Chapter 17: The Blood Eclipse

A crimson shadow spread across the sky.

The brilliant morning sun slowly disappeared behind the blood-red eclipse, bathing Moonhaven in an eerie scarlet light.

The wind died.

Birds fell silent.

Even the wolves stopped growling.

Every pair of eyes turned toward the cloaked figure standing on the distant cliff.

His golden mask reflected the crimson light like polished fire.

He laughed again.

“You’ve all become far too predictable.”

Lucien’s usually calm expression hardened.

“It’s him…”

Karl shifted back into his human form, his chest rising and falling from the fierce battle.

“You know him?”

Lucien never took his eyes off the masked man.

“I know what he is.”

The masked figure spread his arms.

“My reputation precedes me.”

Victor immediately dropped to one knee.

“My Lord.”

Every Blood Hunter followed.

“My Lord!”

Lyra’s heart pounded.

So… he’s their master.

The masked man lifted the black crystal higher.

Dark energy rippled through the battlefield.

The Blood Hunters cried out in pain.

Their crimson markings began glowing beneath their armor.

One by one…

They transformed.

Bones cracked.

Muscles expanded.

Their eyes burned brighter than before.

They were no longer ordinary hunters.

They had become monstrous wolf-like creatures covered in black fur, with glowing crimson veins crawling beneath their skin.

Moonhaven’s warriors stepped back in horror.

“What are those things?”

Arnold tightened his grip on his sword.

“They’ve been corrupted by Blood Magic.”

Lucien’s face darkened.

“He sacrificed part of their humanity.”

The masked man smiled.

“Power always demands a price.”

“Attack.”

His single command echoed across the valley.

The corrupted hunters charged.

The ground shook beneath hundreds of pounding feet.

“Defend Moonhaven!” Arnold roared.

Karl shifted into his wolf form once again.

His claws tore through one beast before another lunged from behind.

Damien shifted into his wolf and fought beside his Alpha.

“Left side!”

“I’ve got it!” Karl answered.

The battle became more brutal than before.

Every defeated hunter seemed to rise again, driven by the dark magic flowing through their bodies.

“They won’t stay down!” one Moonhaven warrior shouted.

Arnold sliced through another attacker.

“They’re feeding on the eclipse!”

“We have to end the source!”

On the hilltop, the masked man watched the slaughter with satisfaction.

His gaze drifted to Lyra.

“There you are…”

“The last key.”

He stretched out his hand.

The black crystal pulsed.

Suddenly, Lyra’s silver pendant grew scorching hot.

She cried out, clutching her chest.

The Royal Moon Mark flared across her wrist, racing up both arms in brilliant silver patterns.

She fell to her knees.

“Lyra!” Karl shouted.

He tried to reach her, but dozens of corrupted hunters blocked his path.

Arnold fought toward her from the opposite side.

Neither could get close.

The silver light around Lyra intensified.

A powerful gust of wind erupted from her body.

The earth trembled violently.

Inside her mind…

Lyra found herself standing in a vast white palace beneath an endless night sky.

Everything was silent.

A familiar voice called gently.

“Lyra.”

She turned.

The silver-haired woman from her memories stood before her, wearing a flowing white gown and a delicate crown.

Tears filled the woman’s eyes.

“My child.”

Lyra’s voice trembled.

“…Mother?”

The woman smiled sadly.

“I don’t have much time.”

“You must listen carefully.”

Lyra stepped closer.

“Please…”

“What is happening to me?”

Her mother gently touched her cheek.

“You were never meant to live as a servant.”

“You were born to protect the balance between humans, werewolves, and Lycans.”

“The Royal Moon Mark chose you before you were born.”

Lyra shook her head.

“I can’t do that.”

“I’m nobody.”

Her mother’s smile became warmer.

“You survived when an entire kingdom fell.”

“You showed kindness after being shown cruelty.”

“You forgave when hatred would have been easier.”

“My daughter…”

“That is not the heart of nobody.”

Silver tears rolled down Lyra’s cheeks.

“I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“You are.”

Her mother’s form began fading.

“But beware…”

“The greatest betrayal is still ahead.”

“The one who destroyed Lunaris…”

“…is closer than you think.”

The vision shattered.

⸻

Back on the battlefield…

Lyra opened her eyes.

Brilliant silver light burst from her body, forcing everyone nearby to shield their faces.

The corrupted hunters screamed as the light weakened the crimson energy inside them.

The masked man’s smile faded for the first time.

“So…”

“You’ve begun to awaken.”

Lucien looked at Lyra with pride.

“The true heir…”

Arnold smiled in relief.

Karl stared at her in amazement.

His wolf whispered,

She’s extraordinary.

Lyra slowly rose to her feet.

Though frightened, there was a quiet determination in her eyes.

She raised her head and looked directly at the masked man.

“I don’t know who you are.”

“I don’t know why you’re hunting me.”

“But I won’t let you hurt innocent people anymore.”

The masked man laughed softly.

“Excellent.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

He slowly removed one of his black gloves.

A strange crescent-shaped scar glowed on the back of his hand.

Lucien’s eyes widened.

“No…”

“It can’t be.”

Arnold looked at Lucien.

“What is it?”

Lucien’s voice became barely a whisper.

“That scar…”

“It belongs to the man who murdered the King and Queen of Lunaris.”

The masked man gave a slow, mocking bow.

“Then allow me to introduce myself properly.”

“My name…”

He reached up and placed his hand on the edge of his golden mask.

“…is the answer you’ve all been searching for.”

He began lifting the mask.