Solasta Academy: Blood & Moonlight

Prologue

Outskirts of Ambrosia, 1216

She knew she would die when the twig beneath her bare feet snapped in two. They can hear her a mile away—stalking her like prey. She was not going to let them kill her so quickly. Hunt her into extinction and she would not let that happen yet. The only thought escaped her mind, one she desperately needed to fulfill before they found her. Her already exhausted legs screamed at her to rest but she wouldn't listen— needing to go to the cove below the waterfall. Doris Cove. A secret to many but not her. They were getting closer and closer by the minute as she sprinted through the dead woods soon to be covered in snow, her breaths becoming shallow and uneven. In the distance, she saw the glimmering light of the waterfall and relief burst through her chest like a butterfly. They could quickly grab her by the throat or rip it out with their sharp teeth, but as they said before, what is the fun in that? They wanted her to be afraid. To make sure her whole lineage was gone forever. But like many women before her, she would not let that happen. She will live on for centuries to come.

The waterfall was stunning every time she saw it. A masterpiece made by the moon herself, giving her a ray of color on her last night on Earth. But she did not have time to ponder on that fact as she sprang forward another step, pushing her body enough so the Cove could offer her safety like it had numerous times before. When she breathed in the salty air of her only sanctuary, another wave of relief went through her entire body. Then terror. They were right behind, fighting off the invisible shield her blood magically put in place years ago. She knew they could destroy it within minutes, not allowing her much time. Well, she never really had that luxury in her life. After years of running and yet finally—they have found her. Just like they always have for centuries.

The hunters could not see her through the barrier and night sky, giving her an advantage in their little game. She sprinted through the darkness of the Cove, where a little girl peacefully slept in the warmth of the sand. Her wavy silver hair spiraled across her chest as she breathed in and out and for a moment, she wanted her daughter to stay like this. Stay innocent. But her blood will never afford that luxury. Her daughter slowly awoke from her slumber—curling her lips into a soft smile at the sight of her mother. An exact replica even at two years of age. She would never watch her grow up to be a defiant woman like herself but there had to be a peaceful afterlife where she could. She believed in that, at least. "Hi, Mama," she whispered.

"Shh, we don't have a lot of time," she replied. Her body turned behind her and realized they were getting close. Dangerously close. They could not figure out the existence of her daughter. Not now. As she scooped her little girl in her arms, she was determined to keep her hidden. To make her understand before she was gone forever. When she found the perfect hiding spot, a rocky terrain that was not accessible for fully grown humans, she gently set the little girl down. "Safiya, go find Kaius. He's waiting for you on the other side."

"Kai." the little girl whispered as her eyes roamed behind her, trying to find him. "Kai?"

She nodded at her daughter. "Yes, go look for him. He will take great care of you while I'm gone." Of course, Safiya did not seem to understand why she was leaving. That she will never see her again but it was better this way. She embraced her little girl for the final time as she gave her a tight squeeze, not wanting to let go even though she knew it would always end this way. After a full minute, she eventually pulled apart from her baby girl. Her salvation. "Go find Uncle Kai. I will be waiting for you on the other side. I love you so much." Safiya was now determined to find him, crawling up the steep hiding spot that led to safety. When she was fully gone, she turned around to face them for the final time.

She stood up just as they sliced the barrier in half with their swords. All five of them were dressed in black robes, obscuring their faces. But she knew all of their names. There was no point in running anymore. They found her. The leader of them all, a man possessed with vengeance and darkness, stepped into view with a cocky grin on his face. "I have to say, Nerissa Nox, you put up a fight," Before she knew it, the other four men grabbed her and forced her to kneel. Her knees bled beneath the sand but she did not care. The storm was in her eyes as the leader stepped forward, tilting her chin up to face him. "It is quite sad you have to die this way."

"We will be your downfall. No matter how long it takes," she hissed, her eyes a wild storm when she let it control her. "That is a promise."

"As I promised your death and the extinction of your filthy family." he replied with no hint of remorse. Nothing but darkness and betrayal. She did not have a lot of time now for he pulled out his sword slowly, as if this was a game to him. All she could think about was her little girl, Safiya. Too young to lose her and Kaius, who was not strong enough to fight these dangerous creatures but was tasked to raise his niece. When the man pierced the gleaming metal into her heart, a smile etched on her face. Knowing, without a doubt, her legacy will live on. No matter how many people set out to destroy the Nox lineage, they will always find a way to survive.

It was a promise written in the stars, after all.