Chapter 10
247words
On the full moon night, pain wracked my entire body.
Yet all I could think about was Lyra, my body burning with unfamiliar desire.
The need to see her grew overwhelming.
Chains bound my wrists. When Rouise tried forcing the potion on me, I snarled at her.
She recoiled in fear, screaming that only a fool like Lyra would tolerate me.
"Make him drink it now!"
They forced the liquid down my throat. My strength drained away while the pain intensified.
A blinding light flashed in my mind. Memories of Lyra comforting me played in vivid detail.
Those dream-like images suddenly felt real.
Lyra, bitten by my fangs, trying not to cry.
Me, clinging to her, begging her to stay with me forever.
Her quiet tears as she begged me to remember, even just a little.
……
But I always forgot, hurting her again and again, driving her away.
The realization tore through me like a knife.
My strength ebbed away as screams erupted around me.
I forced my eyes open to see our pack under attack. Rouise screamed and fled.
My people were being slaughtered.
With our last ounce of strength, Caleb and I broke free and charged into battle.
I knew we faced death. I would never escape this nightmare.
In my final moments, I carved Lyra's name into my palm.
Perhaps it would ease the pain.
As darkness claimed me, I closed my fist around her name and surrendered to the void.
