Chapter 2: The Beast Within

As Sienna went farther into the weird, magical realm that had suddenly become her home, her new reality started to take shape. She was in an unending forest, the tall trees whispering secrets on the breeze, coated in silvery leaves, and she was no longer wandering the streets of her metropolis. The lunar sky created an ethereal glow over the woods, making everything glitter as though the stars had fallen to earth, and the air was heavy with enchantment.

The Moonlit Heart System's enigmatic yet omnipresent voice resonated throughout her mind.

"Updated Task: Locate the Forest Beast. Make it through the interaction. Failure will lead to the disintegration of the soul."

"Alive?" Sienna whispered beneath her breath, clutching at her heart the little knife that Lucian had given her before they had split together. Though her bond with Lucian was strengthening, the stoic vampire had made it apparent that she would have to undertake this adventure by herself. It was nonetheless scary despite everything.

As the forest grew more dense, Sienna's intuition warned her that someone or something was observing her. She froze at the sound of a rustling coming from the bushes. A thing she had never seen before emerged from the shadows.

A towering figure stepped out of the undergrowth, her eyes glowing intensely amber. Her long, unruly hair fell down her back like a river at midnight. Her skin was tan, her muscles rippling beneath it, and there was an uncontrollable strength about her. Here was Reyna, the fabled werewolf from the woodland, her fame murmuring among the immortals and humans alike. And there she was, the epitome of seduction and danger.

"You exude a vampire aura," Reyna said, circling Sienna and assessing her with a low, menacing voice. "What would a human be doing for one of them, running errands?"

With her hands out in surrender, Sienna stumbled, "I'm not exactly by choice." "I came here because of the system."

Reyna stopped, narrowing her golden gaze. With a tone that darkened with comprehension, she said, "The Moonlit Heart System?"

Sienna gave a nod. "Are you aware of it?"

Reyna's face changed from being antagonistic to more cautiously understanding. Instead of circling, she halted and stood in front of Sienna, her arms crossed and her muscles stiff but not hostile.

"I am aware of the system all too well. Reyna replied, her voice now a mixture of resignation and despair, "It binds me." As the last line of protection separating the Moonlit Heart from those who would abuse its power, I stand guard over it. I've protected it for decades, but the prophesy says... She paused, her gaze darting back to Sienna with a fresh sense of interest. "According to the prophecy, I won't be its protector forever."

A knot tightened in Sienna's chest. "And how does that relate to me?"

Reyna's gaze met Sienna's, and she had the impression that Reyna could see right into her heart. Reyna said in a quiet yet passionate tone, "I think you already know." There's a reason you were drawn to this place. There are no errors in the system.

Like a thick veil, the weight of those words descended upon Sienna. She was ignorant of this world and did not wish to become entangled in superstitions and antiquated abilities. Nevertheless, she was unable to dispute that ever since coming, she had felt an unbreakable bond with everything.

Sienna felt her spine tingle as a howl suddenly broke through the darkness. Reyna tensed up and jerked her head in the direction of the sound. Danger was close by, and her group was calling.

Reyna added, "We have to go," in an anxious tone. "Something's not right."

Reyna grabbed Sienna by the arm before she could respond, dragging her into the jungle at breakneck speed as she sprung between trees and over obstacles like a predator. Severina could hardly keep up, the sheer exhilaration pumping through her veins causing her heart to race in addition to the sprint.

They arrived at the edge of a clearing after what seemed like an age. When Sienna noticed several ominous individuals gathered around what looked to be a black stone altar, her breath seized in her throat. The Moonlit Heart, a huge crystal throbbing with an unsettling brightness, was at the middle, hanging by glowing chains.

A harsh voice growled out of the darkness. The beast demon from the Netherworld, Aldric, came forward, hate and hunger burning in his eyes. His shadow-covered enormous figure loomed over the altar, his claws tapping furiously across the stone

could hardly keep up, the sheer exhilaration pumping through her veins causing her heart to race in addition to the sprint.

They arrived at the edge of a clearing after what seemed like an age. When Sienna noticed several ominous individuals gathered around what looked to be a black stone altar, her breath seized in her throat. The Moonlit Heart, a huge crystal throbbing with an unsettling brightness, was at the middle, hanging by glowing chains.

A harsh voice growled out of the darkness. The beast demon from the Netherworld, Aldric, came forward, hate and hunger burning in his eyes. His shadow-covered enormous figure loomed over the altar, his claws tapping furiously across the stone wolf, Come on," Aldric growled, his

dark humor echoing in a deep voice. However, I didn't anticipate that you would bring a person. How intriguing...

Dread thickened the air around Sienna. She sensed Aldric's stare penetrating her like a predator scanning its victim. Even though it was uncomfortable, she felt a certain familiarity. As though she and Aldric were related in some way.

Stepping in front of Sienna in a protective manner, Reyna exposed her teeth. "Aldric, you'll never have the Moonlit Heart. You are not the owner of it.

Aldric gave a grim laugh. Well, but I believe it does. It's only a matter of time till I take it—and her—after all.

The blood in Sienna ran cold. She said in a scared and perplexed whisper, "Me?" How could she be a part of this evil force battle?

With a voice brimming with twisted delight, Aldric said, "I can see the mark of the system on you." You and I are both obligated to it. The distinction is that I'm an expert at it. I'll also master you shortly.

Reyna growled and spat at Aldric before Sienna realized what was going on. The two engaged in a fierce struggle that sent shockwaves through the forest. As Reyna and Aldric delivered punch after deadly blow, magic crackled in the air.

As the battle erupted in front of Sienna, she remained still and powerless. But then she heard the voice of the system again.

"New Mission: Reclaim your strength. You have the secret to survival."

A blast of warmth swept across Sienna's chest. As her heart pounded, she realized what had to be done. She walked mindlessly in the direction of the Moonlit Heart, the crystal growing brighter as she got closer. As her palm lingered over it, everything became apparent.

Sienna was not your typical person. She was a part of something far greater, a force that had the power to alter the course of history.

A pulse of strength shot through her as her fingertips contacted the crystal, causing the Moonlit Heart's light to burst and cover the clearing in a bright glow. Reyna and Aldric's struggle halted as they both turned to face Sienna, amazement and dismay visible in their eyes.

It had woken Sienna. And nothing would ever return to normal.