The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 21

WHAT IS THAT MAIDEN ?! VALERIA I had only ever heard of them in childrens horror stories .

They were almost impossible to find , and nearly no one had survived after seeing them .

Beings of pure dark energy and evil rotting , murderous magic .

Its red eyes , like two deep abysses filled with flames , stare at me from that shapeless face , making me tremble in fear .

Its body was made of a black mist , with long , dangling strands that hung from every part of it as it advanced toward me .

Its arms were far too long , disproportionate , with massive , razor sharp claws that could slice me clean through .

I crawled backward , dragging myself across the ground .

I couldnt feel my legs .

My heart was pounding so fast I thought it would stop at any moment .

I tried to get up multiple times , failing each attempt .

It loomed over me , and through the darkness , I saw with terror as it opened a wide mouth filled with crooked teeth and grinned , making every hair on my body stand on end .

AAAHHH ! I screamed , covering my face as the intimidating shadow enveloped me in its darkness , swallowing me whole .

Suddenly , forgotten memories from my childhood came flooding back .

I had been happy with my parents .

We would take vacations at a lakeside cabin .

I went out fishing , exploring freely .

But when I returned , I couldnt find them anywhere .

I saw myself climbing the stairs again , the strong scent of blood reaching my nose .

My trembling hand pushed open their bedroom door and then I saw them .

Their lifeless bodies were sprawled on the floor .

And above them , that same specter , feeding on their blood and flesh .

Hearing my scream at the door , it noticed me and lunged to levour me as well .

I dont want to die I want to live ! I want to live ! Those were my thoughts then and now .

I shifted back into my human form , pain searing through me far beyond what anyone could endure like my skin was being flayed off my body .

Something inside me awakened .

An uncontrollable rage surged through my veins , a power filling every muscle with infinite strength .

I opened my eyes and roared at the darkness consuming me I dug my hands , now bearing long , sharp claws , intol that shadow .

to consume it instead to

circling us , their war cries echoing

I felt

afraid of

its power being drained as I screamed

it who was now trying

anyone else like you did my parents ! I WONT LET YOU ! A high pitched screech erupted from its twisted mouth as the ravens continued their relentless attack

to them strengthened they

Kill .

Kill Kill .

instinct , I opened my mouth to

underestimated it

far too

far too overwhelming knocking me unconscious , leaving me vulnerable

a bush , I could

trembling hand covered my mouth to stifle a scream

that woman lying there on the

around

it ? And worse the specter was screaming in pain , as if

some of my view , but there was no doubt this had to be the woman they were looking

the secrets engraved on

they captured her maybe

theyd return my older sister

like a drum , torn between fear and hope But then everything

into the sky , and Valeria lay unconscious on the

specter … it was backing away

? WHAT IS THAT MAIDENT She had completely lied

just a moment

that moment cost

chill ran

my

peering over the bush where I hid-

the distance , I could hear footsteps those men approaching

them here to capture Valeria

To deliver her .

for help- But the sound never

swallowed my

the market just after finishing my conversation with the Alpha

was hiding something , but no matter how much I

was already

he pushed me further , Id force the

my mind was somewhere else entirely focused only on her

how cold and distant

knew it was for the best

I craved the way things used to be

wandered the market , asking about Valeria but I couldnt

Panic set in .

was

Lifting my head , I sniffed the air , searching for her scent- Something was wrong

foul , bitter stench mixed with her

blared through my senses , and I broke into a