Moon of Faith and Bites of Love.

The forest air was heavy, damp with the scent of blood and magic. Xavier stumbled through the trees, pain surging through every muscle in his body. Deep gashes marred his chest, his hands were trembling, and his breath came out in short, desperate bursts.

But despite the agony, a faint, broken smile played on his lips.

"I did it…" he whispered hoarsely. "One key… I have one key… Just six more… and I'll get them back. I'll get my family back. And this time, Prizey will help me."

He reached for his teleportation power, hands shaking as he tried to summon the mist that usually carried him across realms. But nothing happened. The energy wouldn't come. The battle with Nemorga had left him too drained.

"Damn it…" he hissed, collapsing to his knees. "Grandpa… where are you? Please… I need you… I can't walk anymore. Please… don't leave me alone."

Tears streamed down his cheeks as he gazed at the sky. The moon—tonight—was no longer silver. It glowed an ominous red, like it had been soaked in blood. A crimson omen.

Suddenly, the weight of his body lifted.

He gasped.

Beneath him, a swirling mist of black and white light formed, gently raising him into the air like an invisible cradle. The pain lessened just enough for him to move. He didn't need to ask who had sent it.

"…Thank you, Grandpa," he whispered, eyes wet.

Moments later, Xavier collapsed unconscious on the floor of his forest villa. The silver key, still warm from battle, was clutched tightly in his hand. Luna—his loyal, talking cat—stood over him, murmuring ancient spells in a voice that trembled with worry.

"Xavier… my child… please open your eyes," she whispered, tail flicking with urgency. "Don't do this to me."

But he didn't stir.

She ran across the room, her paws leaping onto the bookshelf, clawing out a thick volume titled "The Greatest Mythology of Werewolves."

Frantically, she flipped through the pages until her glowing eyes landed on Chapter 7, Page 369.

> "Only the Great Prince Werewolf can touch the Seven Moon Keys. They will glow upon his forehead when united."

Luna's eyes widened. She turned to the back of the book, flipping to the chapter called Healing.

> "A Prince Werewolf cannot hold a key for more than seven seconds. Beyond that, his soul risks destruction. If unconscious, the key must be placed directly upon his forehead to restore his life."

Her ears twitched. She was a cat—she couldn't touch the key. Panic fluttered in her chest… until she remembered something else.

She darted to Chapter 69: His Soul, and read the last line aloud:

> "Only his destined mate—whose soul is not of the werewolf kind—can hold a Moon Key without consequence."

Her golden eyes sparkled with realization.

"Prizey…"

She rushed to where the girl lay asleep under Xavier's protection spell. With a low hum of magic, Luna hypnotized her gently, guiding her through the trance like a thread through a maze.

Prizey rose slowly, eyes closed but body moving, drawn by something unseen. Her bare feet stepped softly toward Xavier.

When she reached him, her fingers brushed the glowing key in his hand—

And the earth shook.

The villa trembled, a sudden quake cracking the ground like thunder.

"Keep going…" Luna urged.

Prizey, still entranced, lifted the shimmering key and placed it directly on Xavier's forehead.

A blinding explosion of silver light filled the entire room. The magic roared like a storm trapped in a single moment. For several seconds, there was nothing—no sight, no sound, just radiance.

And then… silence.

Prizey collapsed to the floor, like a lifeless puppet.

Xavier's chest rose.

He gasped awake, blinking at the ceiling. Confused. Alive.

His hand slowly reached toward his forehead—feeling the warmth left behind.

"…Prizey?" he murmured.

But she didn't move.

"Prizey!"

Scene: After Two Hours…

Two hours had passed since the shadows had faded, but Xavier still hadn't moved.

He sat quietly beside her, his injuries forgotten. The ache in his body had been replaced by something far more powerful — awe.

He was completely lost in her — the way her hair softly curled over her cheek, the calm rise and fall of her breath, the faint curve of her lips. She looked fragile… and yet, her presence had ignited something untamed in him.

He reached out, gently brushing his fingers over her cheek.

"I don't want to leave you… not even for a moment," he whispered under his breath.

"But I can't tell you the truth… not yet. You don't trust me. And the day you finally do…"

He paused, pain flickering in his golden eyes.

"…that day, I'll make you mine."

His hand lingered on hers for a moment longer. Then, with a soft sigh, he whispered one last time:

"For now… I have to keep being Simon."

A faint shimmer of silver light danced at his fingertips.

And in that moment, he touched her temple — gently wiping away the memories of the night.

The creature. The fight. The teleportation.

All of it dissolved… like a dream erased by dawn.

With one final look, he disappeared into the night — leaving her safely in her bed, untouched by the chaos she had unknowingly survived.

---

Scene: The Next Morning – College Grounds

The campus was alive with noise, footsteps, and conversation.

Except for one thing.

Simon wasn't there.

Prizey sat quietly at her desk, but she wasn't reading. Her eyes were blank, lost in thought.

She couldn't explain the strange emptiness inside her chest — like something was missing… or someone.

But how could that be?

She had only met Simon once.

Still… something about him kept tugging at her.

Scene: Cafeteria – Noon

Aliyah leaned forward across the cafeteria table, watching her best friend with a sharp gaze.

"Prizey, just be honest with me."

Prizey blinked, slightly startled. "About what?"

Aliyah narrowed her eyes. "You know Simon from before, don't you?"

Prizey scoffed. "No! Obviously not. I met him for the first time yesterday."

Aliyah didn't look convinced. "Then explain how he was looking at you like he's known you for years. That wasn't just curiosity. That was… something deeper."

Prizey clenched her jaw. "That's ridiculous. We don't even know each other. We're nothing. And it's better that way."

Aliyah sighed softly. "Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows." She looked down at her mango shake, stirring it lazily.

"Anyway... let's change the topic."

Prizey lowered her head, her fingers nervously tapping on the table.

"When are the exams starting?"

Aliyah took a sip.

"They were supposed to start next month…"

"WHAT?" Prizey gasped, sitting upright. "I haven't studied anything! Oh my God, I'm going to fail!"

Aliyah laughed. "Relax, drama queen. I said they were supposed to start next month…"

Prizey stared at her, half-panicking, half-blushing in embarrassment.

Scene: Cafeteria – The Following Day

Aliyah leaned in with a teasing smile.

"Actually... exams got canceled for some reason. Only monthly tests are happening next month now."

Prizey gasped in relief, dramatically placing a hand over her chest.

"Oh thank God! You just saved my life."

They both burst out laughing, the tension fading as their laughter echoed through the cafeteria.

Scene: Next Day – College Grounds

The college buzzed with whispers and footsteps, louder than usual.

Simon was back.

The news had spread like wildfire. Everyone was either curious, excited, or jealous. But Prizey? She was just… restless.

As soon as she spotted him walking down the corridor — dark hoodie, calm smirk, and that mysterious charm — she didn't think twice.

She ran.

Before she could stop herself, she was standing right in front of him — her breath caught in her throat.

Even though Simon had erased her memories of that night… something in her still remembered.

His voice. His presence. That pull.

She stammered.

"You… uh… you weren't here yesterday…"

Simon tilted his head slightly, his signature smirk curving on his lips. He stepped forward.

One step.

Prizey instinctively stepped back.

His gaze locked with hers.

"Why? Did you miss me?"

Her heart skipped. Her voice tried to stay steady.

"No! Of course not. I just… I was asking because the tests are next month, so… you should come regularly. That's all."

Simon leaned in a little, his voice lowering to a teasing whisper.

"I didn't plan to come...

But since you want me here... I guess I have no choice now."

Before she could reply, he walked off toward the classroom — leaving her standing there, wide-eyed and absolutely dazed.

Scene: Hallway – Seconds Later

Prizey blinked.

"What did he just say…?"

A hand suddenly grabbed hers.

It was Aliyah.

"Flirt alert! He totally just flirted with you and you didn't even fight back!" she teased, half laughing.

Prizey stood frozen.

"Wait—what? FLIRT?! That little—"

Her eyes narrowed as she spotted Simon turning into the classroom.

"He's not getting away with that!" she growled.

And just like that, she stormed off after him.

Scene shifts to the classroom…

Scene: Classroom Chaos – The Bench War

The classroom buzzed with its usual morning chatter when a small drama began to unfold near the last bench.

John, Max's long-time bench partner and loyal friend, stood frozen as he found someone else sitting beside Max—Simon, the new guy.

"Hey dude," John said, arms crossed, "you know Max is my best friend, right? I always sit with him. So… would you mind finding another seat?"

Simon looked up calmly. "Hey, I'm sorry. I don't want to start a fight or anything. But the teacher asked me to sit here, so I think I should stay."

John's nostrils flared. "You—"

Before things could escalate, Max raised his hand like a peacekeeper and interrupted with a smug grin.

"Relax, guys. I know I'm handsome and all, but fighting over me? Come on, don't make it obvious."

Simon and John both turned toward him at the same time and snapped, "Oh, shut up."

Simon rubbed the back of his neck. "Okay, okay. How about this—we all sit together? Same bench. Peace and friendship, yeah?"

Max clapped his hands. "Now that's a brilliant idea."

John hesitated. "Well, that's fine by me… but what about the teacher?"

Max waved him off. "Oh please. The teacher won't say a word. Let's do it. And I get to sit in the middle."

"Deal."

The three boys slid onto the same bench, with Max happily sandwiched between them. Simon, of course, ended up on the side closest to Prizey, which didn't escape his subtle, stolen glances.

But moments later…

"WHAT in the world is going on here?" their teacher shouted as she strode toward them, glaring. "Have you three lost your minds? Don't you know the rules? Only two students per bench!"

She pointed a sharp finger at each of them.

"Simon, you're new—fine. But Max and John, you two know better!"

John stood up instantly, eager to shift the blame. "But ma'am—it was Simon's idea!"

Simon jumped up right after. "No, no, ma'am! Actually… we just can't live without each other!"

The entire class went silent.

"…What?" the teacher blinked in disbelief.

Max (placing a dramatic hand on his heart):

"Ma'am, we literally can't survive without each other!"

Simon (falling back in his chair, fake crying):

"Oh no… I can feel my heartbeat slowing down already—this is the end…"

John (jumping up):

"Oh God no! Ma'am, hug me guys—let's die together!"

Without waiting for permission, the three of them wrap each other in an exaggerated group hug right there in the middle of class.

Max (sniffling loudly):

"I love you guys, man!"

Simon (pretending to sob):

"Me toooo…"

John (mistakenly blurting out):

"And I love your ass—uhh—I mean I love you guys! Damn autocorrect brain!"

The entire class erupts into wild laughter.

Even Prizey, who had been trying to keep a straight face, suddenly lets out an uncontrollable giggle—something she rarely did in public.

Simon, mid-hug, catches her smiling... and for a second, the chaos fades for him.

Her laugh was like a quiet song only he could hear.

His heart did a little backflip.

But then—

Teacher (shouting):

"SILENCE!"

She slams her notebook shut and glares at the three clowns.

Teacher (pointing at the door):

"That's it! I've had enough. You three—OUT. Get out of my class right now!"

Max, Simon, and John (saluting dramatically):

"Yes, ma'am!"

They grab their bags and sprint toward the door like it's a war zone, still half-laughing.

Just as they step out, Simon glances back—and there she was…

Prizey, smiling quietly to herself, looking down… but her eyes found his for a brief second.

It was enough.

Simon smiled too.

Until—

Teacher (screaming again):

"I SAID GET OUTTT!"

Door slams.

End of Scene.

Scene shifts to outside the classroom…

All three of them were standing with their hands raised.

John (sarcastically): Oh wow, Max! Your teacher didn't say anything to us—she did everything to us!

Max lowers his face, embarrassed.

Max: I'm sorry, buddy… I didn't think she'd explode like that.

John: After everything? We got insulted in front of the whole class! Ugh, I can't take this anymore.

Max: But who started this drama anyway?

John: Oh stop your nonsense! You were the one who started the whole "we can't live without each other" speech!

Max: Nope, I didn't. Ask Simon!

John: Fine. Simon! Hey Simon!

But Simon… was lost in his own world.

Simon's thoughts:

So… you do smile.

Didn't think my heart could shatter like this from just one look… Prizey.

And if that smile… if it really was because of me, then I don't care if I get humiliated in front of everyone. If it makes you happy, I'll take anything. Anything, my love. I just want to keep you happy… in every part of your life.

Max shakes Simon's arm.

Max: Hello, Mr. Dreamer? We were punished, remember?

Simon snaps out of it and fakes a smile.

Simon: Oh, yes, yes… we were.

But then he quietly lowers his arms again.

John storms in, furious.

John: Hands UP!

Simon: Wait, what? What up?

Max: Oh my God, this guy is going to get us all killed!

He immediately lifts Simon's arms up.

Simon: Oh! Sorry sorry, guys!

---

Inside the classroom during the lecture…

Aliyah (excitedly whispering): Seriously?! As if Max wasn't enough—now we have two jokers?!

I mean… the Cracker Gang!

Prizey giggles softly.

Prizey: Oh really? "Jokers"… I like that word.

Aliyah gives her a suspicious look.

Aliyah: Hmm… but what about Simon, my dear?

Prizey: What do you mean? There's nothing like that. Okay?!

Aliyah: Hmm… we'll see, my dear.

---

Scene shifts to the college ground…

Prizey was the captain of her college football team. Her skills were top-tier, and she'd won every match she played.

She was practicing with her team on the ground when Simon, sitting on the stadium bench, kept smiling and admiring her—his chin resting on his hand.

Prizey noticed him but didn't say anything. His intense gaze was making her nervous. She started losing focus...

Just as she was about to kick the ball—her foot slipped, and she fell to the ground.

Simon immediately ran toward her.

Simon (panicked): Wh—what happened?! Where was your focus?! You just fell like that—what if you'd been seriously hurt? Then what would I—

He caught himself and quickly changed the topic.

Simon: I—I mean… what would your parents or your friends have done?

Prizey: This happened because of you!

Simon: What?! What did I do?!

Prizey: You were sitting there, staring at me the whole time!

Simon smirks.

Simon: Oh? So your focus was on me, huh? But you don't care about me… right?

Prizey: Yeah well, I don't! I was just saying I slipped because you were watching me! And now just leave me alone!

Simon: Whoa whoa! Okay, I'll help you up. What's the big deal?

Just then, Aliyah rushes over.

Aliyah: Hey, Prizey! What happened? You just fell suddenly!

Prizey looks toward Simon.

Prizey: I don't need your help anymore.

Simon rolls his eyes.

Simon: We'll see… but don't forget—I was the one who…

Prizey cuts him off.

Prizey: What?! What did you do?!

Simon: Nothing. Just… take a painkiller, put on a bandage, and rest a little.

Aliyah was just watching Simon closely. He looked genuinely worried for Prizey.

Simon walked away while Aliyah took Prizey to the dispensary.

Prizey started feeling guilty… like maybe she had misbehaved with him. Maybe… she should say sorry.

Two days later…

Simon now quietly passed by Prizey without even looking at her. The same Simon who never missed a chance to flirt or tease her had now completely ignored her for two days straight.

Prizey ran up and stood in front of him. She only came up to his shoulders.

Without saying a word, she grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the cafeteria.

Simon (coldly): Why are you bringing me here? I think it's class time…

Prizey: To hell with class and lectures! I don't care about anything else right now—but I do care that you're ignoring me!

That line just slipped from her lips.

Realizing it, she quickly put her hand over her mouth.

Simon: Wait—what did you just say?

Prizey: N-nothing! Your ears must be ringing or something!

Simon: Then hurry up. What do you want to say? I'm getting late.

Prizey lowered her gaze.

Prizey: Actually… I'm sorry.

Simon: Sorry? For what?

Prizey looked straight at him.

Prizey: For the way I behaved the other day… with you.

Simon stepped closer to her, slowly pinning her against the wall of the empty cafeteria.

There was no one else around.

He came even closer… wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her toward him. Her hands instinctively rested on his shoulders.

He leaned down and touched his nose with hers.

Then, suddenly, he kissed both her cheeks.

And then he pulled her even closer—so close that their chests touched—and softly kissed her neck, right over her tattoo.

Prizey wasn't even able to stop him. She simply closed her eyes and let everything happen.

Simon kissed the other side of her neck, then bit it—gently—and pulled away.

Prizey was trembling.

Simon (smirking): Relax, my baby. I haven't even done anything yet, and you're already melting…

Anyway, I wasn't angry with you… not even a bit. I've just been working on a problem these last two days—my whole focus was there. But don't worry, I could never ignore you…

He leaned in and kissed her cheek again… then bites her neck. And let his bite marks shouted.

As he walked away, the mark on Prizey's neck began to glow.

But this time—there was no pain.

Prizey ran to the washroom, looking at herself in the mirror.

There were bite marks on both sides of her neck.

Prizey (panicked): Oh no! If anyone sees this, they'll tease me forever. What do I do now?

She quickly pulled off her scarf and wrapped

it around her neck, hiding the marks.