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 hurt it , destroy

wings began circling us , their war

I felt

afraid

power being drained as I screamed like a madwoman

now trying to

like you did my parents ! I WONT LET YOU ! A high pitched screech erupted from its

connection to them strengthened they followed my will , obeying my

Kill .

Kill Kill .

opened my mouth to devour

I underestimated it

in far too much

power exploded inside me , far too overwhelming knocking me unconscious , leaving me vulnerable once again

behind a bush , I could

hand covered my mouth to stifle a scream

on the ground she was fighting the

ravens swirled around her , pecking at that monstrous

how could she be resisting it ? And worse the specter was screaming in

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

one who could read the secrets engraved on

her if they captured her maybe they would finally leave

theyd return my

a drum , torn

ravens suddenly scattered into the sky , and Valeria lay unconscious on the

away from her like it was

THAT MAIDENT

moment lost in those chaotic

that moment cost me everything

cold chill ran down my spine

soaked my

lifted my head , peering over the bush where I hid- The shadow loomed above me , seething with hatred

, I could hear footsteps those men approaching

called them here to capture

To deliver her .

opened my mouth to scream for

swallowed my voice

market just after finishing my conversation with the

hiding something , but no matter how much I pressed ,

was already

further , Id force

else entirely focused only on her

how cold and distant she had

it was for the best

craved the way things used to be

market , asking about Valeria but I couldnt

Panic set in .

night was

sniffed the air , searching for her scent- Something

foul , bitter stench mixed with

broke into a run heading straight for the