Dark Alley in Duskvaria_____
The shadows wrapped tighter around Luna as she stood frozen at the dead-end. Her breathing was rapid, her heartbeat loud in her ears. Just then—
Creepy Voice:
"Are you trapped, sweetheart?"
She spun around.
A group of four men emerged from the darkness, their skin pale and cracked, eyes glowing faint yellow. They were not human—not fully. Their mouths curled into disturbing smirks, sharp teeth glinting.
Second Man (licking his lips):
"She smells divine."
Third Man:
"Isn't she the princess of light? Lost in our little shadows? How precious."
Luna stumbled backward until her back hit the cold wall. Her hands trembled as she tried to summon a power—anything—but panic clouded her mind. She was too terrified to think straight.
Luna (voice breaking):
"S-Stay away from me…!"
One of them reached forward, grabbing her wrist tightly.
Luna:
"Let me go!"
Another leaned in, lowering his face toward her neck.
Fourth Man (whispering):
"Just a taste…"
Luna squeezed her eyes shut.
But before his lips could touch her—CRACK!
A red-hot chain struck the man across the face, sending him flying back, a scorch mark burning down his cheek.
Man (screaming):
"Aghh—!"
They all turned.
Standing at the alley entrance—Azarion. His long hair whipped in the wind, eyes glowing crimson with fury. His bare arm flexed as he caught the returning chain in one hand, blood dripping off its edge.
Azarion (growling):
"Touch her again… I dare you."
The other two men who had cornered Luna lunged toward her. Azarion didn't blink. He spun the chain with a snap and hurled it again—this time, it coiled around both men's waists, then yanked.
They screamed as they were flung across the alley, smashing into the stone walls with a sickening crunch.
Luna (eyes wide, tears streaming):
"Aza…"
One of the attackers—still standing—crawled forward. Blood oozed from his temple, yet his hunger remained. He reached for Luna, lips open—
Then he bit her.
Luna (screaming):
"AHH!"
Azarion's world snapped.
His pupils narrowed to slits.
Azarion (roaring):
"ENOUGH!"
He didn't hesitate. With a final crack, the chain ignited in red light and lashed forward like a serpent.
One strike.
THWACK.
Three heads rolled.
Blood splattered the walls.
The alley fell silent.
Luna, shaking, reached up to touch the bite on her neck, eyes fluttering. Her gaze found Azarion—breathing hard, his body trembling from rage.
Her lips parted to speak, but the pain, fear, and blood loss overwhelmed her.
Luna (weak whisper):
"Aza…"
She collapsed.
Azarion (catching her):
"Luna!"
He held her gently in his arms, his face softening as he looked down at her unconscious form.
Azarion (whispering):
"I'm here… I've got you."
Inside the Carriage_____
The rhythmic clatter of the wheels echoed softly as the carriage rolled through the dark land. Inside, the only light came from the faint purple glow of enchanted lanterns. Luna's eyes fluttered open slowly, her head resting on something warm.
She blinked twice—realizing she was lying in Aza's lap.
His arms were wrapped protectively around her, but his face... wasn't calm.
It was angry.
"Are you out of your mind?" Aza snapped the moment he saw her eyes open. "Is this how a princess of Lunaria behaves? Running off alone in a place like this?"
Luna winced at his harsh tone and tried to sit up, but Aza held her gently in place.
"I didn't mean to run away," she murmured, avoiding his intense violet gaze. "I just… saw someone interesting and—"
"And got yourself nearly assaulted?" he cut her off. "Do you think this is a fairyland where everyone smiles and sings your name?"
Luna shrank slightly, his words stinging more because they were true. She lowered her eyes, lips trembling. "I… I made a mistake."
Aza took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair, calming himself. His tone softened.
"Luna, you grew up behind walls. Always protected by guards. You've never seen the real world—not until now." He leaned closer, his voice more patient now. "Out here, there are wonders. Beauty. Magic. People who will make you laugh and experiences that will take your breath away..." he paused, eyes narrowing slightly, "...but there are also monsters. People who will hurt you. People like those bastards today."
Luna nodded slowly, her eyes glassy. "You're right... I didn't think. I just followed what caught my eye, like a child."
There was a long silence.
Then, softly, she said, "I'm sorry, Aza. Truly."
Aza stared at her for a moment, then gave a half-smile. "Apology accepted, moon girl. But don't do that again. Next time, I might not be close enough to save you."
Luna gave him a small smile. "Next time, I won't need saving."
Aza chuckled under his breath and ruffled her hair. "We'll see about that."
They continued riding through the velvet night, the bond between them a little stronger, the silence between them now peaceful.
Royal Palace ______
The moonlight spilled in pale ribbons through the tall windows of the obsidian palace as the carriage finally rolled to a stop.
Aza stepped out gracefully, carrying Luna in his arms. Her head rested gently against his shoulder, her Ginger hair flowing over his arm like silk. Though the night had brought danger and fear, she now slept peacefully—like she belonged there.
His boots echoed softly on the marble floor as he began walking through the silent corridors.
"Your Highness!" a voice called anxiously from down the hall.
Meli hurried toward him, her face pale, worry etched deep in her eyes.
"Meli," Aza acknowledged with a calm nod, not slowing his steps.
She glanced at Luna in his arms, then back to him with wide eyes. "Your Highness… after Princess Luna left the palace, His Majesty asked to see her. When the guards told him you had taken her out—he was furious. He ordered everyone to search the city."
Aza's expression remained unreadable. He gave a slight nod.
Suddenly, firm footsteps approached from the shadowed corridor ahead.
Two figures emerged King Azrael, cloaked in royal darkness, and behind him, Zeph, his silent but deadly right hand.
Meli gasped and immediately bowed her head. "Your Majesty…"
Azrael's sharp gaze fell on Luna in Aza's arms. His jaw tensed. Though his face remained composed, the rage in his eyes was unmistakable.
But he said nothing.
The tension in the air was thick.
"Azarion Dreth," Azrael spoke coldly, his voice like thunder trapped in velvet. "Come to the study. Now."
He stepped forward, and Aza carefully handed Luna over. She stirred faintly but remained asleep, her cheek brushing against Azrael's chest.
Azrael held her close. Possessively.
Zeph stood behind, his face unreadable beneath the black hood—but his presence was like a blade against Aza's throat.
Aza met Zeph's gaze calmly, unfazed, not even blinking. Just a subtle smirk formed on his lips.
Azrael turned without another word and began walking away with Luna in his arms.
Zeph followed him silently, but not before giving Aza one final, razor-sharp look.
Meli exhaled, wringing her hands. "Your Highness… I fear His Majesty is barely holding in his anger."
Aza smirked faintly, straightening his coat. "Let him unleash it, Meli. I've faced worse things than a king with a bruised ego."
AZRAEL'S CHAMBER ___
The doors creaked open as Azrael walked in, carrying Luna in his arms. The room was silent, lit only by the soft, ghostly blue glow of the enchanted lanterns on the walls.
He moved to the large bed, its dark velvet sheets shimmering faintly. Gently, he laid Luna down, brushing a strand of hair from her peaceful face.
She was still fast asleep—calm, like a child dreaming of starlight.
Azrael stood for a moment, his cold expression softening. A rare, faint smile formed on his lips.
Azrael (softly)
"…Still such a reckless little thing."
Just as he turned to leave, something caught his eye.
His smile vanished.
There, on the curve of Luna's neck, was a faint, purplish mark—a hickey.
His pupils narrowed. His jaw tightened. Slowly, his eyes began to glow red, flickering with fury.
His breath grew heavier, more dangerous. His fingers curled into fists.
Azrael (gritted teeth)
"…Aza."
The name left his lips like venom.
He turned sharply, about to storm out—
But then—
A soft tug on his hand.
Luna, still asleep, had gently grabbed his fingers. Her voice, groggy and half-dreaming, whispered:
Luna (murmuring)
"…Aza… wait…"
Azrael froze.
His glowing red eyes trembled. His entire body went still.
He looked down at her—her soft face pressed into the pillow, eyes closed, whispering another man's name in his presence.
Something shattered inside him.
Without another word, he tore his hand away and stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him.
THE ROYAL STUDY – MOMENTS LATER
The guards standing outside stepped back as Azrael barged in, fury radiating off him like a storm.
Books flew off the shelves from the force of his presence. The dark fire in the fireplace crackled louder, as if reacting to his rage.
He didn't sit.
He didn't speak.
He just stood there, eyes glowing, heart boiling, one name echoing in his mind.
Azrael (growling to himself)
"Aza…"
The room was thick with tension, the flickering firelight casting angry shadows on the walls.
Azrael stood with his back turned, fists clenched behind him. The heavy door creaked open, and Azarion Dreth entered, calm as ever, despite the storm waiting for him.
He bowed with practiced grace.
Azarion
"Your Majesty."
Azrael didn't turn.
Azrael (low and cold)
"Where did you take her?"
His jaw twitched—rage barely contained.
Azarion (calmly)
"Princess Luna was curious about my tattoos. She also hadn't seen Duskvaria since her arrival. I thought… she deserved a little outing."
Azrael's head turned slightly, voice like a blade.
Azrael
"An outing?"
(beat)
"A date?"
Azarion (smirking slightly)
"You misunderstand, Your Majesty. We're not that close…"
He paused, voice dipping into playful.
Azarion
"…Yet."
Azrael slowly turned around. His silver eyes were glowing red, dangerous and inhuman.
He stepped forward, his voice now a deadly whisper.
Azrael
"Stay away from her."
Azarion (casual tone, but sharp smile)
"You're too interested in her…"
(leans slightly forward)
"…So am I."
That was the final straw.
Azrael's fist flew forward, smashing into Azarion's face with brutal force.
THUD!
Azarion stumbled but didn't raise a hand in defense. Blood trailed down from the corner of his mouth.
Azarion (softly)
"If beating me makes you feel better, go on."
Azrael's chest rose and fell rapidly, his breath ragged with rage.
Azarion (still smiling, blood dripping)
"But don't lie to yourself, Azrael. Tell me… why does it matter so much?"
Azrael's eyes blazed brighter. He slammed his fist into the wooden table beside them.
CRACK!
The table split clean in two.
Azarion (wiping blood from his lip)
"You didn't ask about my new tattoo."
He slowly unbuttoned the top of his collar and tilted his head forward. There, partially hidden by his hair, was a tiny, perfect tattoo of Luna's face etched on his forehead.
Azrael's fury exploded.
He lunged forward and began landing punch after punch into Azarion's gut, face, chest—everywhere.
Azrael (roaring)
"You—will—not—touch—her!"
Azarion coughed, blood splattering on the floor, but his smile didn't fade.
Azarion (breathless)
"She's… such a beautiful girl."
Azrael's fist crashed into him one final time—Azarion collapsed onto the marble floor with a grunt.
Guards who had been watching from a distance rushed in.
Azrael (voice cold as death)
"Take him."
They nodded, quickly lifting Azarion's beaten body off the ground.
Even as he was dragged away, Azarion managed to glance back at Azrael with a bloodied smirk.
Azarion (hoarse)
"Jealousy looks good on you… Your Majesty."
Azrael turned away, chest heaving, his hands bloodied.
But his eyes—still burning red—stayed fixed on the fire, as if trying to burn the image of Luna out of his mind.