Blood Reign : A Laveau Legacy (GxG)

first encounter

The first light of dawn filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on Luna and Hazel's makeshift shelter. Luna stirred, her body aching from the hard ground and the previous day's exertions. For a moment, disorientation clouded her mind before the memories of their escape came rushing back.

"Hazel," she whispered, gently shaking her friend awake. "We should get moving."

Hazel blinked awake, her eyes quickly scanning their surroundings. "Right. We can't stay in one place for too long."

They shared the last of their meagre rations – a few pieces of dried fruit and a small hunk of bread. As they ate, Luna couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The forest seemed alive around them, its ancient trees creaking and whispering secrets in a language she couldn't understand.

"Which way do we go?" Luna asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hazel pointed towards where the ground sloped upwards. "We keep heading for the mountains. If there's really a free settlement, that's our best chance of finding it."

As they set off, the forest seemed to close in around them. The path, if it could be called that, twisted and turned unpredictably. More than once, Luna was certain they had passed the same gnarled tree or oddly shaped rock.

"Are we going in circles?" she asked, frustration edging into her voice.

Hazel frowned, her usual confidence wavering. "I... I don't think so. But this forest, it's not natural. It's like it's trying to confuse us."

A twig snapped somewhere behind them, and both girls whirled around. The forest fell eerily silent as if holding its breath.

"Did you hear that?" Luna whispered, her heart pounding.

Before Hazel could respond, a low growl rumbled through the clearing. From behind a massive oak, a creature emerged that made Luna's blood run cold. It was wolf-like in shape, but far larger than any wolf she had ever seen or imagined. Its fur was midnight black, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural amber light.

"Werewolf," Hazel breathed, her face pale with terror.

The creature stalked towards them, its massive paws silent on the forest floor. Luna felt rooted to the spot, unable to move or even breathe as those amber eyes fixed upon her.

Suddenly, Hazel grabbed her hand. "Run!"

They bolted, crashing through the underbrush with no regard for stealth or direction. Behind them, they could hear the werewolf in pursuit, its powerful strides easily keeping pace.

Luna's lungs burned, and her legs felt like lead, but terror drove her onward. Branches whipped at her face, leaving stinging scratches, but she didn't dare slow down.

They burst into a small clearing, and Luna's heart sank. Before them stretched a wide ravine, far too wide to jump. The sound of rushing water echoed from far below.

"We're trapped," she gasped, turning to face their pursuer.

The werewolf emerged from the trees, its lips pulled back in a snarl that revealed gleaming fangs. It stalked towards them, clearly savouring the fear of its prey.

Luna glanced at the ravine behind them, then back at the approaching monster. "Hazel," she said, her voice surprisingly calm, "do you trust me?"

Hazel met her eyes and nodded without hesitation.

"Then jump!"

Hand in hand, they leaped off the edge of the ravine. For a heart-stopping moment, they were in free fall. Then they plunged into icy water, the shock of it driving the air from Luna's lungs.

The current swept them along, tumbling and spinning. Luna fought to keep her head above water, gasping for air whenever she could. She clung tightly to Hazel's hand, terrified of losing her in the turbulent waters.

After what felt like an eternity, the river's flow began to slow. With the last of their strength, they managed to drag themselves onto a rocky shore.

Coughing and shivering, Luna looked back the way they had come. There was no sign of the werewolf, but she knew they couldn't let their guard down.

"That was too close," Hazel panted, wringing water from her hair.

Luna nodded, still trying to catch her breath. "Do you think... do you think it was one of Malia Laveau's creatures?"

Hazel's expression darkened. "Maybe. Or it could be wild. Either way, we need to be more careful. We're in her territory now, and there's no telling what other dangers we might face."

As they sat there, catching their breath and letting the sun dry their soaked clothes, Luna couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was just the beginning. Somewhere out there, Malia Laveau ruled with an iron fist. Whether by chance or design, Luna and Hazel were on a collision course with the most feared vampire in the land.