———— Trigger warning: light gore ————

Giggles echoed the night. It was dark, just at the strike of midnight. The leaves rustled as the moonlight shined through the thin branches of the forest trees, barely lighting the deserted highway. Shadows seemed to encase the road as it seemed to move underneath the plantation. Alive.

A pickup truck slowly rolled to a stop at the side of the road. Its old lights flickered as a rusty door clicked open. Laughter escaped a woman's lips as she hopped off the car. Cold breeze brushed against her flawless skin and she shivered.

Her hand reached back to grab a denim jacket, tossing it over her trembling bodice as she slammed the old car door shut. The blue eyed beauty walked to the trunk, her ponytail swayed as she did. A flirtatious hum entered her ears and a smile graced her lips.

"I don't leave a party just for anyone." She mused as a man emerged from the car. With hair redder than fire itself, the man walked over, a smirk etched on his lips. His eyes playfully scanned her bodice, eyeing each and every curve.

The woman did the same. Her crystal blue eyes traced his towering figure, pleased with what she saw. The man looked like a greek god. From his wide shoulders to his strong hands, his features seemed to be designed with careful dedication.

She followed his chiseled jaw to his sculpted cheekbones, stopping as she reached his mesmerizing eyes. Jet black orbs that appeared to be darker than any shade of black, entrancing anyone who dared gaze into them.

"Don't forget that dinner you promised," She trailed off as a small blush creeped into her cheeks. The breathtaking man chuckled as he pulled her closer. His deviously charming face hovered just inches from hers.

With a seductive smile, the woman wrapped her arms around his neck. Their breaths mingled as they leaned in, their lips almost touching. It felt like time itself had stopped. Everything seemed perfect and despite the cold night breeze, the air around them felt hot.

Blistering hot.

A frown laced her lips as sweat formed on her forehead. It glittered underneath the moonlight the area grew disturbingly hotter. Slowly, the liquid dripped down from her creased eyebrows to her angled chin. The woman's face distorted. Confused by the sudden change in temperature.

Out of nowhere, her arms stung. A twinge of pain pulsed her very being. A prickle that swelled into this burning ache. A fervent sensation that radiated from her forearms, alarming the woman.

Immediately, her hands darted backwards and she stumbled a few steps back, wincing as she did. Unable to understand where the sudden where the sudden pain had come from, her eyes fell to her limbs. Arms burnt to a crisp.

She gasped. Instead of the perfectly tanned skin she remembered, her blue orbs landed on an array of reds and blacks. Now, large holes littered her arms. Openings that formed from her peeling skin.

Her once soft smooth skin curled back. It glowed as some kind of liquid seemed out the soft muscle hidden inside, morphing the outer layers of her skin into this disgusting mush.

Shaking in terror, the woman screamed and fell to the ground as her knees lost its strength. Step by step, the man walked closer. With a devilish smile, he kneeled to the ground and leaned in. Softly, he whispered by the woman's ear.

His chilling words sliced the air as she fainted, unable to handle the fear and terror that pulsed through her veins.

"Honey, you are dinner."

———

I woke up with a start. My eyes flew open and I jolted up. Adrenaline pumped through my veins as I tried to register what had happened. The sunlight that beamed through the unnecessarily large window did me no good. The bright light had blinded me, adding more to the anxiety.

As I waited for my eyes to adjust, my fingers moved to run a hand through my long black hair. Delicately, it brushed the silk-like strands away from my face, hooking it behind my ear. The slow movement helped with my nerves as a sigh lifted off my lips.

A loud knock echoed from the door. The very cause of my sudden awakening. With a scowl, my head whipped to the clock on the wall. A small grumble escaped as I closed my eyes and placed my head on the palm of my hand. With another sigh, I willed for the god Hypnos to call me back to sleep.

"Eir." A stern voice came from behind the doors. With a frown, I twisted my body as my hands pushed off the cream air-like duvet. My black hair draped down my small bodice as I leaned to push myself off the bed.

My legs swayed off the queen sized bed and my feet hit the freezing cold ground. A yelp escaped my lips as the action sent shivers down my spine. Hurriedly, I slipped into the slippers by the bedside.

"Eir!" Another call came from behind the door. A sigh left my lips as I walked to the wardrobe, in search for something to shield me from the cold morning air. As another set of knocks echoed, I quickly threw a black wooled cardigan over my beige colored night wear.

Honestly, does this boy not know how to be patient? How rude; to rush a lady when he, himself, came unannounced.

My fingers moved to button the sweater as my feet numbly walked to the doorway. I inched closer and wrapped my hand around the brass door lever. Immediately, I hissed at the freezing temperature. A grumble left my lips as I finally moved to open the door.

"What on earth are you doing, boy." I said in monotone as I eyed a Warren in mid knock. His fist hovered in the air humorously. The emerald green eyes he had grew in surprise and his normally pleasant features morphed into a hideous half-assed copy of The Scream.

Again, what on earth is this boy doing?

He tensed underneath my judging stare as I watched him awkwardly withdraw his fisted hand. It moved to fix the collar of his black to and he cleared his throat as he did.

"A pool of blood was found by the highway." Warren started as he moved to show a small rectangular box. An oddly thin box just as big as his hand. "The police suspect a brutal murder." He continued, but his voice fell on deaf ears.

With curious eyes, I watched the object. It seemed to be made of metal. Sliver perhaps. It was sleek. Smooth, with the exception of those odd ridges that seemed to pop out.

For a box, it seemed too thin to actually carry anything inside. Its very structure defeated its purpose. With furrowed brows, my eyes then trailed to the image projected on the article's surface.

Of course! This was a frame. A needlessly elaborate frame. Honestly, the people of this period never fail to amaze me. Be it that monstrous carriage or this unnecessarily extravagant frame - these people have too much time on their hands.

Outlined with black, the framed picture of a road entered my view. Despite the peculiar white lines, it looked impossibly smooth. Not a single bump in sight. I hummed as I moved my attention to the blood splattered on the side, tainting the pavement's clean grey color.

Surrounded by a yellow barrier, the darkened red liquid felt eerie. Chilling. It creeped from behind, dragging me to this haunting black abyss. A dangerously large pool that seemed to emit death itself.

Looking at the sheer amount, it warranted even the end of a full grown man, but those strange streaks of blood said otherwise. Smudges that crawled towards the forest. Desperate. Miserable.

My lips formed a thin line. Disgust seeped from within as I felt the despair that emanated from the photograph. I knew. Perhaps from my experiences or from the feeling in my gut. I just knew that this victim frantically tried to hold on to life.

Did they not know what a blessing it is to die? The peace. The tranquility it brings.

How displeasing.

With downcast eyes, I moved to the small specks of blood that littered around the area. The tiny blemishes that framed the art-like piece. A perfectly painted image, but I could not deny that something felt amiss.

No doubt, I was definitely missing something. An element. A detail. A particular piece of information that tied everything together. I frowned as I scanned the entire image, looking for the cause of my self doubt.

Finally, my eyes landed on a black singe. An ash-like char that marred the corner of the image.

"Eir." A voice pulled me out of my thoughts. With furrowed brows, I watched the rectangular object move away. Replaced by Warren's scowled features. A bland face that made me lose my interest.

This boy always ruined the fun. His very face killed the excitement.

With a blank face, I sighed and straightened my spine. My hands moved to push the hair behind my shoulder and I walked a few steps back, pulling the door wide open.

"I did call The Morai to change her destiny," I started. "But the child is a werewolf. Trained or not, their species are not to be underestimated." I said as an unexplainable feeling tugged from behind.

Turning around, I looked for its cause. The very reason I felt on guard. I glanced at Warren's clueless expression and walked to the center of the room. My eyes scanned the premise as I waved a hand, signaling Warren to stay where he was.

How oblivious is this boy? To be surprised of a mere werewolf; have his predecessors taught him nothing? He ought to learn more about the world.

"The child is alive." I said as my feet carried me to the window, following the mysterious pull. Fluidly, my hands pushed the translucent curtains aside and a frown graced my lips.

Three beasts had circled around the vicinity.

"And it seems like her pack has come for answers." I said as a pair of dark blue eyes met mine. Silently, I took three steps to the side. My hand supported part of my weight as I looked away to shield my face.

A loud shatter echoed the room as I peeked through the strands of my hair. I had partly expected the creature to be by the window frame. Instead, the beast's low growl entered my ears from behind, taking me by surprise.

Hurriedly, I whipped my head and repositioned my stance. Calmly, I followed its every movement as it pushed forward, bearing its revolting pointed fangs. I cringed as its saliva dripped down, staining the delicate wooden floor.

How ill mannered; as expected of a beast.

I sighed and turned to the Warren, his features a mix of fear and shock. He should stop imitating that painting. It is unflattering on him. He is human after all. An ordinary human forced to serve a monster. Powerless. Useless.

Though I did have a certain level of expectation.

I redied myself to cast a defense spell, silently wishing to have prepared an animal hide in advance. A material I could use to replicate the Aegis. The ageless and immortal shield of the god Zeus.

A low growl pulled me from my thoughts as the creature inched forward. The very action forced me back. Its sharp eyes watched my hands. Vigilant as it stalked forward, leaving not a single opening for me to cast a spell.

Astonished by its dedication, I surrendered. There was no merit in continuing this distasteful dance. I hummed as I reached the edge of the balcony, feeling the handrail against the small of my back.

Perhaps it may do good to pay that old dog a visit. Honestly, it has been 300 years. When on earth will that blasted Cerberus warm up to me?

With trained movements, I effortlessly flicked my wrist. The action created a simple barrier. A field strong enough to withstand any one attack. A clear magical sphere that formed around the stunned Warren.

Just as I moved my hand, the beast lunged forward. It's teeth plunged into my shoulders as I winced in pain. The sheer force of the movement had thrown us off the balcony.

Now, how do I greet that damned hellhound?

———

Hello,

How are you? This is my first fight scene, so I do hope you've enjoyed it. I tried my best to portray the protagonist's suicidal thoughts. If it seems odd in anyway, please do tell me.

Again, should there be anything amiss, do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope all is well and do take care. Especially, with the concerning epidemic - COVID-19. I wish all the best. Specifically to those in the frontlines, who continue to do their best. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Titania