Shadow of the Moon [A Dragon Prince Fanfic]

Chapter 4 | Bloodthirsty

The night was deep and thick with the smell of blood and fear. Despair hung in the breeze, bringing sorrow to all that it touched, and it seemed as though death was inevitable. Those awake at this dark hour could feel the change in the wind, the way that it suddenly clung to their bones like a parasite, draining all energy and life from them as it swept through the kingdom of Katolis, seeking destruction. 

In the highest tower of the castle, a lone elf stumbled out onto the terrace, clutching his side. He let out a pained groan as he slumped against the doorframe, wincing as another wave of pain snaked through his body like a spell of dark magic. He grimaced and pushed himself up, stumbling out into the moonlight. It should have comforted him and told him that everything was and would be okay, but as he fell to his knees, wounded both physically and emotionally, he could feel only dread. 

A thin band around his bicep turned scarlet and fluttered to the ground. A harmless magical spell, save the purpose of the binding. It meant that death had come to Katolis, even though everyone had fought their hardest to prevent it. 

The elf glanced over his shoulder at the binding and picked it up, wrapping it tightly around the arrow lying next to him. It was different from the other arrows that he had used earlier that evening. This one was shaped like a phoenix head, and as Runaan tied the binding around it, it clicked into place, the enchantment waiting for the words that would release the spell.

"Regina Draconis," Runaan yelled into the night, notching the arrow in his bow and releasing the enchanted arrow. It soared into the moonlight, turning into a smoky phoenix of red and black, letting out a screech. It knew its purpose. To fly to the Queen of the Dragons and tell her that her love, her mate, had been avenged. 

His mission complete, Runaan's body went slack, hardly able to kneel on the stone balcony. His eyes shut as he heard the approaching castle guards, what few had been spared in the attack, and he sighed.

"I am sorry, Ethari," he whispered into the night. "I am sorry, Y/N." He sighed, remembering the last member of his family. Despite what had occurred in the past forty-eight hours, he still cared for the young elf. "I am sorry, Rayla." 

The tip of a sword pressed against the side of his neck and his body tensed, all muscles poised like a viper in wait. But he made no move to defend himself. His companions were dead and would be carelessly tossed over the cliff. No honourable funeral would be given by the humans for the creatures that they despised. And Runaan was ready to join them. 

"Finish this," he commanded the human soldier. He wanted this night to end. 

"Gladly." The blade was pulled back and Runaan shut his eyes, waiting for the dark void to swallow him.

"Wait!" 

Runaan felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach. Though the guard was ready to kill him, he knew that this new girl wouldn't be so willing to give him a swift and painless death for what he had done. 

"We can find more practical uses for this one," she said, her voice tight in her throat. "Tie him up!"

Hands roughly grabbed his body and Runaan tried his hardest not to let out any sign of discomfort as his body was dragged into the castle, and away from the moonlight. As he was dragged into the depths of the castle, his mind was focused on the thought of his family, and how he would never be able to return to them.

* * *

Y/N shot up from her place beneath a willow tree, a shout slipping through her lips and echoing in the coolness of night. Her chest heaved as she tried to calm herself, but with a throbbing headache and the overwhelming sense of fear that seemed to swallow her like a hurricane, calming down seemed next to impossible.