Crimson Bonds

Chapter 30: The Blood Moon Approaches

The sky had begun to shift, the soft hues of twilight deepening into a rich, dark canvas. But it wasn't the ordinary darkness of nightfall that unnerved them-it was the growing presence of something more. The Blood Moon loomed on the horizon, its shadow casting an unnatural heaviness over everything. Even the air felt charged with energy, vibrating with a sense of impending doom.

Babe stood by the window of the safehouse, staring at the horizon. The moon wasn't visible yet, but he could feel it, like a tugging sensation deep in his gut. His blood magic responded to it, pulsing under his skin, waiting-anticipating.

"We don't have much time left," he muttered to himself, though he knew Billy could hear him from across the room.

Billy had been quieter than usual these past few days, the tension between them thick with unspoken fears. The human hunter was still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for her next move. And now, with the Blood Moon approaching, the stakes were higher than ever.

"You're right," Billy said, his voice low but certain. He stepped up behind Babe, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But we're ready for this. We've fought too hard to stop now."

Babe glanced at him, taking in the weariness etched into Billy's features. He had always been the protector, always shielding Babe from the worst of the world, but this time, it felt different. This time, they were facing something neither of them fully understood.

"Are we?" Babe asked, his voice softer now, vulnerable in a way he hadn't been before. "What if... what if I can't stop it, Billy? What if the prophecy is right, and my magic..."

Billy tightened his grip on Babe's shoulder, turning him to face him. "Babe, we're in this together. Whatever happens, we face it together."

Babe stared into Billy's eyes, searching for reassurance, for the confidence that Billy had always carried with him. But there was something else there now-a quiet fear that Billy tried so hard to hide, but Babe could see through it.

Before either of them could speak again, Elysia entered the room, her expression solemn, her usual cryptic smile absent. She was clutching a small crystal in her hand, one that glowed faintly with a pale, blue light.

"It's time," she said, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "I've seen the vision, and we need to act."

Babe and Billy turned toward her, both sensing the gravity of the moment. Elysia was rarely this direct-her visions were usually vague, layered in riddles and hints. But not this time.

"What did you see?" Billy asked, stepping closer to her.

Elysia's eyes flickered, her gaze distant as if she were still lost in the vision. "The Blood Moon... it's not just a symbol. It's a force-a convergence of magic and power, one that will either tear our world apart or bind it together. And Babe... you're at the center of it."

Babe's breath caught in his throat. "What do you mean? I've always known my magic is connected to the Blood Moon, but-"

Elysia shook her head. "It's more than that. The Blood Moon is drawn to blood magic, yes, but your family's bloodline-your power-it's the key to either stopping the chaos or unleashing it."

Billy tensed beside him, his gaze darkening. "So what are we supposed to do? Just sit around and wait for this to happen?"

"No," Elysia said firmly. "We don't have time for that. The Council, the rogue witches, every faction-everyone is taking sides. They know the Blood Moon will change everything, and they're positioning themselves to control it. If we don't act, someone else will."

Babe's mind raced, trying to piece it all together. His parents had died because of their connection to the Blood Moon, because of the fear their powers had stirred in others. And now, it was happening all over again. The Council was tightening its grip, the rogue witches were still lurking, and the human hunter...

"Where do we go from here?" Babe asked, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning inside him.

Elysia stepped forward, holding the glowing crystal between her fingers. "There's one place where we might be able to influence the Blood Moon's energy-an ancient site tied to your family's magic. It's where your ancestors first harnessed the power of blood magic, and it might be our only chance to stop this from spiraling out of control."

Billy's brow furrowed. "You're talking about Tanatat grounds-Babe's ancestral lands."

Elysia nodded. "Exactly. It's risky, but if we can get there before the Blood Moon rises fully, Babe might be able to channel the energy, direct it... control it."

"Or lose control completely," Babe muttered under his breath, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him like never before.

Billy turned to him, his expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "We can do this, Babe. I know it's terrifying, but you're not alone. You've never been alone in this."

Babe looked at him, taking in the sincerity of his words. Billy had always been there-his rock, his protector, his... everything. And now, as the Blood Moon approached, threatening to tear everything apart, Babe knew there was only one path forward.

"We go to the Tanatat grounds," Babe said, his voice stronger now. "We stop this before it's too late."

Elysia gave a curt nod, her expression relieved. "Good. We don't have much time."

But as they moved to gather their things, the sense of urgency only grew. The Blood Moon was drawing closer, and with it, the convergence of every threat they had faced. The rogue witches, the human hunter, the Council-they were all moving toward the same endgame.

And at the heart of it all was Babe, his bloodline, and a prophecy that could reshape the world forever.