Chapter 39 The Rise of the Blood Moon
Amara’s POV
A red paint job was applied to the sky. The deep, enraged crimson of a rising blood moon, not the red of firelight or sunsets. Like a plague on the land, it hung high over the Obsidian Pack's camp.
The wind howled all around me as I stood in the middle of the camp, my hands clenched tightly. My arms were tingling from head to toe. The air was thick with power, raw, untamed, and terrible, and the ground shook slightly beneath my boots.
I looked up at the sky and said quietly, "They're coming again."
"Amara! Mira came running up to me, pale and out of breath. "The ghosts... they talked." Her voice wavered as she said, "They told me to tell you." "The Witch's hour is now."
I went cold. My blood froze.
"The hour of the Witch? "
With wide eyes, Mira nodded. She is fueled by the red moon. Lilith. Tonight, her magic will be more potent than ever. You can't confront her by yourself.
The warriors hurried to build the camp behind her. Barricades were raised. Silver-dipped arrows sparkled in the moonlight. The lower dens were a secret place for children. The stench of ash and smoke permeated everything.
Kian walked over, his jaw clenched. "The boundaries are sealed. His dark eyes searched my face as he turned to face me. "We're as ready as we can be." "But are you? "
Despite my uncertainty, I gave one nod. My skin was itching, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my magic was stirring deep within me like a storm waking from slumber.
I said in a low voice, "Kian, I have no idea what's going on with me." "I've been feeling... since the crimson moon rose. Distinct.
With his bow slung across his back and a blade in one hand, Rowan materialised at our side. He stated, "That's because you're connected to her." You are her complete opposite. She is on par with her. She is strengthened by the moon, but you are also strengthened by it.
I snapped, "I don't want her power."
"There's nothing you can do," Mira said.
I was aware that she was correct.
The ground moaned abruptly, and a loud crack echoed through the forest. All heads jerked up.
A harsh, high-pitched, bone-chilling cry reverberated in the sky. The atmosphere was heavy with Lilith's presence. I gripped my chest tightly. My palm had a mark that burned like it had been branded once more. I stumbled and gasped.
"She is here," I exhaled.
"No," Rowan said, "not just yet. She is simply allowing us to sense her might.
"She's teasing," Kian snarled. "Taunting us."
As Mira pressed her hands together in prayer, they trembled. "She will attack this evening. We are powerless to stop it.
I started to say something, then let out a scream.
My inner power burst like a fire. Waves of energy spilt out of me as my hands glowed brightly. I was unable to contain myself.
People rushed and yelled.
"Amara! Rowan took hold of my shoulders.
"Avoid me! I yelled, but I didn't want to cause him any harm. "Please, I can't stop it! "
Around me, flames erupted from the earth. The wind swirled fiercely as my feet rose an inch off the ground. Nearby trees twisted and split. I no longer had my magic. It was something other, scorching and out of control.
"Amara, take a deep breath! Kian yelled.
"We must stop her before she burns the entire camp!" yelled Rowan. "
"You dare not! I yelled, but the power spiked once more.
They paid no attention. They ran.
Rowan got to me first. With his power encircling me like icy chains, he put his arms around me and pulled me down.
"Give me a break! I shouted. "You'll suffer harm! "
Kian took hold of my waist from the opposite side. "Amara, you're not alone! We'll assist you in containing it! "
"Avoid fighting with us! Rowan grunted. "Allow us to anchor you! "
My cheeks were burned by tears. I didn't wish to cause them harm. I did not wish to become uncontrollable. However, I sensed the pull of something old, something that desired to rule.
They were gradually grounding me and yanking me back. My toes made contact with the floor. The fire subsided. The wind subsided.
I let out a series of weak sobs. I shuddered and leaned into them both.
"—I was unable to stop it," I said.
“We know,” Kian responded gently.
"But we have you," Rowan continued.
The camp was a complete mess. Trees were on fire. It burnt the training field. Some warriors looked at me with terror.
Behind me, someone said quietly, "She's dangerous."
Another whispered, "She will turn into Lilith."
I closed my eyes. Their comments sliced me deeper than any weapon.
"No," Kian angrily replied. "She's not her."
Rowan turned slowly in the direction of the woods.
"There's a problem," he remarked.
Then... It took place.
The night air was filled with a low laugh.
It reverberated through the trees, slithered like a snake across the ground, and encircled each of us like a noose.
Lilith.
Her laughter oozed delight and was icy and vicious.
I stepped forward unsteadily. "She's near."
The red moon shone more brilliantly.
And she spoke in a whisper from the darkness:
"Allow the game to start."