The last saint (Guardians of Red moon city #5) {In Progress}

Chapter 4

As I trudge forward with my weary body, the frigid air seeps deep into my bones, chilling me to the core. The arrival of autumn is unmistakable, and I pray that Little Light beside me won’t succumb to the harsh cold on our journey to freedom. Despite my best efforts to keep her warm, my own body temperature drops with each passing moment, making it increasingly challenging to provide her with the necessary heat. Unlike werewolves or vampires, witches like myself are not immune to the effects of temperature. Like humans, we are as vulnerable to the cold as we are to the heat.

As you are human, you are likely well aware of how temperature impacts your body. With their naturally high body heat, werewolves can withstand the extreme cold but don’t fare as well in the heat. Conversely, vampires are the opposite, thriving in the warmth while struggling in the cold. As we continue our journey, I think about how Little Light may not be able to endure the harsh winds for much longer. We must find shelter to protect ourselves from the cold and rest for a while. I, for one, am feeling the strain of our travels.

My body is weary, and my legs struggle to carry us forward. Every step now requires a great deal of effort, and I fear that if we don’t stop soon, we may be unable to continue on our path. Every moment feels like a battle, with danger lurking around every corner. I can’t let my guard down even for a second, as I must always be ready to defend and protect. The constant anxiety and fear have taken a toll on me, leaving me constantly on edge and unable to focus. Every little sound sends shivers down my spine, reminding me of the ever-present threat.

And yet, I know that I can’t keep up this pace forever. My body is exhausted, and my mind is overwhelmed by the constant stress. I worry about Little Light, the one I’m trying to protect. How long can I keep her safe before my body shuts down and I’m no longer able to fight? As I trudge through the dense undergrowth, I can feel my body growing weaker with every step. I know that I'm not invincible, and I can't afford to use too much of my magic reserve, as my parents might be able to track me down. Despite this, I'm desperate to find a hiding place.

I'm caught between two choices - either we push on towards the city and put ourselves out of harm's way, or we stop to rest and risk being found. In my mind, I know we should keep moving, but my body is too exhausted to go on any further. When we finally stumble upon a small farming village, I know we need to rest, preferably in a cozy bed somewhere. My breathing is heavy and labored as I struggle to navigate through the thick tufts of grass, and I trip and stumble more times than I care to admit. The simple act of breathing feels like an arduous task, my surroundings a blur as my body sways unsteadily with each step.

It's as if I'm under the influence of some potent drug. Upon reaching the muddy country road, I find myself collapsing to my knees, unable to regain my footing. My vision is hazy, and the words of a man who leans in to speak to me are lost in a jumbled mess. As he turns to call out for help, a woman rushes over, attempting to communicate with me to no avail. My mind is too exhausted to decipher her words, leaving me unable to respond. As I gaze down at little Light, my eyelids begin to droop with exhaustion. I know that the precious bundle in my arms needs me, but my body aches for rest.

"I must rest, just a little bit," I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper.

I close my eyes, allowing the darkness to envelop me, even as the weight of my responsibilities tugs at my heartstrings.

---

As I slowly open my eyes, I feel the warmth of a soft bed and the weight of a thick blanket covering me. However, my peace is short-lived as my body is immediately filled with panic when I realize that I must have fallen asleep and lost track of Little Light. As I try to move, I feel a soft snoring coming from inside my sweater. My heart skips a beat as I look down and see Little Light’s wolf shape lying on my chest, peacefully asleep. I feel relieved that no one has taken her away from me. Trying to stay as still as possible, I realize I’m in an unfamiliar place.

The environment feels ancient, as if I’ve traveled back in time for hundreds of years. The furnishings in the room are old-fashioned, with wooden furniture and dim lighting. I can’t help but wonder how I ended up in this peculiar place and what other mysteries it holds. As I lay in my single bed, I can’t help but notice the rustic yet modern decor of the room. The family that owns this place seems self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables and raising their own livestock. However, they haven’t wholly forsaken modern amenities like electricity and indoor plumbing.

Despite these modernities, the room still feels warm and inviting, with a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to come by. Looking around, I see a simple chest of drawers next to the door, a bedside table beside my bed, and an armchair in the corner by the window. The armchair is accompanied by a floor lamp that casts a warm glow across the room. The family living here must either be minimalists or run an inn, and I’m inclined to believe the latter. As I think about it, it seems unimaginable that a family could live so simply in this day and age. Although I’m not an all-knowing person, I find it hard to believe anything else.

As I stroke Little Light’s furry cheek, she immediately opens her bright eyes and begins to shower me with affectionate kisses. She behaves like an adorable little puppy in this particular form, and I can’t help but be amused by her playful antics. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts our little moment of bonding. I quickly get out of bed, clutching the blanket tightly around me. With a loud voice, I invite the person to come in. The woman who enters is the same one I had met earlier. She’s wearing an apron and a bonnet, and her warm smile puts me at ease immediately.

Despite having just met her, I sense a familiar and friendly energy emanating from her. It’s like reconnecting with an old friend after two decades.

“Good evening, my name is Hellevi, and I run this inn. Can I come in for a moment?” she asks with a kind smile on her lips, and I nod.

I intently observe her every move, ready to pounce at any moment if the need arises. Despite my initial impression of her being a gentle soul, I’m not willing to take any chances regarding Little Light’s safety. Hellevi settles into the comfortable armchair, crossing one leg over the other before delicately placing her hands in her lap, clasped together. As I stand there before her, the woman’s gentle voice offers a sense of comfort.

“You have nothing to fear here,” she assured me. “We aren’t out to harm either you or your companion. All we want is to know where you’re from and how come such a young girl is in the same condition you were when we found you?”

As I listen to her speak in a gentle tone, her words seem to touch a raw nerve within me, instantly making me feel exposed and vulnerable. While I know she means well, I can’t help but feel like a clam, instinctively retreating into my shell to protect myself. The truth is, I barely know her, and I can’t blindly trust anyone who shows up in my life without a second thought, regardless of how friendly and kind they may appear. Besides, Hellevi has no role to play in this matter, no matter how much she tries to help. The safety of Little Light takes precedence over everything else, and nothing can alter that.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” she asks with a smile on her lips after studying me in silence for several minutes. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I just wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help you. Given that you fell asleep as soon as your head landed on my lap, I took it for granted that you have traveled a long way, and behind every journey, there’s an adventure, one of a kind. In addition, you’re too thinly dressed to be out in this cold weather and also look underweight. As a parent, it hurts me to see someone so young get hurt. I hope my words don’t offend you, as it isn’t my meaning.”

As I contemplate my next move, I am conflicted about whether or not to remain silent. Despite my indecision, I can’t help but feel grateful for the kindness that Hellevi has shown me. She has gone above and beyond to ensure my safety, even though she had no obligation to do so. As someone who has experienced a great deal of hardship in life, I can’t help but wonder if it would be beneficial to have a friend by my side. Perhaps someone who isn’t familiar with my past and hasn’t been forced to forget about me and move on.

“Thank you for helping me,” I whisper, and she smiles softly at me.

“It was a real pleasure to be helpful,” she replies, and I smile back. “But you must be starving by now, and I want to invite you to dinner with my family. We live here in the inn. I would be delighted if you and your companion would participate.”

“I appreciate the gesture, but I can only afford to pay for the room for one night, and I–”

“Nonsense, you were in need of help, and business is rolling on unusually well without your money, dear,” she replies, and I wonder if this is how a mother is supposed to be with her child because this is the feeling she gives me.

“Thank you, I’d be happy to,” I answer finally, and she shines like a sun in a cloudy sky.

“Perfect! I’ll be right back with some clothes you can borrow until we get yours washed,” she says and walks towards the door before she turns around at the last second. “Do you prefer a dress or pants and a shirt?”

“I’d like a pair of pants and a shirt, please,” I answer, and she nods before leaving me.

As I settle down on the bed, I let out a deep sigh, trying to ease the tension that’s been building up inside me. My gaze falls on Little Light, my faithful companion, who’s been with me through thick and thin. But now, as we face the unknown, I can’t help but wonder if I’m making a mistake. I can’t say for sure how big of a mistake, but the fear of the unknown is gnawing at me. Will we survive the night? The uncertainty is overwhelming, and I can’t shake off the feeling of dread that’s been haunting me. Then there’s Hellevi, who’s been nothing but kind and benevolent so far.

But can I trust her completely? Is she really who she claims to be or a hidden threat? The thought of being betrayed sends shivers down my spine. I hope the family members are as kind and compassionate as Hellevi. But with all the stress I’ve been experiencing lately, I’m unsure if I can manage to control my temper if things go awry. As I hold the wolf girl in my arms, I can’t help but feel a sense of purpose. Her little pink tongue stretches and licks my nose, making me smile. However, as I look into her bright eyes, a sense of uncertainty washes over me. She is all I have now, my only responsibility.

“What shall we do, Little Light? What’s my next move once I’ve completed my assignment?”

The unknown future hangs heavy on my mind, and I can’t help but wonder if I am ready for what’s to come. I long to alter my mission, but it’s beyond my control. The stakes are too high for me to deviate from my path. My mind is racing with thoughts, but I’m interrupted as Hellevi enters the room carrying a pile of freshly laundered clothes.

“We’re having our meal in half an hour. I’ll be waiting for you by the stairs. Take your time and join us when you feel ready,” she says gently while exiting the room.

I enter the bathroom, exhausted and dripping with sweat. My eyes light up joyfully when I notice the shower in the left corner. My faithful companion curls up like a contented cat on the bathroom rug. Without wasting time, I strip off my dirty clothes and step into the warm shower that feels like a divine gift. The hot water cascades down on me, massaging my aching muscles and washing away all the grime and dust accumulated on my skin during my travels. The sensation is so blissful that I almost wish to remain here forever. But I don’t want to be discourteous to Hellevi, who has kindly invited me to her house for dinner.

Therefore, I hurry to shampoo my hair and apply conditioner to the tips, savoring the refreshing scent of the body wash that transports me to a summery paradise. As I step into the shower, the white foam quickly turns gray, and I suddenly realize how dirty my skin is. But thankfully, the lather stays white the next time I rub, allowing me to rinse my dark hair thoroughly. As I leave the shower, Little Light catches my eye, and it almost seems like she’s smiling at me in her temporary form. I quickly dry my body and put on the borrowed clothes. Then, I try to towel dry my hair the best I can before it’s time to go down.

As I glance at the clock above the bedroom door, I notice I have only five minutes to try to put my hair in order. Unfortunately, I don’t have a hairdryer at hand, so I have no choice but to put my hair up in a big bun on my head. As I glance in the mirror, I can’t help but notice that my curly baby hair isn’t cooperating with my efforts to style it. Despite my attempts to tame it, it stubbornly hangs around my face, creating a somewhat disheveled appearance. It seems to have a mind of its own, defying my every attempt to control it. I can’t help but find it a bit frustrating, but at the same time, something is endearing about its unruliness.

When I bend down to pick up Little Light, she jumps into my arms, and I tuck her inside my shirt. Having her close to my chest feels reassuring as if I am shielding her from the world’s dangers. I take a few deep breaths to calm my nerves before making my way out of the room. The voices from below guide me towards the staircase, and as I ascend, I catch a glimpse of Hellevi standing at the bottom, her warm smile putting me at ease. As I enter the room, I notice five unfamiliar men seated around the table, engaged in conversation. There’s a noticeable difference in age between one of the men and the rest of the group.

The man has clearly lived many more years, and his face bears the marks of time’s passage - lines etched into his skin, wrinkles around his eyes, and perhaps a few gray hairs sprinkled throughout his hair. I try to remain inconspicuous, but I can feel their eyes on me as I approach a vacant seat.

“Hello, dear,” Hellevi greets me warmly as she guides me towards the dining table. “This is my beloved husband Gerard and my wonderful sons Jonah, Paul, Christopher, and Sylvester.”

She gestures towards the group of men gathered around it and introduces each one of them. I politely nod to the group of men, feeling a bit out of place amidst their boisterous conversations and rough demeanor. However, it’s the boys who catch my attention with their unabashed stares, their eyes wide with curiosity or perhaps confusion. Just as I’m about to feel uncomfortable under their scrutiny, a man named Gerard stands up and strides over to me, extending his hand in a friendly greeting.

“Hi,” he says, wearing a gentle smile, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “I’m Gerard. And you must be...?”

I can’t help but feel a sense of obligation to answer, grateful for the kindness shown to me.

“Anastasia.”

Her reaction is quite evident as she seems surprised by my voice, which appears to be much more mature than she had anticipated. It’s apparent that she had assumed me to be an underage child based on our previous conversation. With a playful tone and a giggle, she turns towards me and says:

“Goodness, I guess I was mistaken when I assumed you were a child. You continue to surprise me!”

I nod along, feeling a sense of amusement and curiosity. She welcomes me warmly, gesturing towards a comfortable seat and inviting me to sit down. Per her instructions, I patiently wait for her permission to eat. Upon looking at the plates, I notice that she has served generous portions of food to everyone. Seeing the delicious food makes my mouth water, but I am also filled with a tinge of sadness as I realize that I won’t be able to finish all that food.

"It looks great."

She responds with a smile, urging me to start, and began to eat her food herself. The chatter in the room gradually becomes more and more animated, but I find myself unable to participate. Despite my best efforts, I have no idea what the others are talking about. As the conversation dies down, I look up, only to find everyone's eyes fixed on me. It's then that I realize that I have been the subject of their discussion all along. I'm struck with incomprehension as Gerard addresses me.

"Excuse me?" I stammer, hoping that I haven't missed anything important.

"I asked where you're from," he repeats with a friendly expression on his face. "I recognize your accent, but can't quite place it."

I feel a wave of relief wash over me as I realize that he's referring to my accent.

"Originally from Russia," I reply, trying to sound casual, making one of Gerard's sons chime in with another question.

"How old are you?"

I hesitate for a moment, aware that this could be a potential trap. But I decide to answer truthfully.

"Twenty-two in this life," I say, and immediately regret it.

Hillevi, who has been quiet until now, speaks up.

"What do you mean?" she asks, and I feel a flicker of panic that maybe these are humans who have somehow discovered my secret.

When it comes to supernatural beings, I rely heavily on my ability to sense their aura to determine what species they belong to. However, there's this one particular family that's giving me a hard time. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get a read on them. It's like their aura is completely masked or non-existent. This is particularly alarming since it's so unusual and not something I've ever experienced before. It's got me wondering what kind of beings they really are, and whether or not they're someone I should be wary of.

As I’m about to respond, an unexpected interruption occurs. The door suddenly flies open with a loud thud, causing me to focus on it. To my shock, it’s a menacing wolf with a thick, shaggy coat and piercing, blood-red eyes that seem to glow in the darkness. Its sharp teeth are bared, ready to attack at a moment’s notice. As I gaze upon the creature before me, I can’t help but notice the wild and restless look in its eyes. It’s abundantly clear that this is no ordinary werewolf - it’s a rogue that has succumbed to madness and lost its grip on reality.

Its movements are erratic, and its snarls are full of a dangerous ferocity that sends chills down my spine. Evidently, this isn’t a creature to be trifled with, and I brace myself for the worst. It’s about to attack Gerard when I’m quick to get up. I don’t have time to use any spell, but I use my defensive magic to create a see-through wall that makes the wolf fly right into nothing. As soon as it hits the ground, I can feel the anger emanating from it, like a palpable force. Clearly, there’s no other option but to tap into my hidden reserve of magic and use it to shield us from whatever comes next.

"Te perdidit lupus, ut pacem in altera vita, c*m iam non sunt grata hic. Ego veniam petere et velle iucundum iter ad lucida prata de luna dea."

(You wolf who lost your mind, may you find peace in the next life when you’re no longer welcome here. I ask for forgiveness and wish you a pleasant journey back to the bright meadows of the moon goddess.)

As I watch intently, the wolf suddenly collapses to the ground, its once fierce demeanour vanishing instantly. In its place, a radiant glow emanates from its body, illuminating the entire room before fading away into nothingness. I turn to face the family, who stare at me in utter disbelief, their eyes widened with shock and confusion. In that moment, I realize that the truth about my identity is revealed, and there’s no going back.

-

A/N:

Hello everyone!

This has taken some time, but it’s finally getting easier to write again, and of course, I hope you’re enjoying it so far.

~ What do you think the family will say?

~ Is the family human, and if not, what are they?

~ What did you think of the chapter?

~ What do you think will happen?

Please give me some feedback since I love to read your comments about your thoughts; they also help me develop. Lots of love <3