UNDER THE BLOODY MOONLIGHT のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 41 - チャプター 50

“Archery?” I raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise dancing in my eyes. This is why she told me to braid my hair. The Elders' decision echoed in my mind: train with each of them in their specialty. At first, I thought of it as an unusual approach, far from the usual, rigid curriculum for royals. But without a doubt, I agreed. I knew it was for the best, and it would be helpful to hone my skills. A cool afternoon breeze ruffled my braid, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass. Sunlight, warm and inviting, bathed the vast greenfield that served as our training ground. Targets, vibrant bulls-eyes against a backdrop of hay bales, dotted the distance. A smile, laced with amusement, played on Elara's lips as she followed my gaze."First time?" she teased, her voice light.The white training tunic Elara had provided earlier fit me perfectly, hugging my curves without constricting movement. I can’t help but compare it to the formal gowns I used to wear before. Well, to answer Elara’s questi

"The Elders won't hold back either. Elara might be a dream with a bow, but Cielo will have you tracking wild boar through the thickest brush.” Dominica’s words echoed in my mind upon falling to the ground for the nth time. I am well aware that Cielo has not liked me ever since, for some reason. I tried to swallow the bitter taste of frustration that rose in my throat, reminding myself this wasn't personal. But every jab, and every mocking comment makes it harder to do so. “Keep up, princess! Is that all you can do?” Frustration burned in my throat. Cielo’s voice, laced with a sharp amusement that felt like a jab, echoed through the dense woods. I pushed myself up from the damp earth, wincing as a twig dug into my palm. Dirt streaked my face after my numerous, clumsy tumbles.Cielo, perched effortlessly on a low branch a few paces ahead, seemed to embody everything I wasn't - graceful, swift, a predator in her element. Her dark eyes glinted with a teasing cruelty today."Look, litt

Like music to my ears, a continuous metallic tang slashed through the air upon my movements. Catching my breath, I stopped for a while and looked at the weapon clutched in my hand. Like whispers, memories of Prometheus’ disapproval echoed in my head. He made it forbidden for me to use, or learn weapons of any kind. Daggers had always been a fascination for me, years of stolen moments had honed my skills in secret, and today, the open field felt like a stage for my forbidden dance. Each flick of the wrist, each pirouette with the blade, was a defiance against him. Sweat beaded on my brow in every practiced precision of my movements. Suddenly, a twig snapped beneath a stealthy footfall. I froze, but I quickly recovered. I continued slashing the dagger in the air like I hadn’t noticed anything. Though I didn't turn, my senses prickled with awareness. The footsteps approached slowly, deliberately, contrasting the frantic swings I'd envisioned facing. In a swift movement, I spun on my he

“Luna…” I felt Deva’s grip once again in my arms. I squeezed my eyelids shut, the familiar mantra from meditation thrumming in my head. Calm down, Luna. Control every thought. This exact situation is the reason why I go through meditation trainings... for moments like these. I couldn’t afford to lose control… again. Taking a shuddering breath, I shoved the demons threatening to consume me down deep where they couldn’t find me. I faced Deva. Her face etched with worry calmed me even more. “I must go there, Deva.” I rasped, my voice thick with desperation. “The light, the explosion… it was him. He was after me, and now he’s after the others.” She looked at me with a certain coldness in her eyes. Like nothing I say right now would mean anything to her. Deva may be soft, but like the other Elders, she possesses undeniable authority in her aura. Her gaze enough makes you convinced that her words are the law. And you have no choice but to obey. “Your safety… is top priority.” There

If there is another world where I am me, and you are you, I wish things happened differently for them. I accepted a long time ago that in this lifetime, and in this realm, love between you and I could not possibly happen. We… were meant to be enemies. “So long, amor meus.” (my love) A rhythm of hate and vengeance clouded my voice. Before me stood Giovanni, the man who had stolen my heart and shattered my world. Once etched with love and longing, his face now held an impassive mask. Like a challenge… a silent dare. “Don’t be like that. Didn’t you miss me?” The way he is looking at me, it is as if he will not fight back with the clear sarcasm and hatred I am showing him. I lunged, my movements a blur of fury. My nails, sharp and deadly, aimed for his throat, but he was faster. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected my attack, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a surge of frustration. He wasn't fighting back. It was as if he was just letting me, indulging my rage.“Fight. back.”