《Moonlight Kitsune》


 Prologue

    Lily''s laughter danced through the forest as she chased after the fluttering leaves. Her silver fur blended seamlessly with the shimmering moonlight, making her look like a living, breathing embodiment of the night''s beauty. The cool, damp earth crunched beneath her bare feet as she giggled, her youthful energy unbridled and free. Her eyes, wide with innocence, reflected the stars above as she frolicked through the underbrush. The scent of wildflowers filled the air, and the whispers of the trees seemed to share the secrets of the night with her.


    Suddenly, a rough hand grabbed her from behind. Lily''s laughter was choked off as she was yanked backwards. Her eyes widened in horror as she found herself surrounded by a circle of snarling bandits, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. They were men she had never seen before, their clothes torn and their swords drawn, ready to do harm.


    "Please, don''t hurt me," she whimpered, her voice shaking.


    One of the bandits sneered, "Quiet, you little vermin," as he tightened his grip on her arm.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Panic surged through her as she struggled to free herself, her heart racing like a rabbit''s in the jaws of a predator. But she was no match for their strength, and their grip was iron. Tears stung her eyes as she stared at the ground, knowing she was at their mercy.


    "Let her go!"


    The bandits'' laughter was cut short by the sound of rustling leaves, and a figure emerged from the shadows, her eyes burning with fiery determination. An older girl, not much taller than Lily, with a blade that seemed to be made of pure shadow, swooped into their midst with a grace that belied the violence of her movements. The bandits stood no chance against her swift strikes, their cries of surprise and pain echoing through the once peaceful forest.


    Lily watched in awe as the girl fought, her movements a blur of steel and grace. It was like watching a dance, a deadly ballet performed solely for her protection. And when the last bandit fell, the girl turned to her, a gentle smile playing on her lips.


    "You''re safe now," she assured her, her voice like a melody carried on the wind.


    Before Lily could form the words to thank her, the girl disappeared back into the forest, leaving the young Foxkin trembling with a mixture of fear and wonder. Her heart swelled with an emotion she didn''t quite understand - a feeling that was more than just gratitude. It was as if she had found a part of herself in those brief moments of danger.


    Years passed, and Lily grew up hearing stories about the girl who had saved her that night. She never forgot the way the moon had shone in her eyes, the comfort she had found in her voice. It was a memory she cherished, a secret she kept close to her heart. Little did she know that one day the fate of a kingdom would rest on her shoulders, and her first love would become her most dangerous mission.

 Chapter 1

    <div>


    Seven years later, whispers of war reached Lily''s ears. The peaceful serenity of her forest home was shattered by the distant echoes of clashing steel and the cries of those in danger. Her heart heavy with dread, she gathered the latest news from the travelers who ventured through the forest. They spoke of the mighty Night Kingdom falling to the merciless Scarlet Empire, a powerhouse known for its unyielding rule and brutal conquests. The girl she had met that fateful night, her first love, was from that very kingdom.


    Worried for her safety, Lily couldn''t shake the feeling that their paths would cross again. She had heard tales of the Empire''s cruelty, of how they enslaved the Beastfolk and hunted the Foxkin for their powerful magic. Her mind raced with images of her savior, now grown and facing the horrors of war. She knew the girl she once idolized would be a force to be reckoned with, but the Empire was vast and its malice unfathomable.


    Driven by a mixture of love and fear, Lily redoubled her efforts in her magical training. She retreated to her secret clearing, surrounded by the glow of mushrooms that painted the night in soft pastels. She spent her days honing her skills, transforming into a sleek, powerful vixen and back again, and her nights in deep meditation, drawing energy from the moon above to fuel her spells. The whispers of the forest grew louder, urging her to act, to find the girl who had saved her and protect her as she had been protected.


    Her magic grew stronger, and with it, her resolve. Lily was no longer the helpless child she had been, but she knew that even the mightiest warrior could falter. Her love had become a beacon, guiding her through the shadowy paths of her heart, and she vowed to do whatever it took to save the girl who had once saved her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the moonlight and felt the power of her heritage coursing through her veins.


    So she spent the next three years perfecting her control over her magic, strengthening her body and honing her senses to perfection. Unbeknownst to her, she was becoming one of the strongest beings in the world. Her transformation was a sight to behold, as the once small, timid Foxkin grew into a creature of legend. The air around her crackled with energy, and the animals of the forest grew silent in her presence, recognizing the power she wielded. Her movements became fluid and swift, and her eyes, once wide with fear, now held a fierce intelligence and a burning passion for justice.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Lily''s training was relentless. She pushed herself beyond the limits of what any Foxkin had ever achieved, driven by the memory of her savior''s bravery and the knowledge that one day she might be in need. The moon became her constant companion, a silent witness to her growth. Some nights, she would transform into a sleek vixen and race through the trees, her eyes piercing the darkness like two shards of silver light.


    Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her as she roamed the forest at night would speak of her beauty, her long silver hair shining in the moonlight, tied in a ponytail, her elegant kimono seemingly made of the finest silk, her 9 majestic tails swaying proudly with each step, her aura like a goddess sent by the moon itself, earning her the nickname "Moonlight Kitsune" among travelers. Rumor has it that if you catch a glimpse of her during one of her walks, you will be blessed with good fortune.


    One morning, when the dew clung to the leaves like a thousand diamonds, she found a piece of parchment on the road. The sight of it was harmless at first, but the words scribbled on it sent a chill through her soul. "Rose of Night, princess of the Night Kingdom and leader of the rebellion, has been captured. A date has been set for her execution in 3 months." The parchment seemed to burn with the weight of its grim message, and Lily''s heart felt as if it had been shattered into a thousand pieces. Her eyes filled with tears as she read the words that would change her life forever.


    Her mind raced with possibilities, with fear and determination fighting for supremacy. The girl she had loved from afar was now a prisoner, a symbol of hope for the very people she had sworn to protect. Lily knew she could no longer hide in the shadows of her forest. It was time to embrace her destiny, to leave the safety of her home and venture into the heart of the conquered kingdom. With trembling hands, she crumpled the parchment, feeling the fate of a kingdom in her hands.


    The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but she had prepared for this moment all her life. Using her magic, she took the form of a human girl, her tails and fox ears disappearing. Her eyes, the color of the moon, were the only thing that hinted at her true nature. With steely resolve, she set out on a path that would lead her to the gates of the kingdom and, hopefully, to the side of her first love. The wind whispered her name as she disappeared into the horizon, the Moonlight Kitsune on a mission that would shape the fate of two hearts and a kingdom torn apart by war.


    <div>

 Chapter 2

    After leaving the forest, her first stop was the village of Taly, near the edge of the forest. The village of Taly had once been a place of warmth and laughter, nestled against the edge of the forest like a cozy blanket. But now, as Lily approached, the acrid smell of burnt wood and charred earth assaulted her sensitive nose, mingling with the salty taste of fear. The smoke rising into the sky was a dark omen, a stark reminder of the horrors that had claimed this once peaceful sanctuary. She quickened her pace, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the streets.


    When she reached the village square, she was met with a scene of devastation. The people of Taly were gathered in hushed whispers, their eyes downcast and their shoulders heavy with grief. A burned-out house stood like a silent sentinel, its wooden skeleton a grim testament to the fire''s brutality. And at the center of it all, a woman knelt, cradling the lifeless forms of a man and a child with bear-like ears, both cut down in a brutal manner that showed no mercy.


    The woman''s sobs were raw, her body shaking with each painful breath. The little girl''s eyes were open, staring up at the sky with a vacancy that betrayed the light that surely once shone within them. The man''s fur was matted with blood and his hands were clenched into fists as if he had gone down fighting. Lily''s gaze fell upon the dagger still embedded in the girl''s chest, and the rage that had been simmering within her boiled to the surface. The emblem on the hilt was unmistakable: two black swords crossed over a bloody crown on a golden roundel, with the words "Sacrum Humanitatis Imperium" etched below. The Scarlet Empire had been here.


    Fists clenched at her sides, Lily''s human disguise trembled with the power of her emotions. She knew she couldn''t let this stand, not when her own people were being slaughtered like animals. She had to act, she would slaughter the bastards responsible for this atrocity.


    "Where are those Empire bastards?" Lily asked, turning around to face a young man standing behind her, a murderous glare in her eyes.


    The young man swallowed hard and stepped back, his eyes wide with fear. He had not expected such a violent reaction from the girl with the moonlit eyes. "They... they have a camp just outside the village, on the other side," he stammered, pointing a trembling finger in the direction of the setting sun.


    Without looking back, Lily strode through the streets of Taly, her heart pounding with a mixture of rage and disgust. Every step she took brought her closer to her revenge against the Empire. The sight of the woman''s agony and the lifeless forms of the Bearkin family burned into her soul, filling her with the determination to make the Empire suffer. The village was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of daily life replaced by an eerie silence.


    As she approached the camp, the smell of burning wood and the sound of laughter grew stronger, fueling her hatred. The camp was a disorganized mess of tents and makeshift barricades, surrounded by a palisade of sharpened wood. The guards patrolled with a lazy confidence that could only come from a belief in their own invincibility.


    When the first two guards approached her, their eyes filled with suspicion. "What are you doing here? This is Empire territory!" Lily''s smile widened, a hint of malice playing at the corners of her lips. "I have come to rid this land of some vermin," she said sweetly, her voice ringing like a silver bell in the night air.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Their puzzled expressions did not last long. With a flick of her wrist, her human disguise fell away, revealing her true form. The guards gasped and reached for their weapons, but it was too late. Earth spikes shot up from the ground with a thunderous crack, piercing through their boots and into their legs, pinning them down like a hunted animal. They had no time to scream before the shadows around them grew thick and dark, wrapping around their throats and silencing them forever.


    With a fierce snarl, she dropped her veneer of sweetness and let her rage show in her eyes. The camp was thrown into chaos as she began her rampage. She was a creature of the night, a living embodiment of vengeance, and the soldiers of the Empire had no answer to her power. Flaming arcs of wind tore through the air, leaving a trail of screams in their wake. Men were burned alive, their armor a prison of fire. Others were dragged into the shadows, their cries for mercy swallowed by the darkness.


    The guards were unprepared for the onslaught of a Foxkin, especially one with the power of a full moon behind her. They were mere mortals facing the wrath of a goddess, and they fell like wheat before a scythe. The camp grounds became a maze of pain and fear, the very earth turning against them. Lily danced through the chaos, her movements fluid and graceful, a stark contrast to the horror she wrought.


    The commanding officer''s tent stood tall, a bastion of arrogance amidst the carnage. The flaps fluttered open as the guards outside were torn apart by unseen forces, and Lily stepped inside. The commander looked up from his maps, his beady eyes widening at the sight of the creature before him. He had heard the legends of the Foxkin and their powerful magic, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he would ever face one, and this one was out for blood.


    He tried to sneer, to regain some semblance of authority, but before he could utter a single word, a sharp pain sliced through his legs, making him fall backwards. Looking down, he realized that his legs had just been severed by sharp blades of wind, leaving him staring at the bleeding stumps in disbelief.


    Panic set in as the guards outside his tent were silently killed, their screams swallowed by the very earth that had once supported them. The tent was filled with the stench of fear and blood, the air thick with the promise of a slow, painful, and brutal end. He watched in horror as the Foxkin woman approached, her eyes glowing with the cold, seething rage of a predator who has cornered her prey.


    "You dare attack the Empire?" The commander sneered, his voice trembling. "You are but a demi-human, a beast! Humans are the true rulers of this world!"


    Lily''s eyes narrowed and she leaned closer, her breath hot against his sweaty face. "Humans like you are nothing but parasites, feasting on the world and each other." With a flick of her wrist, flames danced around her hand, the heat making the Commander''s skin sizzle. "Your kind brought this destruction upon yourselves. And now you will taste fear, pain and destruction."


    The Commander''s eyes bulged with terror as the fire grew, licking at the edges of his clothing, his fat sizzling like a slab of meat on a barbecue. He thrashed and screamed, desperately trying to break free of his earthly bonds, but the spikes held firm, digging deeper with each struggle. His cries grew weaker as the fire consumed him, his flesh charring, his screams turning to whimpers, until finally there was only silence.


    The camp was eerily quiet, the crackling fire the only sound breaking the silence. The stench of burning flesh filled the air, mingling with the scent of fear and blood. The once proud banners of the Scarlet Empire lay trampled, their crimson fabric stained black by the soot of vengeance.


    Tired but satisfied, Lily transformed into a small fox and settled down near one of the still burning campfires. The warmth licked at her fur, a stark contrast to the cold fury that had fueled her earlier. She closed her eyes, her breathing calm and peaceful. Her thoughts turned to the girl she had set out to save, the future that awaited her. She had taken the first step on a journey that would lead her through the treacherous landscape of war and deceit at the end of which the Empire would be no more.

 Chapter 3

    After waking up the next morning and washing herself with water conjured by her magic, Lily donned her human disguise again and picked up a sword and sheath from a dead guard. She knew she couldn''t show her magic freely in the human villages. The journey ahead was long and fraught with danger, and she had to be careful not to reveal her true nature.


    With a deep breath, she stepped out of the shadows and into the light of a new day. The road to the capital was long and treacherous, but she had no choice but to press on. Halfway to the farming village of Pala, she heard the guttural growls of goblins echoing through the trees. The sight of the hideous creatures brought a grim smile to her lips; this would be good practice, as she had never used a sword before.


    The pack of eight goblins saw her and charged, their rusty swords glinting in the sunlight. Lily''s instincts took over and she sprang into action, her blade singing a deadly melody. Two swordsmen fell quickly, their lifeblood spilling onto the dusty ground. With a grace that belied her newfound weaponry, she deflected the first two arrows that whizzed by, caught the third, and threw it back with deadly accuracy, burying it in the eye of one of the archers. The remaining three swordsmen were no match for her speed; they crumpled to the ground with a resounding thud.


    The two archers had their bows trained on her, but Lily was already moving, a silver blur that left them stunned. One had his head removed with a clean sweep of her sword, and before the other could react, she had closed the distance and sent his bow flying with a well-placed kick. The last archer tried to flee, but her blade found its mark and sent his body sprawling. The goblins lay lifeless, a testament to the power she had harnessed in the name of vengeance and the desire to save the only person she had ever felt anything for.


    She wiped the blood from her blade with a piece of cloth she found on one of the dead goblins, sheathed it, and began the final stretch to the village of Pala. Her thoughts were full of excitement for the battles ahead.


    Without further incident, she arrived at the entrance to the village just as a group was leaving. They waved at her and approached, their eyes taking in her disguised form. The man in front of the group spoke to her, "Greetings young lady, we are adventurers," he began, his voice gruff but friendly. "We have heard that a pack of goblins is attacking travelers on the road between Taly and here. Have you seen any sign of them?"


    Lily met his eyes with cold confidence. "I have," she said in a bored tone. "They tried to attack me, so I took care of those insects." The group exchanged glances, surprised at her dismissive attitude. The petite elven woman standing behind the first man, dressed in flowing robes and holding a staff, took a step forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "All by yourself?" she asked. "By the way, my name is Helen, the healer of this party, this guy," she pointed at the man Lily had been talking to, dressed in bulky armor with a large shield on his back and a mace strapped to his side, "is Martin, our tank, this is Bernd, our archer, " she pointed at a guy in leather armor, a tricorn hat with a feather sticking out of it on his head and a bow slung over his shoulder, "and finally Mary, our swordswoman," she pointed at a muscular woman in light metal armor with a sword at her hip.


    "My name is Bella," Lily said, giving a false name. She gestured to her own sword sheathed at her side. "And I would say I can take care of myself," she said with a hint of disinterest. She began to walk past the group, their eyes following her like a magnet. Bernd called after her, "What about the reward for killing the goblins?"


    Without breaking stride, she tossed the answer back over her shoulder. "I don''t care, you guys can have it." The adventurers looked at each other, a look bewilderment on their faces. Who was this mysterious girl who could dispatch a pack of goblins as if they were mere pebbles in her path?


    The sun was setting by the time she reached the village tavern. The wooden building was adorned with a swinging sign that creaked softly in the breeze, a carving of a frothy mug under a crescent moon. The tavern''s warm glow spilled out onto the street, a beacon of comfort and camaraderie. She pushed open the heavy oak door, the scent of roasting meat and the murmur of conversation washing over her.


    The bar was crowded with weary travelers and locals seeking refuge from the day''s toil. She made her way to the bar, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of trouble. The bartender, a young man with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, nodded in greeting as he wiped a mug with a stained cloth.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "A glass of milk, please," Lily said, her voice low and collected. The bartender, surprised by the unusual request, complied without question. As she sipped her drink, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat, she asked casually, "Do you know of any decent inns around here?"


    The young man behind the counter looked up, his eyes scanning Lily''s form. "Well, we have Angela''s Inn, right by the marketplace. Take the first right after the square," he said with a friendly smile. Lily nodded her thanks and took a last sip before setting the mug down with a gentle clink. The coins she had collected from the dead Empire soldiers glittered on the countertop as she slid them over to the bartender. "Keep the change," she said, her tone hinting at the promise of more if she returned.


    The walk to the marketplace was short, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the village of Pala grew quiet. The cobblestone streets were empty except for the occasional stray chicken pecking at the ground. The warm glow of torches and candles from the windows cast a soft, flickering light, painting the cobblestone streets a soft orange hue. Lily found the first right as instructed and followed it, the cobblestones giving way to packed dirt that spoke of less frequent travelers.


    Angela''s Inn was a quaint two-story building with a thatched roof that looked like it had seen its fair share of decades. A wooden sign with a carving of a sleeping fox swayed lazily in the evening breeze, creaking with every gentle gust. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from an open window, and a single candle burned in the foyer, casting a warm glow that spilled onto the dirt path leading to the door.


    Lily stepped into the cozy embrace of the inn, the heavy oak door groaning shut behind her. Inside, the walls were lined with shelves of books and trinkets, a testament to the travelers who had passed through and shared their stories. A crackling fireplace in the corner offered a welcoming heat.


    Arriving at the inn, she was greeted by a motherly woman who looked to be in her 40s. Her round face was framed by auburn hair pulled back in a neat bun, and her eyes sparkled with a warmth that belied the fatigue etched into the lines around them. "Hello, dear," she said, her voice a soothing balm to Lily''s weary soul. "How can I help a pretty young woman such as yourself?"


    Lily''s smile was genuine for the first time in a long time. "A room for tonight and breakfast for tomorrow, if you serve breakfast." The woman''s smile widened. "Normally we don''t serve breakfast, but for someone as lovely as you, I''ll make an exception," she said, her eyes twinkling. "My name is Angela, and if you need anything else, don''t hesitate to call. I''m always here."


    Angela took Lily''s payment and handed her a key attached to a wooden pendant with a carving of a sleeping fox, just like the one on the sign outside. "You''re in luck," she said with a warm smile. "Room 203 is our best. It has a view of the moonrise, perfect for someone with such beautiful gray eyes."


    The stairs creaked softly as Lily ascended, the soft light from the candles flickering up the stairwell like a warm embrace. The corridor at the top was quiet, the doors to the other rooms closed, the only sound the occasional snore or whisper of the night''s first dreams. Room 203 was at the end of the corridor, the moon''s silver rays peeking through a crack in the curtains and painting a striped pattern on the floorboards.


    The room was small but cozy, the walls decorated with simple tapestries depicting scenes from the village and the surrounding countryside. A wooden chair sat by the window, the perfect spot to watch the moon rise, and a wardrobe stood against the opposite wall, filled with the scent of lavender and the whispers of countless stories of travelers past. The bed was a welcome sight, its thick blankets beckoning after the day''s exertions.


    Lily''s mind was a whirlwind as she washed the day''s grime from her body and clothes with water summoned by her magic. She felt a strange sense of satisfaction from her victory over the goblins and the weight of the task ahead. The Empire was vast and powerful, but she would destroy it, no matter the cost. The image of the murdered Bearkin family in Taly fueled her resolve.


    After drying herself and her now clean clothes with the help of warm winds, Lily sat at the small wooden desk in her room and studied the map of the Night Kingdom she had stolen from one of the fallen soldiers. The path to the capital was marked with the symbols of various settlements. The closer she got to the capital, the stronger the empire''s influence would grow.


    Her heart raced as she traced her finger across the map, her thoughts racing with her. She knew that her true nature as a Foxkin could never be revealed. The Empire had a bounty on all Beastkin, especially the Foxkin. But she couldn''t let that deter her from her mission. She had to stay focused, stay sharp, and stay one step ahead of the Empire''s grasp.


    With a deep sigh, she rose and approached the window, pushing aside the curtains to gaze upon the night sky. The moon, a waxing gibbous, hung low in the sky, casting a soft blue light that bathed the world in a serene glow. It was a stark contrast to the anger and rage she felt within herself. The sight of it soothed her, reminding her of her heritage, of the power that was hers to command.


    Lily took a moment to gather her thoughts and strength before retiring for the night. As she lay on the comfortable bed, the gentle whispers of the night lulled her to sleep, her dreams filled with images of the princess she had sworn to save, and the horrors she would bring upon the Empire.

 Chapter 4

    <div>


    As she made her way to the tavern the following dawn, Lily''s stride was filled with determination, each step echoing her unyielding resolve. The scent of breakfast wafting from the kitchen of the inn she had left behind melded with the early morning chill, a stark contrast to the warmth and comfort of her room. But she had no time to bask in such comforts; the shadow of the Empire loomed over her every move, and she knew she had to act swiftly.


    Entering the tavern, she found the same youthful bartender from the previous day, his eyes lighting up slightly upon seeing her. "Ah, the lady with the silver eyes," he greeted her, his voice a mixture of curiosity and caution. She approached the bar with purpose, her gaze unwavering. "I need information and a glass of milk," she said, her tone cutting through the early morning chatter. "Anything about the Scarlet Empire''s recent movements, rumors or otherwise."


    The young man paused, scrutinizing her before leaning closer. "You''re not one of them, are you?" he whispered, his voice laced with suspicion. "I have no love for the Empire," she assured him, her expression unchanging. He hesitated, poured her a glass of milk, nodded, and leaned closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "There is talk of a nobleman in the city of Tory, a man called Count Viktor. Ever since he took over, children have been disappearing. Some say he has an unholy appetite for the innocent, sacrificing them to some dark power. Then there are rumours that the Emperor''s own son will be present at the execution of the ''Rose of Night'', and finally there are rumours of an Imperial camp that has been wiped out between here and Taly".


    The mention of the camp sent a shiver of pleasure down Lily''s spine, and she felt a smile creep across her lips as she remembered the Commander''s terror-stricken face. The bartender noticed and took an involuntary step back, his eyes widening slightly at the sudden shift in her demeanor.


    "Where can I find this town called Tory?" Lily asked, her voice deceptively calm. "It''s a week on foot from here, just follow the route to the capital and it''s the town after the next town of Naly," he replied, his voice a bit shaky.


    Lily finished her glass of milk and left a generous tip for the bartender, her mind racing with the information she had just received. The Emperor''s son was a high-value target, but there was still some time before the execution date, and a noble of the Empire would be a good target for now. She rose from her seat, the wooden chair scraping against the stone floor, and left without another word. The cool air of the early morning embraced her, carrying with it the scent of dew-kissed flowers and the distant clang of a blacksmith''s hammer. Her destination was clear: a weapons shop where she hoped to find a weapon that could withstand her power.


    The marketplace slowly came to life as Lily navigated the narrow alleys, the cobbled streets now bustling with the sounds of merchants setting up their stalls and the chatter of early risers. She inquired about a reputable weapons shop, and the tales of "Karl''s Weapons and More" followed her until she stood before it, the wooden sign above the door creaking in the light breeze.


    Stepping inside, she found the shop dimly lit, shadows playing hide and seek with the gleaming weapons displayed on the shelves lining the walls. The smell of metal, leather and oil hung in the air, a scent she found oddly pleasant. Behind the counter, a man named Karl, probably the owner, if the name tag on his shirt was anything to go by, scrutinized her with skeptical eyes. "Looking for something, lass?" he barked, not bothering to hide his disdain.


    Ignoring his tone, Lily stepped closer, her eyes scanning the rows of weapons with practiced eyes. "I need a sword," she said firmly. "A good one, capable of cutting through armor." Karl, with a gruff snort, gave her a once-over that was more one of judgement than one of appraisal. "Missy, these aren''t toys for you to play with. Why don''t you find yourself a needle and thread, or better yet, marry a man, take care of him and have children?" His words were like a slap in the face, but Lily''s expression remained unchanged.


    With a swift, fluid motion, she unsheathed the sword at her side and pointed it at Karl''s throat. "I said I needed a weapon," she growled, her silver eyes icy. The blade hovered dangerously close to his skin, and for the first time she saw fear in his gaze. "I am not here to be belittled by a fucking worm like you."


    The air in the room grew thick with tension as Karl swallowed hard, his eyes flicking to the sword and then back to her. "I-I see you know how to handle a blade," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. "I assure you, I have nothing but the finest weapons for the most capable of warriors."


    With a flick of her wrist, Lily returned her sword to its sheath. She stepped closer to the display of swords, her gaze lingering on the black-bladed katana. The dark aura around it hummed with a seductive power that sent shivers down her spine. It was exactly what she needed to bring terror and carnage to the Empire.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "Keep your distance from that one," Karl warned, his voice trembling as he watched her approach the cursed weapon. "It''s said to drive its wielder to madness." Lily smirked and reached out to touch the cold steel of the blade. "Perhaps," she said, "but I have my own ways of dealing with madness."


    The black katana whispered to her, promising power and destruction. She lifted the weapon, feeling its weight in her hand, the balance perfect. The dark aura didn''t bother her; she could feel her own magic wrapping around it, taming the malevolent energy. It was a weapon that would strike fear into the hearts of the Empire''s soldiers.


    "How much for this one?" Lily asked, her eyes never leaving the blade. Karl stumbled over his words, trying to regain his composure. "T-That one, it''s not for sale. It''s... it''s dangerous."


    Lily''s smile grew colder. "Everything has a price," she said, her voice a low purr that sent a shiver down his spine. Karl took a deep breath, his eyes flicking to the door as if he was considering running away. "F-fine," he stuttered. "T-ten gold coins, but I warn you, it''s not a weapon for the faint of heart."


    With a flick of her wrist, she spun the katana in an elegant arc, the blade slicing through the air with a whispered promise of destruction. The steel sang a deadly melody and she felt a rush of power coursing through her veins. Her eyes never left Karl''s as she said, "I am not faint of heart".


    She took a step back and drew her old sword, the steel gleaming in the dim light. The black katana remained in her other hand, its power palpable. Lily''s eyes narrowed, a silent challenge to the weapon she had just acquired. With a swift, almost contemptuous motion, she slashed at her old sword with the black blade.


    The sound of steel on steel echoed through the shop, the sound sharp and final. Her old sword, which had served her well, was cut cleanly in half, the halves clattering to the floor. The vibrations of the impact traveled up Lily''s arm, but she felt no pain, only the thrill of power. She stared at the black katana, feeling its dark energy pulsate in her hand. It was a weapon worthy of a warrior, a weapon that could bring her one step closer to her ultimate goal.


    Without another word, she sheathed the demon-touched blade and bent down to retrieve the two halves of her former weapon. Placing them on the counter next to the black katana, she turned to Karl. "I take it it fits perfectly," she said with a smug smile. Karl nodded frantically, his eyes wide with fear and fascination. "Take it," he stammered, his hand shaking as he pushed the black katana towards her. "Just... just don''t come back."


    Her smile grew colder, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Don''t worry," she assured him, "my business here is done." She turned on her heel and strode out of the shop, the bell above the door ringing a hasty farewell. The afternoon sun cast a long shadow behind her, stretching down the alley like a silent sentinel.


    The rest of the day passed swiftly as Lily prepared for her departure. She gathered supplies from the market, her gaze lingering on the food and clothing, but her thoughts remained fixed on the black katana. It was an instrument of destruction, a symbol of her newfound purpose, and a silent promise to the Empire that their days of tyranny were numbered.


    That night, as Karl held the halved sword in his trembling hands, the flickering candlelight danced across the shattered steel. His eyes fell upon the unblemished handle, and there, etched into the wood, was the crest of the Scarlet Empire. His heart skipped a beat and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead as the gravity of the situation dawned on him. The girl who had bought the black katana wasn''t just any warrior; she was something else, something much darker. He had heard of the slaughter of an Imperial camp, and if his thoughts were correct, this sword was the weapon of one of the slaughtered soldiers.


    He had to inform the local magistrate, warn the village of the danger that had just walked into their midst. Yet, as he looked upon the shimmering blade, a whisper of doubt crept in. What if she had come for him? What if she knew that he knew? Panic swelled within him, his chest tightening like a vice. He shoved the pieces of the sword into a dusty corner and hoped the shadows would swallow them.


    That evening, Lily returned to Angela''s Inn, her thoughts heavy with the weight of her mission and the power of the black katana. She had felt its thirst for battle, the whispers of chaos it brought, and she knew it would be a constant, seductive companion on her journey. The warm glow of the inn''s candles and the comforting scent of baked goods once again enveloped her as she stepped through the door.


    The villagers looked up from their meals as she entered, their eyes wary. Word of the demonic blade in her possession had spread like wildfire, and they knew she was not one to be trifled with. The room grew quiet as she approached the bar, the clinking of silverware and the murmur of hushed conversation fading into the background. Angela, the innkeeper, greeted her with a forced smile, her eyes betraying a hint of fear.


    "Another night for you, miss... Bella?" she inquired, her voice trembling slightly. Lily nodded, her eyes drifting to the stairs, her thoughts already on the battles to come. "Your usual room is ready," Angela said, her hands shaking as she handed Lily the sleeping fox keychain. "If you need anything, just send for me."


    The door to room 203 closed with a soft click, and the world outside the walls was forgotten as Lily leaned against it, her eyes closed. The aura of the black katana hummed at her side in anticipation, a symphony of power waiting to be unleashed. She allowed herself a small smile, knowing that she had made the right choice. As the moon rose outside, Lily lay on the bed, the darkness of her thoughts mirroring the shadows that stretched across the room.


    Her dreams were a tapestry of crimson and moonlight, woven with the screams of her enemies and the fierce joy of victory. The Empire''s soldiers fell like leaves before her, their armor shredded by her unyielding blade. In her dreams, she saw the Emperor and his son tremble before her, their arrogance shattered by the reality of her power.


    <div>

 Chapter 5

    Lily was walking at a leisurely pace on her way to the village of Naly, humming to herself, when a scream from the nearby forest ripped her from her thoughts. The sound was like a siren''s call, a stark contrast to the peaceful tune of the early evening. Her steps quickened, curiosity and a hint of excitement coloring her features as she followed the sound until it grew louder, the echoes of fear and pain growing clearer.


    The sight that greeted her was one of chaos. On one side, an Empire soldier, his armor marred by the signs of battle, his hand pressed against a gushing wound in his shoulder, his eyes wild with terror. Behind him, a young woman with a baby clutched to her chest, her eyes wide with horror. On the other side, a wolfkin girl, no older than Lily, with blood-red fur and eyes that burned with a fiery rage that seemed to consume her very soul.


    The air was thick with the scent of fear and anger. Lily approached them casually, her hand resting on the hilt of her new black katana. "So, what''s the ruckus about?" she inquired, her tone as light as if she were asking about the weather.


    The soldier was the first to react, noticing the blade at her side, "This rabid animal attacked me and my family, as a citizen of the Empire it is your duty to help me put it down."


    Lily turned to the wolf girl, raising an eyebrow, and asked, "You are pretty brave, attacking an Imperial soldier, what made you this angry?"


    The girl''s growl grew deeper, "This pig killed my mother and father, took their tails for his whore of a wife''s vanity. I want their blood for that." Her voice was a mix of grief and vengeance. The soldier''s sneer grew uglier, spitting out insults and threats.


    "They should be honored that some part of their filthy bodies are even allowed to touch my wife''s body," the soldier yelled back.


    Ignoring the soldier''s outburst, Lily turned her attention to the wolfkin girl, her silver eyes gleaming with interest. "If you manage to kill these people, what are your plans after that?"


    The girl''s rage-filled gaze flickered between Lily and her prey. "To kill as many Empire bastards as possible," she spat, "until their fucking Empire is drowning in blood."


    Lily felt a warmth spread through her, a kinship with this beastkin''s thirst for vengeance. "I like that answer," she said, her voice a purr of approval. "The madness in your eyes is beautiful." Before anyone could react, she had drawn her sword, the blade glinting in the moonlight as it sliced through the soldier''s waist. His scream was cut off as his torso fell to the ground, his legs collapsing beneath him.


    The human woman, now widowed and childless, cowered on the ground, her screams echoing through the night. The wolfkin girl stared at Lily as if she had gone mad.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Go on," Lily urged, her voice as cold and sharp as the steel of her black katana. "You wanted to kill them, didn''t you?" Luna nodded, her eyes never leaving the trembling human woman and her now-silent child. "So do it," Lily said, flicking the blood from her blade before sheathing it with a metallic whisper.


    "Why would a human help a Beastkin?" the girl asked as she walked towards the woman and her child.


    "Who said I was a human?" asked Lily as she dropped her disguise, revealing her fox ears and nine tails, swaying proudly behind her.


    The wolfkin girl''s eyes widened in shock as she dropped to one knee and bowed to Lily, "Please forgive my rudeness mistress, I had no idea you were someone so powerful. My name is Luna and I am from the Wolfkin tribe."


    Lily placed her index finger under Luna''s chin, gently tilting the girl''s head upward. Their gazes met, the silver of Lily''s eyes piercing the red-hot fury of Luna''s. "Please stand," she said calmly, "you may call me Lily. But first," she continued, gesturing to the trembling humans, "you must take care of this¡­waste."


    "As you wish, Mistress Lily!" Luna''s voice was filled with a fervent loyalty that sent a thrill down Lily''s spine. She watched with a detached fascination as the wolfkin girl stalked towards the terrified humans. In one swift motion, Luna''s claws shot out and sliced through the woman''s throat. A geyser of blood spurted out, staining the leaves and moonlit earth crimson. The baby''s cries were abruptly silenced as the same claws pierced its tender skull, the lifeblood of innocence mingled with the earth.


    Flicking the gore from her claws, Luna approached Lily, standing tall and proud of her grisly task. Her heart thundered in her chest, not from the recent battle, but from the presence of this powerful Foxkin. Lily''s touch was gentle, yet commanding, as she cupped Luna''s chin, forcing her to meet those piercing gray eyes. "You have potential," she murmured, her voice a siren''s call that resonated in Luna''s soul. "Come with me, and together we will bring terror and despair to all who oppose us."


    Luna couldn''t help herself but shiver and blush at the attention, she couldn''t tear her eyes away from Lily''s and just nodded. The power in Lily''s gaze was intoxicating, a blend of darkness and beauty that spoke of a world far beyond Luna''s vengeful existence. She felt a strange warmth in her chest, a feeling she hadn''t experienced since her family''s brutal murder. It was a warmth that promised protection and purpose, something she hadn''t had since her world had been shattered.


    With a flick of her hand, Lily incinerated the bodies, the flames licking at the night sky as the evidence of the grim scene was reduced to ash. The warmth of the fire washed over Luna, mixing with the heat of her admiration for the powerful Foxkin. The smell of burning flesh and hair was a gruesome reminder of the fate that had met the imperial soldier and his family. Yet, in the face of Lily''s cold command, she felt oddly at peace.


    The spell that followed was swift and silent. A wave of magic rippled over Luna, and her wolf ears and tails vanished into thin air. The same was done to Lily, her own disguise restored. The two of them looked at each other, now both appearing as human as the poor souls they had just dispatched. It was a necessary deception, one that would allow them to blend in with the townsfolk and further their cause.


    They left the forest behind, the moonlit path leading them to the dusty road that stretched out before them like a serpent coiled around the neck of the land. Two days they traveled, side by side. The road was mostly empty, the occasional merchant or traveler giving them a wide berth when they saw the cold glint in Lily''s eyes and the unyielding stance of Luna at her side.

 Chapter 6

    The first thing Lily did after entering Naly was to drag Luna to the nearest weapon shop. At Luna''s questioning look, Lily told her, "You may have your claws and a great deal of strength, but if someone were to see your claws, it would immediately expose you as a Beastfolk, and it is always wise to have a backup weapon in case something unexpected happens. I, for one, always carry a couple of throwing knives." She pulled three black throwing knives out of her kimono and showed them to Luna, they were about 25 centimeters long with a blade length of 15 centimeters, "these can be used to take someone out silently from a distance, but also to defend yourself if someone surprises you while you are unarmed."


    On their way to Taylor''s Weapon Shop and Smithy, Lily couldn''t help but notice the peculiar absence of young women around their age in the town of Naly. The streets were filled with young men and older women with their families, but the vibrant presence of other teenage girls was eerily absent. It was as if they had been plucked from the fabric of the town, leaving only the whispers of their former laughter and the ghosts of their footsteps behind.


    The shop they found was called ''Taylor''s Weapon Shop and Smithy''. The shop''s sign creaked in the gentle evening breeze, the metal wolf''s head that served as its emblem seemingly snarling at the passing shadows. As they approached, Lily leaned into Luna and whispered, "Just follow my lead." The door to the shop was a heavy wooden affair that groaned as Lily pushed it open, revealing a warmly lit space filled with the scent of metal and leather. As they entered, a fit, blonde-haired woman in her mid-thirties looked up from her work at the counter, her forest green eyes meeting theirs. "Welcome to Taylor''s, my name is Yukio Taylor. How can I help you today?" she asked with a friendly smile.


    Lily put a friendly smile on her face, the kind that didn''t quite reach her eyes, and said, "Hello, my name is Bella, and this is my friend Mia." She gestured to Luna, who nodded in agreement. "We want to become adventurers, but she doesn''t know what kind of weapon would suit her. So, we thought we should go to a weapon shop and ask for a recommendation."


    Yukio''s gaze lingered on Luna for a moment before turning back to Lily. "Ah, new blood eager to test their mettle, I see." She said with a knowing smile. "But before we talk about weapons, I need to know what you''re capable of, young lady," she nodded at Luna, "What can you do that would make you an asset to any party?"


    Luna took a deep breath, trying to calm the excitement inside her. "I am strong," she began, flexing her now human-like hands, "faster than most, and I can be as silent as the night."


    Yukio nodded thoughtfully before speaking, "Good, good. It seems you''d benefit from something that complements your speed and agility. These gloves will protect your hands and give you a better grip." She handed them over, the leather supple and well worn. "And as for your armor, I suggest something light, like this set here." The armor was indeed black, made of supple leather reinforced with steel plating. It looked like it would allow for swift movement without hindrance.


    Luna took the gloves and pulled them on, feeling the snug fit and the slight increase in protection they provided. Then she tried on the armor. It fit like a second skin, the weight almost negligible. Yukio watched Luna move and noticed that she seemed more comfortable, more deadly in it. "Now, for your weapon," she mused, her eyes scanning the wall of blades. "How about a pair of these?" She handed Luna a pair of the plain steel daggers.


    Meanwhile, Lily''s eyes scanned the shop for anything that might catch her interest. Her gaze fell on a pair of menacing looking daggers with a stylized wolf carved into the handles. Luna looked at them and whispered, "Those look like they could tear someone apart." Lily nodded, intrigued.


    "What about these?" Lily asked, pointing at the daggers with the wolf motif. Yukio''s expression grew solemn. "Ah, those were sold to us by an adventurer a few years ago. He claimed that they had special powers, but no one has ever been able to draw them out. They''re just decorations now." She handed them to Lily, who studied them closely.


    Lily was glad no one could see her face right now; what she found within these daggers brought a manic grin to her lips. They were no mere decoration; she could feel the dormant power within them, begging to be unleashed.


    With a smile back on her face, Lily walked back to the counter and placed the daggers down next to the other items. "We will take the gloves, the black leather armor set, and these daggers," she said, laying down a sum of gold that was more than enough to cover the cost. Yukio''s eyes narrowed slightly as she recognized the weapons as the ones the girl had shown interest in earlier. She nodded solemnly and took the gold without a word. "Just one last question," Lily added, her voice a serene purr that belied the storm raging within, "why are there no young women in this town?"This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Yukio''s smile faded and she dabbed at an errant tear. "They were all taken when the ''Draco Bandits'' attacked us," she whispered, her voice trembling with unspoken anguish. "Even our Emily."


    Lily''s gaze grew colder than the steel of the weapons around them. "My sympathies," she said flatly, her tone devoid of warmth. She took the items and led Luna out of the shop, the chime of the bell above the door echoing in the silence that had descended upon them.


    The two of them made their way through the cobblestone streets, the moon casting eerie shadows that danced around them like silent sentinels. The night was calm, almost too calm. "Mistress," Luna whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and uncertainty, "why do we have to pretend?" "Because," Lily replied, her eyes never leaving the path ahead, "it''s not always about strength. Sometimes it''s about strategy. And we can''t afford to show our true colors just yet, not when the Empire has eyes everywhere."


    The Adventurers'' Guild was a hive of activity, the murmur of voices and the clinking of glasses spilling out into the night. The smell of ale and sweat permeated the air, mingling with the faint scent of fear. Luna felt out of place, but Lily moved with a confidence that could only come from knowing one''s own power. They approached the reception desk, the clerk barely looking up from his ledger. "We have heard that this town is having trouble with bandits," Lily began, her voice cool and measured, "do you have any information about them?"


    The clerk glanced up, his eyes narrowing. "Are you two registered adventurers?" he drawled, the boredom in his voice as thick as the smoke that hung in the air.


    Luna bristled, ready to argue, but Lily''s hand on her shoulder stopped her. "No, we''re not," she said calmly. "We''re just looking for some information, that''s all."


    The clerk''s eyes flickered between the two of them, his expression unreadable. "If you''re not registered adventurers, I can''t give you any sensitive information," he said, his voice a blend of bureaucratic indifference and a hint of annoyance. Luna''s hand clenched around the hilt of one of her new daggers, but Lily''s grip on her shoulder was firm, a silent command to hold her tongue.


    "We understand," Lily said with a smile that was all teeth and no warmth. "We''ll just have to become adventurers ourselves then, won''t we?" The clerk handed them the paperwork with a sigh, clearly used to eager newcomers.


    The forms were simple enough, asking for their names, ages, and combat specialties. Lily filled hers out with practiced ease, using the name ''Bella'' she had already used with the adventurers in Pala. Luna, however, paused over the paper, her hand hovering above the parchment as she considered what to write. "Just be truthful about your skills," Lily murmured, "and I will take care of the rest."


    After submitting their applications and receiving news of the combat test scheduled for tomorrow, the two left the guild and sought out the local inn. It was a quaint place, the wooden walls adorned with the trophies of past adventurers and the smell of roasting meat wafting from the kitchen. The innkeeper, a portly man with a thick beard and a hearty laugh, gave them a room with a single large bed.


    Luna looked around the cozy room, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of excitement. "Mistress Lily," she began, her voice tentative, "why did you choose these daggers for me?" Lily''s expression grew serious as she placed her own weapon, the black-bladed katana, on the bed beside her. She took the daggers from Luna''s hand and held them up to the moonlight filtering through the window.


    "These," she began, her voice a low purr, "are not mere decoration. They are artifacts of your wolfkin lineage, Luna. They hold a power you are not yet ready to harness. But in time, when your anger and your will are honed sharp as these blades, they will serve you well. For now," she said, placing the weapons gently on the bedside table, "keep them close. They will protect you."


    The room was simple, but the bed was surprisingly comfortable, the scent of fresh straw and clean linen filling the air. Luna felt a strange sense of comfort being so close to Lily, as if the Foxkin''s coldness was a shield that could protect her from the horrors she had seen. They had washed themselves with warm water conjured by Lily''s magic. Luna had felt a blush creep up her neck as she watched Lily, whose own nakedness seemed as natural and innocent as the moon shining outside their window.


    They had settled into the bed, Luna feeling the warmth of Lily''s body beside her. It was a strange sensation, one she had never felt before, but it brought with it a sense of security and belonging that she hadn''t realized she was missing. Luna watched Lily''s chest rise and fall with each deep, even breath, the soft strands of her silver hair a stark contrast against the dark pillow. With a yawn, she closed her eyes and hugged her new mentor and friend as she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.


    In the middle of the night, that peace was shattered. Lily sat up straight, her eyes snapping open with a start. "Mistress?" Luna mumbled sleepily, her eyes fluttering open as she took in the sudden change in the room''s atmosphere.


    "We are surrounded," Lily said in a low, urgent whisper. The hairs on the back of Luna''s neck stood on end as the reality of their situation set in.

 Chapter 7

    Even when she slept, Lily was always aware of her surroundings. So when she felt several people surrounding the inn where she and Luna were sleeping, she immediately became alert. "We''re surrounded," Lily said as she sat up, noticing with an amused smile that Luna was hugging her in her sleep.


    "It''s cute how she thinks I won''t notice." Lily whispered softly.


    Luna, jolted awake by Lily''s sudden movement, immediately became alert and jumped out of bed to gather her weapons and put on her armor. "Surrounded? What''s going on, mistress?" she asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and readiness for battle.


    Luna''s eyes darted from the door to Lily, her heart racing at the sight of Lily''s nakedness, the silver hair framing her alabaster skin like a halo of moonlight. She felt a strange heat in her cheeks, but the gravity of their situation quickly brought her focus back.


    Lily stretched lazily, the fabric of her kimono shimmering into existence around her as she reached for her cursed black katana. The room grew tense as they waited for the next move from their unseen adversaries. Luna''s hand rested on her dagger, the leather-covered hilt cool and familiar in her grip. Lily, on the other hand, remained eerily calm, her eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought. "There are twenty of them, fifteen outside and five approaching our room," she announced, her voice a low purr that seemed to dance in the air.


    The footsteps grew louder, and Luna felt a bead of sweat trickle down her neck. "Mistress," she murmured, "are we going to fight?" Lily''s eyes snapped open, revealing the cold, gleaming steel of her gaze. "Fight?" she mused, her lips curling into a smile that was more predatory than comforting. "Why start a fight when we could have some fun instead?"


    Not long after they made themselves comfortable on the bed, a thunderous knock echoed through the room. "Come in, the door is unlocked," Lily called out with a chilling sweetness that sent a pleasant shiver down Luna''s spine.


    The door to the room was thrown open with such force that it banged against the wall, and a tall, dark-skinned man with a shaved head and a leather vest entered. His muscles bulged under the vest, and a cruel grin spread across his face as he took in the sight of the two young women in the room. He was flanked by four other men, each one looking more menacing than the last, their eyes greedy as they surveyed Lily and Luna.


    "Good evening, young ladies," the man announced, his voice a gravelly rumble that seemed to shake the very floorboards. "My name is John, and I am one of the captains under Draco, boss of the Draco Bandits. We''ve heard that two such lovely creatures have graced our town with their presence, and our boss thought you might enjoy a little... hospitality." His smile widened, revealing a set of crooked, yellowed teeth.


    Luna''s eyes narrowed at the insinuation, but Lily remained calm with a composure that was almost unnerving. "How kind of you to offer," Lily replied, her voice as smooth as a river rock, "but I''m afraid we''re a little busy at the moment. Perhaps another time?"


    One of the thugs at the back of the group snorted and spat on the floor. "Can''t we just take them by force as usual? Maybe we can sample the goods, the pale one looks like a good fuck," he said, eyeing Lily with a leer that made Luna''s blood boil. The tension grew palpable as Luna''s hand tightened around her dagger, eager to rip the man''s throat out, but before she could jump off the bed Lily''s hand was on her head, gently stroking her hair. "Now, now," Lily said to John, looking him dead in the eyes, "there''s no need to act so uncivilized, especially when we''ve just met."


    A sudden sense of dread settled over John, and he said hastily, "Of course not, Miss..."


    "Pardon my manners, I am Lily and this is my friend Luna," she introduced, her smile never reaching her cold, deep eyes.


    John''s men looked around uncertainly, realizing that they might have underestimated their prey. Luna felt the warmth of Lily''s hand on her shoulder, a gentle reassurance that she had not felt since her mother held her as a cub. The leader''s eyes darted to Luna, then back to Lily, his smile slipping just a fraction.


    "Miss Lily," John managed to get out, his voice a mixture of fear and dread, "this man will be dealt with accordingly."


    "Is that so? May I take care of this?" Lily''s smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with a cold excitement that sent shivers down the spines of the remaining bandits.


    John just nodded, his voice refusing to come out.


    With a flick of her wrist, the thug who had spoken so lewdly was yanked into the air, his body contorting as he was bound by invisible shackles made of shadows. His eyes bulged with terror as he struggled against the shadowy bonds. "Luna, darling," Lily said sweetly, her voice a stark contrast to the horror unfolding before them, "would you be a dear and fetch my throwing knives?"


    Luna nodded, her own anger simmering, and moved swiftly to the table where their weapons lay. As she picked them up, the room grew hotter, and the winds grew fiercer. The other bandits watched in horror as the shadows grew around them, the very air seeming to thicken with malice.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    John''s eyes darted around the room, despair setting in as he realized he had underestimated this seemingly delicate woman. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out as the room was filled with the crackling of flames and the howling of the wind. The thug who had spoken so crudely was now a terrifying spectacle, bound by the very shadows that danced around Lily''s form. His eyes were nothing but smoking sockets, and his fingernails were being ripped out by an invisible force, leaving trails of blood.


    Luna''s eyes grew wide with awe and admiration as she watched her mentor, her own anger forgotten in the face of such power. She moved as if in a trance, fetching the throwing knives from the table with trembling hands. The silver blades glinted in the moonlight as she offered them to Lily, who took them with a grace that belied their deadly intent.


    With a flick of her wrist, Lily sent the first knife spinning through the air. It embedded itself in the throat of one of the screaming thugs, silencing him instantly. The second knife followed, striking another in the heart. The remaining two bandits stared, frozen with fear, as the knives returned to Lily''s hand as if pulled by invisible strings.


    John looked on, his heart pounding in his chest. He had seen powerful mages before, but none like Lily. The way she had dispatched his men with such ease was not something he could have expected. The woman''s power was something out of a nightmare, a force that seemed to bend reality to her will.


    "Luna, my dear," Lily spoke in a honeyed voice, placing an index finger under Luna''s chin and guiding her gaze to the bandit, still bound by shadows, "now it''s your turn to show your appreciation for their hospitality."


    With a nod that seemed to release a dam of pent-up rage, Luna stepped forward and wrapped her hand wrapping around the thug''s neck. Her grip tightened, and with a sickening crunch, she tore his throat open, spraying warm blood across the wooden floor. The man''s eyes went wide with shock and pain before his lifeless body hit the ground with a thud.


    John wanted nothing more than to run away, but he knew, he would die before he could take a single step.


    "Wonderful," Lily said, her eyes gleaming with a cold delight, "now that the trash has been taken out," she turned to John, "we would like to accept your boss''s invitation." The bandit captain swallowed hard, his mind racing with the knowledge that he had just signed his own death warrant. He knew the horror that was about to unfold and could only hope to survive long enough to warn Draco.


    John led the way out of the inn, his steps heavy with a newfound fear of the two women he had underestimated so greatly. His men, who had been waiting outside, took one look at him and knew something was off. They saw the fear in their captain''s eyes and the way he held himself, as if he had encountered something far more terrifying than all of their past battles combined.


    "Sir, where are the others?" the thug''s question hung in the air, his eyes darting between Lily and Luna.


    John''s hand was still shaking from the sheer power he had just witnessed. He looked at his subordinate with hollow eyes. "Dead, all of them," he whispered, "and you will wish for a quick death if you get on the bad side of these girls." His voice was a mere echo of his former confidence.


    "What are you talking about? Are you trying to tell us that these two whores¡­" The thug''s words were abruptly cut off when John''s fist connected with his face. The sound of bone crunching echoed through the night, and the thug crumpled to the ground, dead. The remaining bandits took a step back, fear etched on their faces.


    "I am sorry Miss Lily, Miss Luna," John said with a deep bow, his voice quivering, "some of these idiots just don''t know when to shut up."


    "He should be happy that his death was at least painless," Luna said, her voice as cold as the steel of her dagger, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    John nodded, his own fear palpable. "This way," he gestured with a trembling hand, leading them through the dark streets of Naly, the moon casting long, dramatic shadows behind them. They moved swiftly and silently, like ghosts in the night.


    "Now that we have had some fun," Lily said, her voice as cold as the moonlit shadows that clung to the streets of Naly, "I think it''s time to pay your boss a visit."


    John nodded, his face a mask of fear, ordered the bandits to form up and began leading the way to the camp. The journey was tense, filled with the anticipation of what was to come. The men around them were on edge, their eyes darting nervously to Lily and Luna, who walked side by side with an air of confidence that seemed to radiate power.


    "Wouldn''t it be more efficient to just eliminate everyone here and be done with it?" Luna asked curiously, her hand tightly clenched around the hilt of her dagger. The excitement of the kill still lingered in the air, the smell of blood and fear was intoxicating.


    "Patience, Luna," Lily chided gently, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "This Draco seems to be quite the character. Besides, I have a feeling there''s a connection between these bandits kidnapping children in this town and the missing children in the next town. Let''s just have some fun and maybe even get some answers," she whispered, her silver hair fluttering in the breeze as they approached the camp.


    The camp was more like a small town, sprawling with wooden structures that creaked with the whispers of fear and malice. Luna''s nose twitched as she caught the scent of roasting meat and booze, mixed with something much darker¡ªthe sweet scent of fear. Lily''s hand was cool and steady on the small of her back, guiding her through the maze of tents and shackles.


    John led them to a two-story wooden house that stood out among the others. It was the only one that wasn''t weathered and worn, a clear sign of power. The guard at the door eyed them suspiciously before nodding to John. "The boss is waiting," he grunted, and Lily felt a rush of excitement.


    A nod from John was all it took for the second guard ,guarding the stairs, to step aside and allow them to ascend to the second floor. The anticipation grew with every step, and when they reached the top, John knocked on a heavy wooden door with the same trembling hand he had used to silence his men earlier.


    The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room with a large wooden table in the center, surrounded by shadows dancing in the candlelight. A figure emerged from the gloom, and Luna felt her excitement building as she recognized the man from the tavern sketches. This was Draco, the fearsome leader of the bandits.


    "Boss, I brought the ones you wanted to see," John said with a voice that barely concealed his trepidation. He bowed low, his eyes darting nervously between Lily and Draco.


    Lily leaned her head on Luna''s shoulder and whispered, "Well, isn''t that interesting¡­" Luna couldn''t help but feel a shiver of excitement as she watched Lily''s expression transform from cold indifference to playful curiosity.

 Chapter 8

    Eric Drake, known to most as Draco, leader of the Draco Bandits, sat at his desk, the candlelight casting deep shadows across his furrowed brow as he pored over the latest reports of their raids. A knock at the door drew his attention away from the reports. It was John, one of his raid captains,looking paler than usual, followed by the two women he had been waiting for. The first, a red-haired vixen, was dressed in black leather armor with two gleaming daggers at her hips. Her eyes were sharp, and she moved with the grace of a predator before standing protectively in front of the other woman. It was the second woman, however, who caught his attention. She was pale, with long silver hair and wore an elegant black kimono and carried a snow-white katana at her side that seemed almost ethereal.


    He studied them more closely before his eyes met those of the silver-haired woman and he felt a sudden sense of dread. He snapped out of it when she spoke, her voice seeming to chill the very air in the room. "Well, this is interesting," she said, a grin playing on her lips before turning to John, "John, thank you for escorting us here, but now it is time for you to leave," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    John, his fear of Draco forgotten in the face of the much more terrifying woman in front of him, practically sprinted out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him. The guards outside didn''t dare to enter, knowing better than to disturb their leader during a meeting.


    Draco took a deep breath and composed himself. "I think introductions are in order," he began, his voice steady despite the fear that still lingered. "I am Eric Drake, but you can call me Draco, as I''ve been known for a long time.""I am Lily and this is my dear friend Luna." Luna nodded, her hand still on the hilt of her dagger, her eyes never leaving Draco''s face.


    "Now that we got to know each other, I would love to hear the story behind this little rendezvous," Lily said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "How did you manage to track us down? And why, pray tell, did you extend such a... ''warm'' invitation?


    Before Draco could answer, Lily looked him deep in the eyes and added, "And don''t lie to me, or I will...," Lily made a gesture with her hand, like she was grabbing something above her head and breaking it off.


    At that, Draco turned very pale and started to back away from his desk, his hands raised in a pleading gesture. "W-what are you? How did you¡­?" he stuttered.


    "How I found out that you are a Dragonkin? Your disguise spell may have been sufficient to fool your simple-minded bandits and the townsfolk, but I can see through such trivial illusions," Lily replied, a hint of pride in her voice as she revealed her true form. Her nine tails swished behind her, each gleaming with the light of a full moon, her ears stood proudly on top of her head, and her eyes shimmered with an inner darkness that seemed to pierce the very soul of the man before her.


    Draco''s eyes widened in shock and the room seemed to close in on him as Lily revealed her true nature. "A kitsune... and a nine-tailed one at that..." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "The world must really hate me to send me a ghost from a long forgotten past." He leaned back in his chair, all the bluster and bravado draining from his posture.


    "A ghost from a long forgotten past?" Lily''s curiosity was piqued.


    "How much do you know about your kind and their history, girl?" Draco''s question hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in the guise of innocence.


    "Nothing," Lily replied, her voice as sharp as the edge of a freshly sharpened blade. "I grew up all alone in a forest on the edge of the kingdom, not even knowing how I got there. Just me, the trees, the moon above and the whispers of the wind." Her eyes searched Draco''s face for any hint of doubt, but his expression remained neutral.


    With a sigh Draco leaned forward in his seat and began his story, "About 200 years ago the Beastkin lived together in a vast kingdom, free from discrimination and ruled by benevolent rulers, your kind, the Foxkin tribe. They were renowned for their unparalleled magical power, rivaled only by the ancient dragons, and their benevolence. This benevolence was also what brought their eventual downfall, for even then the humans were already hunting our kind for slaves and the "materials" from our bodies. Instead of fighting back, these fools tried to make peace with the humans. Foxkin are extremely rare even back then, so when they were called to peace talks, they all went. After that, only one was ever seen again, the youngest princess. Her ears and tail were cut off, and she was forced to bear the emperor''s child before she too was killed. With her last breath, she cursed his bloodline, telling him that one day, someone would come and put an end to it. The kitsune blood is also the reason why, to this day, there are so many powerful mages in the Emperor''s bloodline, but they are only ever able to have one child. After all of your kind were wiped out, the kingdom quickly fell apart in a power struggle over who would lead us. The ancient dragons had no interest in politics, and all the other clans thought they were the best to lead us, which led to animosity between the clans. When the humans realized what was going on, they seized the opportunity to launch an all-out attack. Our defenses, weakened by the infighting, were quickly overwhelmed. Some of us managed to escape, but most of us were either killed or taken as slaves. As the Empire grows in power, there are fewer and fewer free Beastkin; most are born into slavery and will know nothing else until they die."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Lily, after listening to the end of the story till the end, looked at Draco with disgust. "They sound like weak, spineless idiots, if someone attacked me and mine, the only fate awaiting them would be a slow, gruesome death," she said, her voice as sharp as the blades of the wind she could summon. Luna nodded in agreement, "If anyone dared to touch Mistress Lily, I would first torture and kill everyone they love before torturing them to death," she growled, her eyes burning with the fury of a thousand suns.


    "Maybe they were naive, but at the very least, they gave us hope for a future without bloodshed. Even today, some Beastfolk parents tell their children about the Foxkin and the long-lost Beastfolk Kingdom." Draco''s words hung in the air, a melancholic echo of a time long gone.


    At that, Lily turned to look at Luna with a raised eyebrow, her expression a silent question. Luna met her gaze with a nod, confirming Draco''s words. "It is true, mistress, that is how I knew what you were when we first met and that you were very powerful," she said, her voice tinged with admiration.


    "Thank you for the history lesson, but I think it is time to get back on topic, why did you invite us to your base and how did you know we were in this inn? If I am correct, you have someone in that town who informs you when young women enter the town. If they follow your invitation, you capture them here and probably sell them as slaves, and if they don''t follow your invitation, you just take them by force since the whole town is afraid of you anyway. Correct?" Lily asked.


    Draco nodded solemnly. "You''re right about everything except one thing, I don''t have just one informant in Naly, the whole town is my informant. In the beginning, they sold their daughters to me for protection, but after they were all gone, they started selling young women traveling through their town. In your case, it was the guild receptionist who informed us of two young women who wanted to become adventurers and would be easy targets." His voice was thick with defeat as he spoke the truth, knowing full well the fate that awaited him for his actions.


    Luna''s grip on her dagger tightened, her eyes burning with anger at the revelation. "How can you live with yourself, knowing that you are tearing families apart?" she spat, her voice trembling with the rage of a thousand betrayals.


    Before Luna could act on her rage, Lily put a hand on her shoulder, "Calm down, we need answers before we act." Then she turned back to Draco with a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Just one more question, who are you selling the young women to?"


    Draco''s gaze dropped to the floor and his shoulders slumped. "Count Victor in Taly," he murmured, the name bringing a fresh wave of anger into the room. "He bought most of them. Some have been sold to brothels, but always different ones." The admission hung in the air, a stark reminder of the horrors the people were capable of.


    "And what does he do with them?" Luna''s voice was low and dangerous as she stepped forward.


    "I don''t know what he wants them for, I have actually never spoken to the man himself. I was approached by a servant bearing the seal of his house. Each transaction went as follows: A servant bearing the Count''s seal would arrive in a carriage, inspect the goods, hand over the money and leave with the goods," Draco''s voice cracked as he tried to defend himself, his eyes flickering between the two powerful women.


    "Thank you for the information, but you still have to be punished for disturbing Luna''s cuddle time," Lily said with a wink to Luna, whose face turned red in seconds as she stammered, "C-Cuddle time? I, I don''t know what you''re talking about, mistress, I swear! I would never..."


    Ignoring Luna''s protests with an affectionate chuckle, Lily turned her full attention back to Draco, "Isn''t she just too cute?" she mused, her smile reaching her cold, silver eyes for the first time since they had entered his office. "But let''s not let her innocence distract us from the matter at hand." She paused, allowing the silence to stretch out like a tightrope, before continuing, "Your punishment will be fun. It will be¡­"

 Bad news

    Hello dear readers,


    Today I come with some bad news. I hurt my shoulder during training and have to take a little break from writing, I will try to get next week''s chapter out on time, but the one after that(28.01.2025) will probably be delayed by a week.


    I am very sorry and hope you have a great week,


    Shiro                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

 Chapter 9

    "...the death of every person in this camp, the men, the women, the children, the elderly and even the slaves. Everyone will die by your hands." Lily''s smile grew wider, almost too wide for her face, and in her eyes, just for a fraction of a second, there was a darkness that was darker and deeper than the deepest abyss. Terrified by what he saw in those eyes, Draco started to back away from her.


    Luna, who had seen the look on Lily''s face, started to giggle, before she burst out laughing madly, "All of this over some cuddles?" Her laughter was a melodious sound to Lily''s ears and brought a smile to her face.


    "I planned to wipe them all out anyway, this my dear Luna is just a little bonus for you. I know you are still angry that those idiots interrupted you. " Lily said, winking at Luna.


    Hearing them speak so casually about killing hundreds of people, even children, made Draco realize just what kind of people, no, monsters, he was dealing with. He grew paler by the second and panic began to cloud his mind, "BUT WHY? WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU? WHAT HAVE MY PEOPLE DONE TO YOU? I EVEN ANSWERED ALL YOUR FUCKING QUESTIONS!" he shouted, his fear starting to turn to rage, "AND WHY, BY THE DAMNED GODS, DO YOU THINK I WOULD DO ANYTHING YOU SAY, YOU STUPID BITCH!"


    "What gave you the illusion that you had a choice? This camp and all its inhabitants will cease to exist at the end of this day, and while it would take me no more than a snap of my fingers to do it, it''s just more entertaining for us to have you do it," Lily, not at all bothered by Draco''s screaming, said in an almost dismissive tone, "As for why we are doing this? You are working with the Empire, more specifically with Count Victor, who I have chosen as my next target. Besides, you and your people are no better than the Empire."


    "DON''T COMPARE ME TO THAT GARBAGE! AND WHAT ABOUT YOU? YOU ARE WORSE THAN ALL OF US," Draco tried to lunge himself at Lily, but found himself unable to move, shadowy tendrils wrapped around his limbs and body, holding him in place. He tried to break free, but the more he struggled, the more they seemed to drain his strength until he was unable to put up a fight.


    "YOU ARE A MONSTER, YOU DON''T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING BUT YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN GOALS!" he shouted at Lily before turning to Luna, "HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE SHE THROWS YOU AWAY BECAUSE SHE LOST INTEREST IN YOU OR THINKS IT WOULD BE MORE ENTERTAINING TO SEE YOU DIE!"


    "You''re wrong about one thing," Lily said as she walked behind Luna and embraced her from behind, "While I am indeed a monster, but I do care about what belongs to me," she put a hand on Luna''s cheek and turned her face so that she was looking at her, "Now, Luna dear, be a good girl and kindly shut him up, I''m tired of his ramblings. But don''t kill him, he still needs to be able to carry out his punishment."


    Luna, who had lost herself in the depths of Lily''s beautiful eyes, nodded and made her way to Draco, "Of course, anything you wish, mistress." Standing in front of him, she unsheathed her claws and sliced through his cheeks, blood running down his jaw and dripping onto the wooden floor. A painful scream escaped Draco''s lips before Luna rammed her hand into his mouth, breaking several teeth, after which she leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Now your filthy mouth will no longer be able to defile my lovely mistress," before pulling her hand down and ripping out his tongue and lower jaw. The scent of blood and fear began to mix with something else and when Luna glanced down she saw what it was, "Disgusting, this fucking pig pissed himself," she looked at him like he was nothing more than dirt. Luna kicked him in the crotch with all her strength and heard something pop before the clear puddle between his legs slowly started to turn red.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Draco had made one very fatal mistake, he thought Luna was just a meek follower because of her silent nature, not realizing her true nature as a predator, just waiting to kill her prey as soon as they let their guard down. Now, he realized too late, this girl, no, this beast, is just as crazy, if not crazier, than her mistress.


    With a wave of her hand, Lily stopped the flow of blood from his missing jaw so Draco wouldn''t bleed out and die before he had the chance to entertain them some more and fulfill his role. She walked over to them, patted Luna on the head and scratched her behind her ears, "Well done, good girl," she purred into Luna''s ear, causing a jolt of pleasure to run down her spine. She unsheathed her cursed weapon, but instead of striking Draco down, she pressed her katana into his hand and then threw him out the window onto the street below. The audible shattering of glass, especially coming from the building Draco used as his home and office, and the loud thud of his body impacting the ground drew the attention of the people on the street.


    "Oh my god, is that Draco?"


    "What the fuck happened?"


    "Call the guards, the boss was attacked!"


    "Get the doctor over here! Quickly!"


    Hearing the screams coming from the street below, Lily tapped her foot on the wooden floor and the wall with the window she threw Draco through changed into a large balcony with a wooden throne on it. The throne was black in colour with carvings depicting foxes and wolves, the right armrest was shaped like the head of a cunning fox, while the right one looked like the head of an angry wolf. She walked over to the cupboard behind Draco''s desk and took a bottle of what looked like expensive liquor and two glasses from it before sitting down on her throne. Lily placed the bottle and glasses on a table next to the throne before pouring some of the liquor into the glasses.


    Luna walked over and positioned herself behind the throne as Lily turned to her, with a hint of mischief in her eyes, "What are you doing? Come here and sit down."


    Confused, Luna looked at her and stated, "But mistress, there is only one chair. If I were to sit down... it would have to be...on your...your..." Luna blushed furiously as she began to stutter and trailed off before she could finish her sentence.


    "On my lap, correct. Now come over here, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show with me," the smile on Lily''s face was a bit teasing, but mostly genuine.


    "O-o-ok..." Luna stammered before hesitantly making her way around the throne and nervously sitting down on Lily''s lap.


    Lily wrapped her arms around Luna''s waist and whispered in her ear, "You know, if you want something like this, or to sleep in my embrace, all you just have to do is ask. You are not a slave, you are my partner in this fight against the world. You will never know if you will live to see another day, so be honest with yourself and take what you desire. When your time comes, you should have lived a life without regrets."


    Hearing these words, Luna turned sideways on Lily''s lap and looked into her eyes, "What about you, mistress?"


    "My case is different...besides, I am already living true to my desires, I take what I want, kill whoever I want to kill and and do whatever I want," as Lily said this, her eyes darkened for a moment and Luna thought she saw something in the depths of those eyes...loneliness?


    Thinking that she was probably mistaken, Luna turned back around and leaned against Lily, sighing at the comfort she felt in her beloved mistress'' arms, "Mistress...I think he is starting to wake up."

 Chapter 10

    Down on the street, Draco''s unconscious body was now surrounded by a group of what looked like elite guards, wearing full armor that set itself apart from the armor of the other guards by its color and also by the fact that it had an emblem depicting a dragon on its breastplate. One of them had a red feather on his helmet, probably their leader, for while most of the guards, even these elite ones, were armed with either swords or spears paired with shields, he had two daggers at his sides and a giant blade, almost as tall as he was, on his back.


    Another guard who had gone to fetch the camp''s healer returned, followed by a petite woman of about 160cm dressed in dirty rags that looked like they had once been a beautiful white dress suitable for a noblewoman, and bound by chains with faintly glowing symbols engraved all over them around her hands, feet, and neck, the guard dragged her along by a leash attached to the metal collar around her neck to where the severely injured Draco still lay unconscious. What made Lily pause and raise an eyebrow were the woman''s ears and her hair, her hair was long, almost down to her waist, and every strand looked like it was made of pure gold, and her ears were long and pointed, the woman was an elf. Judging by her appearance, a pure-blooded noble.


    While the guard escorting the healer spoke to his fellow guards to announce the arrival of the healer, Lily''s thoughts were interrupted by Luna''s voice, "Mistress...I think he is strating to wake up." Hearing this, Lily turned her attention back to Draco and noticed that he was indeed starting to regain consciousness; seeing this, Lily decided that it was time for their entertainment to begin. Amplifying her voice with magic, Lily addressed the entire camp,


    "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, old and young, free and bound, it gives me great pleasure to announce that you have all been chosen to entertain me and my partner this fine evening. The rules are simple: Soon a monster will awaken in your midst and begin to slaughter all of you, if you survive until sunrise you will be free to go. To keep things interesting and give everyone an equal chance, I will free all the slaves currently held in this camp from their shackles and cages. Now, let the fun begin! Struggle, cry, scream, despair, and most importantly: ENTERTAIN US!"


    POV ELLEN


    When the guard came to pick me up today for the daily healing of the wounded bandits I was forced to do, I knew immediately that something was different, the streets were almost empty and the guards seemed to be on high alert. Another sign that something was very wrong was that instead of being led to the tents where the wounded bandits were resting, I was led to the house where that bastard Draco, the leader of these sick assholes, resides. When we arrived at the scene, I saw something I could only ever dream about until now, Draco, surrounded by his personal guards, lying on the street, badly injured and unconscious.


    While the guard who had escorted me here was talking to his colleagues, I couldn''t supress my grin anymore and prayed to whoever did this that the damned motherfucker would finally rot in hell. Suddenly, a loud voice was heard throughout the camp, sending shivers down my spine,


    "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, old and young, free and bound, it gives me great pleasure to announce that you have all been chosen to entertain me and my partner this fine evening. The rules are simple: Soon a monster will awaken in your midst and begin to slaughter all of you, if you survive until sunrise you will be free to go. To keep things interesting and give everyone an equal chance, I will free all the slaves currently held in this camp from their shackles and cages. Now, let the fun begin! Struggle, cry, scream, despair, and most importantly: ENTERTAIN US!"


    When I turned in the direction the voice came from, I saw her, a woman so beautiful that she could only be described as a goddess, her long silver hair shining like the moonlight itself, the elegant kimono that hugged her body like living, wavering shadows, and her cold silver eyes that looked as if they could freeze your very soul were all captivating, but to me the most stunning thing about her was how she proudly displayed her ears and tails for everyone to see, not caring at all what mere mortals thought.


    She sat on her throne like everything and everyone was beneath her and she was born to rule over everything. On her lap sat a woman who, though not quite on the same level, was still very beautiful and also proudly displayed her Beastkin features. She had short, fiery red hair, wore black leather armor that hugged her curves in a very flattering way, and her eyes told of a predator that loves to see her prey suffer.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.While it was easy to identify the second woman as a wolfkin, she had no idea what tribe the other woman belonged to, but one thing was for sure, they were very powerful if they could just walk into this camp, severely injure Draco and start some kind of game with the people here just for their morbid entertainment. While I was still processing everything that was happening around me, my eyes met those of the nine-tailed woman, she smiled at me and in the next moment all my shackles and chains fell to the ground, I was finally free.


    In my euphoria I forgot one crucial point until I heard a sound that sent waves of dread through my body, a roar that sounded like pure madness, followed by a series of wet thuds and some kind of liquid hitting my back.


    When I looked in the direction the sound came from, I was greeted by the bloody scene of a massacre, Draco, his head now sporting horns, his hands turned into claws and with scales all over his skin, was wielding a bloody blade that radiated pure madness. All around him, the corpses of the guards who had protected his unconscious form only moments before now lay bisected at the waist. Blood spurted from their remains, painting everything in the vicinity red, while the once-proud bandit leader began to laugh like a madman.


    Understanding what the woman meant when she said "monster," I made a split-second decision.


    What very few people know is that there are two types of magic that can be used to heal someone: the "natural" kind, whose sole purpose is to heal and can''t be used for anything else, and the "unnatural" kind, which can be achieved through a very high mastery of blood magic.


    This fact is largely unknown, as bloodmages are considered a threat by most races and are killed as soon as they are found, since once they reach a certain level of mastery over their affinity, they become almost immortal. They can survive almost anything as long as there is enough blood, can control and even stop their aging, and can even control the blood of most living things around them.


    Luckily for me, my kind of healing magic belongs to the second type, so I used my blood magic to reverse the blood flow of the guard standing next to me, destroying all his organs and making him bleed from every possible orifice. I collected the blood from the dead guard''s body before shaping it into two blood arrows and launching them at two more guards, piercing their heads and killing them instantly before I turned my eyes to the camp''s main exit.


    Many people, especially the non-combatants, seemed to have the same idea, but as soon as the first ones reached the exit, the mysterious woman spoke again, her voice full of mock hurt, "You want to leave before the show is over? After all the effort I put into making this evening as enjoyable as possible? You hurt my feelings." In the next moment, a dome of pure darkness settled over the entire camp, plunging everything into an abyssal darkness before a cold silver light restored my ability to see.


    Looking up, I thought I had lost my mind, but there it was, a moon, hovering at the highest point of the dome. "Rule number two for our little game: Get too close to one of the exits and you will share the fate of these poor souls," the woman sitting on the throne said as she played with the fluffy tail of the wolfkin woman sitting on her lap, pointing to the main exit of the camp, "and as punishment for interrupting our entertainment, you will not only have to survive, but also kill five of your comrades, slaves will have to kill five slaves, guards will have to kill five guards, civilians will have to kill their own children, and children will have to kill their parents."


    In a state of shock after hearing her words, I looked towards the main gate and what I saw there made me realize just how hopeless the situation truly was, either we followed her rules and had a chance, however minimal, to survive or we would die a gruesome death at the hands of a being whose true power I couldn''t even begin to imagine.


    The scene at the main gate was one of nightmares, the women were impaled by stone spears that rose from the ground, those who died instantly were the lucky ones as the stone spears began to emit a very intense heat that cooked the woman who survived the initial impalement alive.


    The man seemed to melt from the inside out until they turned into puddles on the ground, screaming in pure agony but unable to lose consciousness or die.


    The elderly were seized by invisible hands and their bones crushed before they were folded like clean clothes.


    The children were assaulted by ferocious winds that stripped away layer after layer of their skin until only their skeletons remained.


    Unable to look away, I was certain of one thing: if I wanted to survive this game, I would have to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost.


    This was going to be a very long night, and it had only just begun.