Night settled heavily over the ruined village. The fire in the hearth had burned low, and the mist outside pressed thick against the windows. Jake sat near the door, sharpening his blade, while Mia checked on Luna, who still slept restlessly in the bed.
Suddenly, a deep growl echoed from outside.
Alex froze. "Did you hear that?"
Before anyone could react, the front door exploded inward with a deafening crash. Splinters flew across the room as a monstrous creature stepped through the smoke—tall and dark, with glowing red eyes and claws like daggers.
"Get back!" Jake shouted, drawing his sword.
But before they could strike, the monster lunged forward with terrifying speed, seizing Luna in its massive claws. She screamed as it pulled her toward the door.
"Luna!" Mia cried, grabbing her bow.
They fired, shouted, and chased—but the creature was too fast. Within seconds, it vanished into the mist, carrying Luna away.
Jake clenched his fists in frustration. "It's taking her to the castle," he said through gritted teeth. "To the king."
Luna struggled weakly in the creature's grip as the wind rushed past. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded.
"To the king," the monster growled.
Moments later, they landed in the courtyard of the dark castle. The gates opened before them, and the creature carried Luna inside, dropping her roughly before the throne.
The false king leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "Luna. You're injured. What happened? Did you bring me the information I asked for?"
Luna glared at him, clutching her wounded shoulder. "You can see I'm hurt. How could I gather information when your monster dragged me away from them? Now they'll know something's wrong—they'll suspect me."
The king paused, stroking his chin. "Ah, yes… you make a fair point." A cold smile spread across his face. "Then perhaps we'll turn their suspicion into trust. I have a better idea."
Luna frowned. "What are you planning?"
The king rose from his throne, his dark robe trailing behind him. "I will invite them here," he said simply.
Luna stared at him in disbelief. "Invite them? Have you lost your mind? They'll never come willingly—and if they do, they'll know something's wrong!"
The king chuckled. "No, Luna. You will convince them. You'll tell them you serve me as a helper—nothing more. You will earn their trust again."
"I can't do that," Luna said quietly. "Not like this. I don't even have the strength to heal myself."
The king sighed, lifting a gleaming staff carved with dark runes. "Always so dramatic."
He waved it over her shoulder, and a faint light shimmered in the air. The pain in Luna's wound faded, and her strength slowly returned.
"There," the king said. "Good as new."
Luna glanced at him warily. "Why help me now?"
"Because I need you alive," the king replied, his tone turning sharp. "You will bring them here, and you will tell them you are my loyal helper. Make them believe it, Luna. For your sake."
Luna lowered her gaze, her heart heavy with conflict. "Yes… my lord."
But deep inside, a spark of defiance still burned.