Deep Down Part 3

Then, one by one, they all erupted.

A gruesome rain of blood splattered across the walls, the floors, the ceilings—thick blood staining every surface, dripping from closed windows like a grotesque work of art.

No one had a moment to react.

No chance to scream for mercy.

They were reduced to mangled flesh and oozing remnants, with their final cries drowned beneath the sickening sound of their own bodies tearing apart.

Harry swallowed hard, but his eyes remained fixed on Majesty's back, unwavering even as the massacre unfolded around him.

With each step Luna took, the air grew heavier, thick with the scent of blood and death. Behind them, the once-lively cafeteria had become a graveyard of shredded bodies and lifeless remains with its walls dripping with the evidence of her wrath.

Yet, Harry followed without hesitation, knowing that to falter now would be to question the very force that had just brought an entire room to its unwelcomed demise.

As Luna came to a halt before the counter where orders were meant to be placed, the last echoes of life faded, and every twisted, mangled body collapsed into grotesque heaps of flesh. The cafeteria, once bustling with chatter, was now consumed by an eerie silence, broken only by the slow drip of blood pooling across the floor. Yet, throughout the carnage, not a single drop touched her. A shimmering crimson shield flickered around her, effortlessly repelling every splatter that dared approach.

She had no intention of wearing the evidence of her wrath—after all, there was still someone she needed to get back to.

Luna had intended to eliminate only those directly entangled with Beth's schemes, but to her revelation, the entire cafeteria was brimming with Beth's allies. Every single one of them had played a role in the twisted plan to sink their teeth into the new first-year human boy. It was no coincidence—they were all complicit, and their hunger for fresh innocent human blood bound them to the same merciless fate.

The terrified werewolf cashier, a plump woman with quivering hands, kept her gaze fixed on the computer screen, too petrified to lift her head. Her voice trembled as she stammered, "You-Your Majesty…"

Luna's eyes, once ablaze with eerie cerulean and crimson hues, faded back to their usual selected cold grey.

With an air of unshaken composure, she addressed the trembling cashier, her tone calm yet commanding.

"I would like to place an order."

A heavy silence settled over the cafeteria; as an oppressive stillness broken only by the faint drip of blood pooling across the floor. Darkness crept in as the blood splattered across the windows blocking out the daylight, casting eerie shadows over the carnage. With most of the lights still switched off, the room remained shrouded in an unsettling gloom, amplifying the suffocating sense of dread that hung in the air along with a few bulbs of lights.

"Yes-yes, You-your Majesty… what-what would you-you like?" The cashier stammered with her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to steady her trembling hands. Swallowing her fear, she forced herself to focus on the screen before her, preparing to enter the order into the system despite the overwhelming terror constricting her every breath.

Luna remained utterly still with her expression an unreadable mask as she fixed her cold, impassive gaze on the trembling cashier.

Her voice, steady and devoid of emotion, cut through the thick silence like a blade, "I'll have the second set from the premium lunchbox’s menu. Ensure that everything is fresh and warm. The chicken must be soft and lean—omit all the greasy and fried options."

The cashier's fingers quivered as she hurriedly noted down the order, too afraid to even glance up at the imposing figure before her.

The cashier bobbed her head in frantic acknowledgment, her forehead slick with perspiration—each bead of sweat starkly visible even to Luna's discerning gaze. Her voice wavered as she forced out the words, "Noted, Your Majesty. Anything… else?"

Luna's answer was curt, final, "No."

The cashier swallowed hard, nodding once more before hesitantly stammering out her next question, "What… would you-you like to… have for-for drink?" Her voice quivered, barely above a whisper, as she braced herself for Luna's response.

Luna remained silent for a moment and contemplated her decision.

The lunchbox alone would likely be substantial enough for him to finish, making a drink seem unnecessary.

Yet, uncertainty lingered. What if he developed a preference for drinking over eating? It was a possibility she couldn't ignore. In the end, she decided it was best to include it—after all, humans were bound to get thirsty while eating.

Luna responded to the cashier before glancing at the menu board, her eyes scanning it briefly. Without hesitation, she placed her order in her usual calm tone but it still ended up making the poor cashier sniffle in trepidation, "For the drink, I'll have your strawberry smoothie."

The cashier hastily jotted down the order, her voice shaky as she stammered, "Thank you-you… for your order, Your Majesty. It… it will be read-ready shortly."

Luna gave a small nod, but just as the cashier was about to retreat, she halted her with a single question with her tone as composed as ever even then it was enough to slip the remaining part of the ground beneath the cashier's feet.

"What about the payment?"

The cashier's heart plummeted for the second time that day as Luna's voice stopped her in her tracks once more. Swallowing the lump of fear lodged in her throat, she slowly turned around, forcing a nervous smile that barely masked the terror gleaming in her tear-brimmed eyes. Her voice wavered as she cautiously asked, "Would you… like-like to… um, pay, Your Majesty?"

Luna's brows knit together in slight displeasure at her question before she responded firmly with her voice carrying an air of finality, "I'll pay."

The cashier's eyes widened further as she nodded quickly with her breath hitching in anticipation.

Without wasting a moment, Luna slid her right hand out of her pocket, before her fingers twirling gracefully in the air. In an instant, a sleek black card materialized between her first two fingers while exuding an air of undeniable authority.

"Harry," she called, her voice steady and commanding.

Without missing a beat, Harry responded with unwavering attentiveness, "Yes, Your Majesty."

At her silent command, Harry stepped forward without hesitation. As he approached, Luna extended the black card toward him and he accepted it with a slight bow of his head in acknowledgment before walking toward the cashier. Without any delay, he proceeded to complete the transaction with his movements precise and efficient as always.

As Harry returned to Luna, he extended the black card toward her, expecting her to take it. However, she made no move to accept it, leaving his hand hanging in the air.

A slight frown creased his brow before he sighed and remarked through his whispers, "Your Majesty, you really should learn to carry your own cards. I already have the other three in my possession. If you hand me your last one as well, what will you do when you need it?" His voice held a mix of playful exasperation and concern, though he knew better than to expect her to change her habits so easily.

Luna clicked her tongue in irritation before snatching the card back.

With a mere flick of her fingers, it vanished into thin air as if it had never existed. Her cold gaze flickered toward Harry as she asked with her tone laced with mild annoyance that could be detected even through her whispering, "Do I truly have only four cards, Harry?"

Harry let out a weary sigh before lowering his voice even more by whispering, "No, Your Majesty, but you only have four black cards left. You despise using colorful ones, so they've been discarded somewhere far from your sight—never to bother you again. But, being the ever-loyal servant that I am, I made sure to salvage those 'little' cards to protect your precious income. Please take better care of your baby cards. You're not a child anymore."

Luna shot Harry a sharp glare, a silent command for him to hold his tongue. Without uttering a word in response, she shifted her attention back to the cashier and the few chefs visible beyond the counter with their hands busy preparing her order.

At that moment, two women and a man emerged as members of the staff from the back, carrying a bucket of water and brooms with their expressions tense as they moved with quiet urgency.

Luna's brows knitted together as she quickly grasped what they intended to do. Without hesitation, she issued a firm command to Harry, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Harry, call Nick and have him handle the cleanup. I want the bodies transported back to the castle. Also, make sure the cafeteria receives proper compensation for the mess I caused."

Harry gave a respectful bow of his head with his response swift and precise, "Understood, Your Majesty."

Harry pivoted on his heel, striding toward the staff to handle the necessary arrangements, while Luna remained still with her presence unwavering as she patiently awaited her order.

~><~*~><~

Whereas, Elliot sat quietly in the room with his heartbeat pounding wildly in his chest as he anxiously awaited Luna's arrival. The silence stretched around him, heavy and suffocating.

Just as the bleeding from his nose ceased and he lowered the tissue, a delicate and almost familiar trickle of sound drifted to his ears, instantly capturing his attention.

Elliot turned his head while being all bewildered as his gaze searched for the source of the strange trickling sound.

His breath hitched when his eyes landed on the metal door handle—it had been melted beyond recognition, its once-solid form now warped and grotesquely misshapen. Molten remnants dripped steadily onto the floor and pooled in shimmering streaks as the distorted metal continued to weep under some unseen force.

Elliot sucked in a quiet gasp while his pulse quickened as he rose to his feet.

With cautious steps, he made his way toward the ruined handle with his eyes fixed on the misshapen metal all the while dread coiling in his chest with each slow stride.

Just as he came to a halt before the melting doorknob, his hand instinctively lifted, reaching out to touch it. The moment his fingers wrapped against the scorching metal; a sharp sting shot through him. A startled yelp escaped his lips as he jerked his hand back with a small, pained, "ouch!" slipping out before he could stop it.

He glanced down at his fingers and his breath hitched as he took in the sight—angry blisters bubbling up where the skin had torn open from the burn. The pain pulsed beneath the raw flesh which set out as a cruel reminder of the moment he had touched the doorknob. It was still melting before his eyes, the metal shimmering and warping under the unbearable heat as if it had been set to boil.

'How strange…' Elliot pondered with his brows knitting together in curiosity. But before he could dwell on the thought, a far more chilling one crept into his mind, sending a shiver down his spine. He gasped in trepidation, and his eyes widened in horror.

'Wait… could it be that this room is… haunted?'

For a fleeting moment, the idea gripped him with icy fingers, and he truly believed it.

His legs trembled beneath him, threatening to buckle with panic clawing at the edges of his mind. But before he could lose himself to fear, he gave his head a firm shake, forcing himself back to reason, 'No, Elliot! Get a grip! There's no way a university this big, lively, and full of people could be haunted… What is wrong with me?'

Still, the unease lingered within him and it refused to let go.

Just as frustration began to bubble within Elliot, he suddenly flinched, startled by the abrupt creak of the door swinging open. His breath caught in his throat as Luna strode in, effortlessly composed with a paper bag dangling from one hand while the other hand remained casually tucked into the pocket of her jeans.

Luna's gaze locked onto him and her brows knitted together as she took in his shaken appearance. "What's wrong?" She asked, her voice laced with curiosity and concern. Without waiting for a response, she stepped forward and set the paper bag down on the piano stool, her movements calm and deliberate.

"No… it's just the door…" Elliot murmured, with his voice trailing off as unease flickered in his eyes.

Luna frowned, slipping her free hand into her jeans pocket as she turned to glance at the door.

The moment her gaze landed on it, she froze—stiff and unmoving, as if the air had been knocked from her lungs. It was rare for her to be caught off guard like this—perhaps only the second time in her whole long life—but this moment left her at a loss for a few minutes.

Then, realization struck, sharp and unforgiving.

Her jaw clenched and fury bubbled beneath her skin. Even before stepping out of the room, her rage had already taken shape, seeping out before she had the chance to rein it in. And without even noticing, she had burned that damn doorknob to ruin.

"What if… this place might be haunted…" Elliot muttered under his breath with his voice barely above a whisper.

Luna exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Haunted? Really? Who in their right mind would even dare to haunt this room when she was here? If anything, she was the one ghosts should be afraid of.

Letting out another sigh, she finally turned to Elliot with her tone calm yet firm, "Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with this place," she assured him by adding, "The doorknob might have been like this from the very beginning, and we just never noticed it until now."

Elliot nodded slowly with his mind turning over her words.

But doubt still lingered and gnawed at him. After a moment, he glanced up and asked, "Oh, really? Then how do you explain the fact that when I touched it, the doorknob was so hot it burned my skin?" His voice carried a mix of curiosity and suspicion, while the sting on his fingers served as undeniable proof of what he had felt.

The moment those words left his lips; Luna felt her infuriation flare up once more with heat simmering beneath her skin. Without hesitation, she seized his hand and pulled it closer to inspect the damage. Her eyes darkened at the sight—his fingers were swollen and reddened with angry blisters dotting the burned skin like cruel reminders of the heat he had endured.

Her grip tightened instinctively, causing Elliot to flinch with a sharp intake of breath. She noticed immediately, the flicker of pain in his expression snapping her back to reality. With a quiet sigh, she loosened her hold with her fingers easing against his skin, though the fire in her eyes remained because of her carelessness.

"Does it hurt too much?" Luna asked in a low voice while stealing a brief glance at him before shifting her focus back to his injured hand. Her sharp eyes traced over the damaged skin and took in the blistered, reddened flesh with a quiet intensity as if assessing just how bad it really was.

A faint warmth crept into Elliot's cheeks, deepening ever so slightly before he quickly shook his head in denial. A soft smile played on his lips as he reassured her, "Don't worry, it doesn't hurt much. These little wounds will heal in no time—almost as easy as licking them away all better."

Luna hummed in response with her gaze slowly drifting to him and locking onto his face with quiet intensity.

The longer she stared, the wilder his heart pounded against his ribs, threatening to betray him. Desperate to steady himself, he tore his eyes away by fixing them on the wall behind her in an attempt to regain his slipping control.

But just as he started to calm; a sudden, unexpected sensation made him shudder—a soft, wet touch against his burned and aching fingers. The surprise jolted through him which sent a sharp thrill down his spine.

His eyes widened in shock, and a startled gasp escaped his lips as he snapped his gaze back to her. His breath hitched when he saw what she was doing—she was actually licking his fingers!

"AGH! Wha… Wha… Wha… WHAT… WHAT ARE-ARE… YOU DOING?!"

Elliot's voice erupted in a frantic, stuttering mess with each word tumbling over the next in sheer disbelief.

His blush deepened in an instant, flooding his face before racing down his neck, ears, and even his hands with heat spreading like wildfire through his skin.

Luna continued to lick his fingers; her movements deliberate as she watched the tension slowly ease from his rosette, trembling hands. She could already see the pain ebbing away with the sharp sting of the burn seemingly dulling. Without missing a beat, she tilted her head slightly and asked, "What? Why are you panicking? Weren't you the one who said, 'Almost as easy as licking them away all better'? This clearly denoted to me that a lick could heal it all away."

For a moment, Elliot was convinced he had forgotten how to breathe.

A shiver coursed through him as his heart—wild and unrestrained—felt as though it had shattered through his ribcage and abandoned him the instant her tongue grazed his fingers.

Even then, the words tumbled from his lips in a flustered and stammering mess with his embarrassment so intense it seemed as if it would take him an entire month just to get his point across.

"Um… Um… Um… I-I-I… Didn't… no, I-I mean… it was just-just… a-a silly joke… nothing more… than to-to lighten… the-the mood…!"

Just hearing his flustered words was enough for Luna to promptly understand exactly where he was coming from.

This only confirmed what she had already suspected—her method of healing didn't work the same way for humans as it did for animals. Which meant that soon enough, Elliot would start getting suspicious. By the time ten minutes would pass, his wounds would be completely gone with his skin restored to its unblemished state as if he had never been burned at all.

After all, her tongue wasn't that of a human, it was the tongue of an animal.

As the realization settled in, Luna instinctively dipped her head, causing a shadow to cast over her eyes while stray locks of hair fell into her vision. Her thoughts swirled in quiet contemplation.

'I see… right… hmm… now, how exactly am I supposed to explain to him that his burn healed within mere minutes?'

A sigh almost escaped her lips as she pondered further, 'Hum… so this is how I go down the drain… I see… hum…'

Just as Luna's chain of thoughts came to an end, a sudden roar of thunder cracked through the sky, loud and jarring.

The unexpected sound made Elliot flinch before instinctively turning toward the open window. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in the drastic shift in weather.

Moments ago, the day had been nothing short of lovely, but now, dark clouds loomed ominously overhead, and the once-gentle breeze had turned into harsh, frigid winds that howled through the air. Thunder rumbled once more, rolling across the sky like a warning and sealing the eerie transformation of the atmosphere.

"Luna…?" Elliot called her name softly, his voice carrying a gentle concern.

Luna couldn't help but savor the way her name sounded coming from his lips with warmth spreading through her at the mere thought. A faint and almost unseen grin tugged at the corners of her mouth, and before she even realized it, a soft blush blossomed on her left pallid cheek. Then, slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his with her cold silver eyes deepened with endearment for him.

Like a predator cloaked in the guise of innocence, Luna simply gazed at him with her expression coldly unreadable, before lowering her lips to his forefinger. The soft press of her kiss sent a startle through Elliot, making him swallow hard as a fresh wave of heat surged through him—if he could possibly get any warmer than he already was.

Then, with a quiet yet knowing tone, she murmured, "Then… we'll wish that it works. Who knows… it might actually do."

It was a weak cover-up, but Luna was confident she could find ways to distract him from fixating on his fingers—at least until evening. By then, the 'miraculously healed burn' would seem insignificant and barely worth questioning.

Besides, she had no doubt that Elliot was easy to manipulate.