Blood and moonlight
The air grew heavier with each passing hour, as though the world itself was bracing for something unnatural. Ever since the gods’ messenger appeared, the countdown had begun—seven days until the Day of the Blood Moon.
Seven days to prepare. Seven days to survive.
Ava sat beneath the twisted elder tree outside the sanctuary, the bark behind her pulsing faintly as if aware of her presence. The wind was sharp, slicing through the night with whispers. Her fingers traced the mark on her wrist—ever since she mixed her blood with Achi’s, the mark had darkened, a signal that something ancient had awakened.