The Bloodlight of Luna

Morning had not yet broken. The sky bore only the faintest hint of pale violet behind the thick clouds, as if the heavens themselves mourned a battle still unfinished.

Fort Lycanthra shook once more beneath the force of the Hollowtooth horde, their steel hammers pounding against the great gates. The sound of splintering wood echoed like the wails of tormented souls.

I stood within the inner hall, breath still ragged from the long hours of battle. My sword, slick with blood, weighed heavy in my grasp; my muscles burned, sore to the bone. Yet surrender was not a choice.

At my side stood Lucan, his expression carved from stone, his eyes fixed on the widening cracks in the gate.

"We must strike back," he said, his voice quiet, yet unwavering.

I nodded. "If we only defend, we will be worn down to nothing."

Around us, the warriors of Lycanthra stood bruised and weary, their faces drawn by fatigue and fear. But beneath it all, there was a fire that had not died—a spark I had kindled the night before.

I summoned that flame once more, straightening my spine and lifting my voice. "You have survived the night. That means you are stronger than you know. Today, we show them this fortress will not fall."

They exchanged glances, then slowly began to nod.

I turned to Lucan. "We open the gates—and charge."

His eyes widened. "You want to face them outside the walls?"

I swallowed. "If we wait, they'll break us down, one piece at a time. We must be the storm they never saw coming."

A faint smile touched his lips. "You truly are Luna's daughter."

Without delay, I gave the order. The iron bar sealing the gate creaked as soldiers drew it back, the sound slicing through the silence like a blade.

Through the cracks, I glimpsed the Hollowtooth ranks—alert now, clearly stunned by our intent to fight on open ground.

"Ready!" I shouted, raising my sword.

The gates flung wide.

Cold air rushed in, thick with the scent of blood and iron. I stepped forward with dozens at my back, plunging into the disarrayed enemy line. My blade found the chest of the first foe, then turned to parry a spear thrust with the next.

Beside me, Lucan roared—half-man, half-wolf—his claws ripping through enemies with unrelenting ferocity.

The tide of battle shifted. The Hollowtooth soldiers faltered under the sudden onslaught. Chaos spread like wildfire.

I stayed close to the young warriors, guiding their stances, urging them to fight in pairs, to guard each other's flanks.

And then, I saw her again—the scythe-wielding commander who had nearly ended me the night before.

Her gaze locked on mine, seething. "You again..."

I gripped my blade tightly. "This ends here."

She let out a low laugh, then lunged.

Our weapons clashed. Pain seared through my arm as her scythe grazed bone, but I did not yield. We circled in a blur of strikes amidst the chaos.

Then—her scythe arced for my face. I raised my arm instinctively.

A brilliant violet light erupted from my palm, brighter than ever before. Her blade was flung back, as if struck by an unseen force.

Her eyes widened. "What—what is that?"

I was stunned myself, but instinct prevailed. I lunged forward and slashed her shoulder, sending her to the ground.

"Stand if you still dare," I challenged.

But this time, she only stared—fear in her eyes.

I backed away, breath heavy, the violet glow pulsing across my skin.

Lucan rushed to my side, clearing a path through the fray. His gaze fell to my hand.

"You're learning to wield it," he said.

"It came on its own," I panted.

He nodded, pride in his voice. "It's the Luna blood. It aids you—it does not curse you."

I looked at him, tears stinging my eyes.

The Hollowtooth line broke further, retreating under our ferocity. Cries of triumph rose from the Lycanthra soldiers, their spirit reignited.

I climbed onto the fractured stone above the gate, lifting my sword to the sky.

"This is our home! We defend it to the last!"

Their voices thundered in response, echoing up the towers.

But in the distance, through the lifting fog, I saw another banner—black and enormous—descending the ridge.

My heart clenched.

Lucan followed my gaze, jaw tightening. "They've brought reinforcements."

I shut my eyes, steadying the tremble.

How much longer must we fight?

But doubt could not be allowed. If I faltered, they would fall with me.

I straightened once more, breathing deep, and met Lucan's eyes.

"We hold the line again."

He nodded. "No matter what comes—I stand with you."

Sunlight began to pierce the gloom, streaking through smoke and shadow.

I stood before those who had placed their hope in me, blade raised, a silent vow burning in my chest:

I will not abandon them.

And for the first time, I felt it truly—

This was my home.

The ground trembled anew—not from warhammers this time, but from the march of thousands of Hollowtooth wolves, cresting the northern hills.

I stood atop the battlements, staring down at a black sea of banners rippling through the mist. They were countless—like a tide no wall could hold.

Beside me, soldiers quaked, some whispering prayers under their breath.

Lucan stood close, breath low and tense. "They've come with their full force."

I drew myself upright. "We held them through the night. We can do it again."

He turned to me, gaze lingering. "If the gate falls, you retreat to the inner hall. That's my command."

I met his eyes, unwavering. "I will not leave them."

He opened his mouth, but closed it again when he saw my resolve.

As enemy drums beat once more, I descended into the courtyard. The warriors of Lycanthra gathered, taking positions.

Their bodies bore wounds, their limbs trembled—but their eyes were no longer filled with fear. The fire had spread from me to them.

I stepped forward, speaking loud enough to be heard over the rising noise.

"We have nowhere else," I declared. "This land is our home, and no one shall take it without blood and tears!"

Swords rose in response. Cries of defiance broke through.

"Let fear guide your blade—not rule it," I continued. "Let it drive you to fight harder."

From atop the gate, a scout shouted, "They advance!"

I looked up. The enemy surged down the hill—an avalanche of beasts.

"Archers ready!" Lucan barked.

The bowmen took their places, arrows drawn, waiting.

I stood beside Lucan, my hand tight on the hilt.

"Do not fire until I give the word."

He nodded.

Closer. Closer. I could see their twisted faces, breath misting in the cold.

Sweat clung to my palms. My heart pounded with the rhythm of another war drum deep within my chest.

The violet light shimmered faintly on my skin again—as if to remind me who I was.

Then—

"Loose!" I roared.

A storm of arrows tore the sky.

The first wave fell. But the others came undeterred—like monsters born for nothing but death.

They crashed into our walls. Grappling hooks flew, ladders raised.

I rushed forward, slashing down the first climbers.

"Push them back!" I yelled, helping to heave down ladders.

Lucan struck with wild precision, his claws drenched in blood. But there were too many.

I turned to the inner hall—where the women and children waited. I saw Yana at the doorway, watching me.

I nodded to her, offering silent reassurance.

Don't be afraid, Yana. I won't let them reach you.

Then—a deafening blast.

The southern wall cracked apart.

"No!" I cried.

I ran toward the smoke, aiding those who had fallen. "Get them to the inner hall!"

A young soldier clutched my sleeve. "Luna, they've breached the wall!"

I rushed forward. Through the debris, I saw the gap—and the enemy flooding in.

Not here. Not this place.

I gripped my sword and charged. My body moved on its own, power surging through me—Luna's strength, wild and unshackled.

With each swing, a wave of violet light knocked back our foes. Some screamed. Others hesitated. But more came behind them.

I stood in the breach—an unyielding shield.

Lucan arrived, back at mine.

"We fight here," he said.

I nodded. "To the last drop."

We fought, shoulder to shoulder, drowning in the storm.

Blood. Steel. Screams.

And yet—within me, there was peace.

Because now I knew.

I was no longer a girl torn between worlds.

I was Luna.

And they would learn what that meant.

The sun broke through the clouds, painting our bloodstained faces with gold.

I looked upon the endless horde, drew in a breath—

"You will not win here," I whispered.

And within my chest, the violet light pulsed—

steady, certain.

This is the path I was born to walk.