeated. "Elaborate.”

I struggled to come up with an explanation without spilling all the details. "I detected heightened werewolf presence in the eastern region," I stated, the partial truth flowing effortlessly from my mouth. "I stayed to gather more intelligence."

It wasn't entirely a lie. There had definitely been werewolf activity—just not in the way Viktor would assume.

My father reclined in his chair, appearing deep in thought. “Interesting," he said. "This aligns with some other reports we've received. It seems the Blood Moon pack is getting bolder."

I nodded, hoping my relief wasn't visible. "Do you want me to increase patrols in that area?"

Viktor waved a hand dismissively. "Not yet. I have a more pressing assignment for you." Taking a document from the pile of papers on his desk, he pushed it towards me. "We were informed about a possible location where werewolves may be staying in the city. I would like for you to look into this.”

I grabbed the folder and opened it up. I was met with a plain apartment building in the photo. "In the city?" I asked, surprised. Werewolves typically avoided urban areas.

"Times are changing," Viktor said grimly. "Our enemies are adapting. We must do the same." He fixed me with a steely gaze. "I'm counting on you, Aria. This could be the break we need to finally strike a decisive blow against the Blood Moon pack."

I swallowed hard, nodding.

I nodded after swallowing hard. "I will not disappoint you, sir."

Viktor's voice halted me as I was about to leave. "Aria." I looked back to see a flicker of something softer in his eyes. Concern, maybe even affection. "Be careful out there. These monsters are growing more cunning by the day."

The words hit me like a physical blow. Monsters. Is that what Jace was?The image of his eyes, brimming with emotion and profoundness, appeared unexpectedly in my thoughts.

"I will," I was able to reply, my voice more stable than I truly felt. “You can count on me, sir."

I walked out of the office, holding the file securely in my hand. Walking down the hallway, the sound of my footsteps bouncing off the stone walls reminded me of the burden of my hidden truths.

I needed to complete this task. For the first time ever, I found myself uncertain about my faith in the cause I was battling for.

The image of the forest clearing reappeared in my thoughts again. The intensity of our connection is reflecting in Jace's face.

Inhaling deeply, I squared my shoulders and made my way towards the armory. I had a mission to get ready for, regardless of whether I was emotionally in it or not. Being a White Hunter meant living without uncertainty or indecision.