Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 34: Embrace the Beast Within

Jo's Point of View

"This is where we need to enter, as per Selene," Wesley observed while we examined the area near the magical border.

"We must remain hidden to avoid detection by the pilot before their arrival," Eyrx noted.

"I can blend in with my alternate form, and you can easily take cover behind me, Luna Jo," Eyrx added anxiously.

"Is it safe for you to be in that form near Jo?" Wesley inquired, his concern evident.

"I believe so. I would never intentionally harm my friend," Eyrx replied honestly.

"But there's still a possibility," Wesley muttered, looking troubled.

"There's always a chance, but the Moon Goddess assured me that the mark I bear prevents me from causing harm to those I hold dear," Eyrx reassured.

"Eyrx, I trust you. Wesley, I believe I could defend myself and the babies if needed. I'm not worried, and you know I'm not one to be overly confident," I stated firmly.

Wesley just looked at me and sighed.

"According to the information obtained by Argus and relayed to Selene, we expect a Boeing V-22 Osprey to depart from the Collective headquarters at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Six passengers will be on board, armed with standard weaponry, including silver bullets infused with wolfsbane. Only Argus, Elara, and Taryn can cross the magical border. The other three operatives and the pilot are to be eliminated. They must not leave the area alive. Another team is being sent in to destroy the Dark Moon Pack, but only after Argus has confirmed that both of you are with him," Wesley revealed.

"So, by adopting an offensive approach, we will catch them off guard and maintain the secrecy of our location within the group," I responded.

The success of this plan relies on everything running smoothly and Eyrx and you evading capture, my wolf Rica noted.

"Don't worry, Luna Jo. When I tap into the monster within me, they won't stand a chance against us," Eyrx reassured, noticing my concern that I couldn't quite conceal.

"What about the bodies, though?" I asked, wondering how we would dispose of them.

"I'll take care of that," Eyrx muttered.

When I glanced at him in question, he blushed.

"Please don't ask. Trust me, you don't want to know," Eyrx grimaced.

"I think Aralia and I should be involved in this as well. We could be on the other side of the magical barrier with Alpha Felix. I know it would put your mind at ease if we were, Jo," Wesley said softly.

I nodded, picturing the Boeing V-22 Osprey and contemplating how the operatives would disembark. Would there be a specific order for their exit strategy? It seemed probable that Taryn and Elara would stick near Argus and be the first to leave. My plan involved using air manipulation to neutralize them. Dealing with them individually was feasible, but with three moving swiftly, what about the pilot? The pilot could utilize a machine gun from the rear loading ramp. The situation presented too many potential risks.

"What if the aircraft never landed? What if it crashed?" I pondered, nervously biting my lip.

Wesley asked, "What's on your mind?"

"I'm concerned about causing harm in the forest. Is there a spot nearby where I could potentially steer the aircraft?" I mused. "Having Felix by my side would strengthen my abilities. By timing our actions carefully, we could increase the likelihood of a crash," I explained.

"Please share your vision of how this could unfold," Wesley urged, indicating that he was listening intently.

"I propose generating a severe storm around the aircraft, with strong winds, lightning, and even hail, to disturb the pilot's control. Additionally, Aralia could employ her abilities to protect the forest, limiting any potential aircraft damage," I suggested.

Eyrx spoke softly, "Luna Jo, I apologize, but I must urge you to rethink this. It jeopardizes Argus, Seraphina's brother. I cannot, in good conscience, support anything that might harm him. Seraphina would never forgive us if her brother suffered because of our actions."

I nodded. He was right. It put the three we needed to help escape at further risk. I sighed. I was going to have to be fast to disarm the three operatives that posed a threat to all of us.

"Can I suggest something?" Eyrx asked.

I replied with a slight smile, "Please go ahead."

"You feel as though you must disarm all three of the operatives. What if I were to be the one to attack them, and you remain hidden, using your elemental powers to assist me instead of the other way around?" Eyrx said.

I scrutinized him carefully. Despite the significant risks he would take, Eyrx appeared confident that it would succeed.

"I assisted her when Seraphina was eliminating the various operatives as the Hunter Foundation came through the forest. I disarmed and destroyed any who approached her. I'm fast, and I guarantee that the element of surprise when they see me will only enhance our attack," Eyrx revealed.

"So that there are no surprises tomorrow, I think you need to see my other form now," Eyrx sighed as he ran his hands through his dark brown hair. His gorgeous face was contorted with worry and anguish as he feared what we would think of him.

"Eyrx, you're my friend. I can't promise I won't be terrified when I see your other form, but I trust you. I know you won't hurt me," I said.

Eyrx sought confirmation from Wesley, and my protector and mentor nodded in agreement. Wesley moved beside me and took my hand in his own. Eyrx looked at us sadly for a moment, then walked slowly to an area of the forest that would give him privacy while he transformed. When my friend emerged, I thought I was prepared for the sight, but there was no way I could have been. Wesley gripped my hand tightly while we maintained stoic expressions, but our hearts beat furiously in our chests with absolute terror.

A tall, skeletal being confronted us, its eyes glowing ominously. The air turned frigid as the icy aura emanating from its heart enveloped us, making our breath visible in the chilling mist. His fingers ended in sharp claws that resembled talons. With an eerie, almost ghostly elegance, he moved soundlessly, seamlessly merging into the forest's shadows. His mouth was filled with serrated, ragged teeth, able to tear through flesh and bone with even more devastating proficiency than our wolves could.

"What are you?" Wesley asked nervously.

The being looked at us with a hint of sadness before responding to Wesley, "A monster," in a voice filled with malice.

I shook my head, meeting the creature's gaze directly. "No, you are a part of Eyrx. You are my friend," I stated firmly.