章 25: Under the Blood Moon (2)

Author's note: This is from Calista's point of view

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When I heard that Sergio requested I wear this skimpy outfit, I thought that he is getting back at me for not responding to his calls and messages, but when I saw that Serina was dressed in a similar style, I pushed that thought away.

But then I saw her hot lover. His Adonis-like body was a giveaway that he has werewolf blood in him. Did she say that Drago's father was an Alpha? I can see that etched in every muscle that got my attention.

Serina was glaring at me, and I had to pacify her by saying how I will not make a move on him. I was not sure if her jealousy was cute or annoying, probably a bit of both.

Saying the word 'aunt' was foreign. It's three years since I found out that my eccentric brother adopted Serina, but I don't see myself as an elder. For more than five hundred years, I'm the baby in the family and I can't think of Serina as someone who is my junior. I have no parental spark in my body; maybe I develop one in a few centuries.

Sergio emerged from the trees, wearing nothing but a skimpy shorts-like skirt and a set of ridiculous necklaces and I noticed that he lost weight. Is he sick or something?

But even with the weight loss, his physique was impressive. He was not skinny, far from it. Actually, his muscles were more prominent, like he just came from a gym and my mind flashed images of those muscles rippling under my touch.

I won't deny that the night with Sergio was a mind-blowing experience.

His stamina was enviable, and even when I needed a breather, he was not wavering. I lost count of how many times I came under his ministrations, and I am a hundred percent certain that no guy ever made me feel that way.

Is it because he is a werewolf?

Are all werewolves magicians in bed?

I appreciated him so much that I didn't drink his blood, which never happened to me before, I mean… I find myself a man for fun and food, and Sergio was so much fun that I skipped on the meal.

He should be honored.

After talking with Serina briefly, Sergio announced that we are ready.

He told everyone where to stand, with participants in this oath on one side of the altar, and him on the other.

"If you would stand here, please…", Sergio spoke to me while gesturing to his left.

I noticed that he was not looking at me and I was not sure if I should feel relieved or annoyed by that.

When everyone was in the right spot, Sergio turned to look at the moon, which was just a thin curve at this point.

We all stood in silence and waited for Sergio to do something.

The moon disappeared completely and a few seconds later, a full red Moon flashed in the dark sky.

In the five centuries of my existence, this was my first time to see the Blood Moon. I guess I never cared about such things.

Sergio raised his hands and spoke solemnly, "I call upon the Moon Goddess to witness this oath and to bless us with her presence!" Then he started chanting something unintelligible.

The skeptic in me rolled her eyes. I mean, come on, a Moon Goddess? Blessings? Ancient rituals?

Vampires are known to be what humans call, atheists. Actually, we believe in ourselves and our powers.

I watched humans going to church and praying for their God to forgive their sins so that they can live in Heaven. Vampires don't care about the next life or afterlife because we live eternally so even if those things exist, they don't apply to us. As for the sins... that's all subject to interpretation.

Zoe, Ash, and Luca approached the altar and Sergio took the knife and dipped it into whatever was in the cauldron.

Zoe took the knife first and she cut her palm without flinching.

She made a fist and her blood dripped into chalice while she spoke, "I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Seraphina and Drago. If I ever think about betraying them, I will accept the punishment that the Moon Goddess decides on. This oath will last until the day I die."

It was obvious that they practiced this.

Sergio took the knife and submerged it into the cauldron again before giving the knife to Luca. He had the same pledge while his blood dripped in the chalice, and Ash was the third one.

Next, Sergio placed the chalice with blood in the middle of the altar and poured some fragrant liquid into it.

He chanted under his breath while waving his hands above the chalice and it looked like a dramatic useless performance until the symbols on the altar started glowing. What the…?

Zoe, Ash, and Luca fell on their knees and clutched their chest. I could hear their suppressed groans, as if they were in pain.

Serina wanted to go to them, but Drago held her back and shook his head, indicating for her to stay put. This was part of the ritual.

Sergio gestured to Serina and Drago to approach and Drago took the chalice first.

"I accept your offering. From today, our destinies will be intertwined."

He took the chalice close to his lips and there was a moment of complete stillness as he drank from it. Even the fire on the torches surrounding us didn't move. It was like someone pressed the pause button on the world.

Weird.

Drago gave the chalice to Serina.

"I accept your offering. From today, our destinies will be intertwined.", she said and drank the remaining liquid.

As Serina drank, the wild wind whipped the area, making the things on the altar clatter, the lighter items flew away. It was a total opposite from when Drago drank.

Freaky.

Serina kept the chalice on the altar and took a step back, next to Drago.

Sergio turned to look at the Blood Moon. "With the Moon Goddess as the witness of this oath, one shall stay true to his word or suffer the consequences. Please, bless your children with wisdom to find their paths…"

The whole altar glowed in an eerie red light that burst in all directions and washed over us.

I could feel the wave of energy reaching deep into my bones, leaving me sated like I had a hearty meal and good rest.

Zoe, Ash, and Luca were back on their feet, and everyone had blissful expressions, telling me that I'm not the only one feeling this surge in power.

Maybe there is something behind this mumbo-jumbo.

And just like that, the reddish glow of the altar disappeared, the fire on the torches danced with the breeze, and we were surrounded by the sounds of rustling and occasional hoot from the forest. It was over.

"You did well.", Sergio said to teens who were bouncing on their feet. "You can go and release the energy in any way you feel like. Let your instincts guide you."

Somehow, Sergio looked like an adult in all this.

Zoe, Luca, and Ash looked at Serina and Drago who confirmed Sergio's words.

"We can move barbeque for tomorrow. Whenever you are done, come to the kitchen and find something to eat.", Drago said, and Serina added, "I will ask staff to prepare sandwiches."

Kids cheered, and in the next moment, garments from Luca's and Ash's bodies slid on the ground and two of them were in their wolf form, darting into the forest.

Zoe looked after them dejectedly. Right. Serina told me that Zoe can't shift into her wolf form yet.

"Fine! I will just wait here!", Zoe shouted in the direction where Luca and Ash disappeared.

She collected their clothes and kept them on the nearby rock before turning to Serina and Drago. "I also feel energetic, so I will run a few laps."

Zoe ran into the darkness and Drago turned to Sergio.

"We are done, right?"

"Yes.", Sergio confirmed.

Drago scooped squealing Serina into his arms and started running into the villa. Only an idiot wouldn't know what those two giggling lovebirds were up to.

"We will see you at breakfast!", Serina shouted and then she giggled again. I couldn't believe this!

"Calista…", Sergio called. "I would like a word."

I gestured for him to go ahead.

"In private, please.", he said and tilted his head toward the forest.

With everyone gone, I was not sure what more privacy he needs, but I decided to play along. It's not like I was afraid of him.

After a few minutes long walk, we emerged out of the trees, and I saw a cozy villa that was bathed in the warm red glow from the Blood Moon.

"Your home?", I guessed. Serina told me that he has a home close to theirs.

"Yes."

Sergio opened the front door, and we stood in the entry hallway. I thought that he will take me to the living room, but he didn't.

With every passing second, my patience ran thinner until I snapped, "Well? You said that you want to talk. Start talking."

Sergio inhaled forcibly before saying with difficulty, "Calista Mezzanotte" He spoke in an official tone. "I, Sergio Agosti reject you…"

"What?" I interrupted him impatiently as my blood boiled. "You reject me?"

Did he bring me here to break up or something?

News flash! We were not dating!

And how dares he reject me!? No one rejects this princess!

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