Xeranthemum (Discontinued)

Chapter 11

Yellow carnation- disdain

~Luna~

I wondered around aimlessly. My long black hair had dried and I was no longer leaving puddles as I walked. But no matter how much I walked I couldn't stop thinking about the Institute.

I knew the Institute wasn't made up of saints, but it was strange to think they had sent me straight to the mouth of the snake. I was one of their top huntresses. My kills were so vast that even the Records battled to tell me accurately. Why would the people who had made me into a killing machine, go out of their way to eliminate me.

~~~

There were delicate snowflakes floating on the soft breeze. The world was a frosty paradise. The trees were capped with silver snow that glistened in the shifting light.

"Ne, Luna?" Kira's voice said beside me.

"Yeah." I replied distractedly as I watched a snowflake flutter and spiral all the way to the ground.

"Why are you at the Institute?"

The question grabbed my absolute attention.

"To rid the world of the vile and destable evil that haunt the shadows of the world." My answer was monotonous. Rehearsed.

"I'm not asking about the Institutes reason for having us here." She turned to face me. "Luna, have you ever seen a family of werewolves?"

I nodded my confirmation. werewolves lived, hunted and died in tight knit communities or "packs". They hardly ever showed themselves and so were difficult to hunt.

"They don't seem like vile and detestable creatures. In fact I'm quite jealous of them. They grow up feeling love and loving others. What if the Institute has the wrong idea about these things?"

My eyes widened at Kira's implication.

"Kira... You know the reason you're here. Don't ever let anyone else hear that. Besides, even the werewolves kill innocent lives as though they were nothing." My voice was cold and devoid of emotion. I wouldn't lose anyone I cared about to the monsters.

Trusting monsters only led to death and loss. No one should forget that. No one should be fooled by the masks that they wear.

~~~

My reminiscing was disturbed by a voice calling out my name.

"Luna!"

I looked up and saw Adrian. My gaze hardened in mistrust.

"Yes?" I said coldly. My thoughts had reminded me of why I had joined the Institute in the first place. Being bonded to this particular vampire, granted him an immunity but did not mean I couldn't try to kill any other monsters.

My sudden change in attitude shocked Adrian. His blue eyes flashed a dangerous red.

"There's food in the kitchen. I know how delicate you humans are."

"Delicate my ass!" I replied indignantly before storming off. But this little exchange had solidified my need to kill something. More specifically my need to kill a monster.

It was little after midday when I decided to leave. Its funny how my free will left me feeling a little guilty. I couldn't help but want to turn around and head straight back up the road that had started all my problems.

It confused me. No, leaving was a good idea. Leaving would be beneficial. It would remind me of my goals and why I had joined the Institute.

~~~

The blade felt large and awkward in my grip, but it would serve its purpose well. It had been little under two years with the Institute. I was probably better fighting with an unnatural weapon then most of the regular Institute Hunters with their normal weapons.

I stalked around the body of the fallen Hunter whose blade I had stolen. Let the weak fall.

The Mare was sitting on the chest of the second Hunter I had come with. Mares originated from Russia and Balgeria. They were nasty creatures. They would sit on the chests of those who were asleep and eat their spirit, leaving only terror and fear.

They weren't known for being incredibly strong but their presence inspired your worst memories to surface.

"Hey!" I shouted to the Mare. I hoped draw it away from the innocent people who had been caught up in its drama. I might scorn them, but the fallen Hunters were my so called "colleagues". I couldn't have them dying just yet. If they died I would probably get in trouble with the Institute. For them, the death of a Hunter was a big deal.

The Mare's eyes met mine and a flood of emotion hit me as the worst one surfaced.

The memory was, of course, about the flashing white fangs. I pitied the Mare though. She thought the memory would paralyse me with fear. I played along, allowing her to draw close.

Mares are quite bewitching creatures. This one had skin the colour of the dark blue sky at night and eyes like molten fire. The Mare reached up with a hand, ready to choke me but instead I chose to act. Quick as a flash, I brought the borrowed blade up and plunged it into the Mares chest.

I pitied the Mare because, along with the fear of the memory, a wave of rage and killing intent flushed through me every time I remembered. I would never allow myself to become paralysed by fear ever again. I would never allow a monster to escape the judgement it deserved.

"You can come out now." My voice rang out steadily as I pulled the blade out of the limp Mare.

"How did you know I was there?" A young girl asked.

"Even a fool would be able to sense your hatred." I laughed. The girl was around about my age and slightly shorter. Her long hair was in a simple plait and her eyes were an indignant black.

"Want to come with me?" I asked her. "We get to kill the monsters."

My words came out with a hysterical laugh. I offered her my hand.

"We can kill them?" She asked looking at me with widened eyes.

"Yes." I replied simply.