A few meters away stood an old woman, skin like parchment, shoulders hunched. She seemed born from the darkness itself, as if the night had shaped her.
She stretched a wrinkled hand toward Wura.
A chill swept over her. Wura's heart hammered against her ribs.
— My child… what are you doing outside on a night like this? Haven't you been taught not to defy the rules?
— …Yes, Ma, Wura stammered. I… I was on my way home.
She made a motion to leave, but the old woman raised a finger.
— Wait. If you'd like, I can walk you back. It isn't safe to walk alone these days.
A sigh of relief slipped from Wura's lips.
I was scared for nothing. She's probably just a kind grandmother.
— These days? she asked cautiously.
The old woman let out a grating chuckle.
— Hmmm… Cursed Nights are becoming more frequent. It's the sign that misfortune draws near… Kiakiakiaaaa!
Her laughter seemed to crawl through the air.
— What kind of misfortune? Wura joked, though unease twisted in her stomach.
The woman raised her arms wide.
— A misfortune like no other. The gods will walk among us again. And on that day, humanity will tremble before the might of the Loas!
She began to flail, her movements suddenly grotesque, exaggerated, jerking. Wura's eyes widened.
This woman is insane.
She bowed politely.
— Thank you, Ma. I'll go home on my own.
But the strange woman abruptly thrust a hand in front of her face.
— No, no… I don't think so. You must learn to respect the rules… even those you don't understand.
Her smile twisted into something threatening.
— Why are you backing away? she whispered, stepping closer. No matter where you go… I'll find you. Your Noun carries such an exquisite scent.
A shiver of horror froze Wura in place.
The woman quickened her steps. Her body warped, her frame expanding. Massive black wings burst from her back, her grin stretching to reveal elongated fangs. A piercing shriek ripped through the night.
Paralyzed, Wura crossed her arms before her in a desperate gesture.
She was going to die.
The creature's fist slammed into her forearms, pinning her to the ground with crushing weight. The impact roared like thunder in her skull, sharp as the pain that followed. Wura clenched her teeth.
Then, suddenly, the pressure vanished.
A dull thud. A guttural growl.
When she opened her eyes, Morio stood between her and the beast, a club in his hand.
The creature staggered back a step, stunned by the blow it had taken.
— Filthy witch! Morio spat. Go back to where you came from!
Witch?
— Wura! Are you hurt?! What were you thinking, going out tonight?! I warned you! But you never listen!
He grabbed her hand and dragged her into a wild run.
— Morio… how… how did you—
— I stopped by your place. To make sure you hadn't done anything stupid. And clearly, you did.
It was the first time Wura had ever seen him this serious. Not just serious—furious.
— It's not what you think, I swear! Vignon tricked me, knocked me out and—
— You should have stayed at school. Locked in. Safe.
He sighed, his gaze softening at the sight of her distress.
— Witches feed on human blood. They are creatures that blend in among us, then hunt at night. Cursed Nights are the most dangerous of all.
— I should have stayed…
— I'm sorry you had to go through this.
He squeezed her hand.
— Sézune… is she home? Tell me she didn't go looking for me…
— Your mother wasn't there. Don't worry, she must have waited for the Cursed Night to end before coming back.
The words eased her panic, if only slightly. Sézune was the one who had taken Wura in when she was left orphaned, who had given her shelter without ever asking anything in return. Wura owed her everything. Her life, perhaps. If anything happened to her because of this… Wura would never forgive herself.
Behind them, a deep growl echoed. Wura turned—
The creature was back on the hunt.
— We can't keep running forever, Morio said between ragged breaths. I'll buy you time. You need to get away.
— What?! Are you insane?!
— Wura, listen to me!
He stopped abruptly and planted himself between her and the beast, club gripped tight.
— No one's waiting for me at home. So it doesn't matter if I disappear here…
A painful lump rose in Wura's throat. A visceral fear. A nightmare repeating itself. Just like three years ago.
— Don't you dare say that! Ciel and I—we're here with you! Remember? We're the misfit squad…
Morio gave her a lopsided smile. A resignation she had never seen in him before.
And then, in the next instant—
A brutal impact.
The sickening sound of tearing flesh.
Blood. Everywhere.
The creature had lunged at him. Its fangs sank into his shoulder.
Wura's eyes widened in horror. Her heart felt like it exploded in her chest.
No.
The metallic stench of blood engulfed her, clawing at her throat. Her stomach churned. Violent nausea swelled inside her.
Run.
Her body wanted to flee.
But as Morio collapsed in her arms, a choking gurgle escaping his throat, Wura felt a freezing wave spread across her back. A suffocating, creeping, familiar sensation.
The Shadow.
Her eyes went wide with panic. In the corner of her vision, she saw it: a mass of writhing darkness, peeling away from the night itself. It slithered, stretched, its shifting contours dotted with countless glowing eyes, all fixed hungrily on her.
You're doing it again.
Its voice echoed inside her head, vibrating, dripping with reproach.
Once again, someone will die because of you.
A shiver of dread tore through her. No. No, no, no. She shook her head, trying to erase the image of Morio bleeding out across her knees, his burning, clammy skin beneath her trembling fingers.
The creature burst into a harsh laugh.
Look at her… caught between rage and fear. What a pitiful Gifted one.
The shadow's eyes narrowed.
You want him to live? it whispered, mockery lacing its cavernous tone. Use your power, Wura. Let me help you.
Wura stiffened. Her fingers dug into the dirt so hard her nails turned white. No. She couldn't. Not again. Not like that night.
The shadow snickered.
Then watch him die.
The next instant, the witch lunged at her.
— Breathe, another voice ordered inside her head.
Ciel.
Wura sucked in a violent breath, her trembling hands pressed against her cheeks. Her legs stopped quaking.
She took one step. Then another.
She tore the club from Morio's hands and, with a scream, swung it hard against the witch's temple. The creature was hurled backward.
The world reeled around her. Nausea and fury tangled in her veins.
She raised her head, vision blurred and feverish.
The witch licked her lips. A dark, sticky fluid dripped down her chin.
— Leave! Wura barked, the club shaking in her hands. Leave us alone!
The creature curved her mouth into a mocking smile.
— Not without your blood.
A cold shiver ran down Wura's spine.
— Then leave Morio out of this… I'm the only one you want.
— As if I'd let some worthless animal stand in my way.
The creature's grin widened, revealing teeth stained red.
— All blood is nourishing… but yours…
Her smile stretched further.
— …a nugget of gold in a swamp of mud.
Fury burned through Wura's insides. This couldn't go on.
She cast a glance at Morio sprawled on the ground.
— You'll pay for what you did to him…
She charged.
Her club slashed the air. The witch dodged, again and again, with disdain.
Wura's frustration swelled, uncontrollable. Each missed strike pounded harder against her temples.
Then, a blow.
A fist drove into her stomach.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Another strike. Then another.
She curled beneath the rain of blows. The frail old woman had become a monster of terrifying strength.
Wura choked.
A clawed hand clamped around her throat. The cold talons brushed against her burning skin.
— Here's your problem… the witch hissed. You know nothing.Hcruel gaze lingered on her prey.
— That's what makes you such easy quarry. You'll die soon. Foolishly. Like the ignorant child you are.
Wura fought against the murderous grip.
— I don't care! she screamed, her voice cracking.
Her aching ribs heaved violently.
— I never wanted to be Gifted… I'd trade it all for a quieter life.
The witch raised her free hand. Her claws gleamed under the pale light.
She was about to slit her throat.
And Wura knew.
She knew she wouldn't be fast enough to dodge.
But as long as Morio could get away… that was enough.