Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Jonea Fallon

"Isn't he home yet?"

I searched the house for Owen, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Do I have to make a report to him if I'm going to the club? But there is no such agreement between us. What if he comes looking for me?"

I pondered.

"Why am I so sure he will look for me? It's like he won't care no matter what I do. Daran isn't here either."

After taking my bag, I left the house. When I got to the door, I hesitated and finally turned back.

I took a piece of memo paper from the table by the phone. I wrote a message on it and attached the paper to the refrigerator door using a magnet.

"It's up to him whether he wants to read or not. At least I have an excuse and a defense if something goes wrong."

I nod, satisfied. The taxi is waiting in front of the house.

The atmosphere of the city of Blue Sapphire is so lively. As if all the inhabitants of this country are nocturnal creatures. During the day, there isn't much activity, but when night comes, it's as if all life begins.

I got out of the taxi and waved to Marilyn and two of her friends, standing in front of a club called Hell in Paradise. There were a lot of people lined up there to get in line.

"This place is very crowded."

"Wow, Jonea! Look at your clothes. You are really fashionable and so beautiful," said Marilyn.

"Yes, you must be from a rich family," one of Marilyn's friends commented.

"You even have the latest fashion clothes! It must be costly."

I even gawked at their praise. I am still determining the latest fashion in this country. I casually took the clothes Loko had prepared in the suitcase I brought from the Black Castle.

That night I chose a knee-length black skirt. The cut fits my body shape. The neckline is relatively low and sleeveless. I added a leather jacket as an outer and opted for high-heeled boots.

Marilyn was so excited. She took my arm and dragged me into the crowded club.

As soon as I entered the club, my head suddenly felt dizzy. The place was packed with visitors.

"Marilyn… I can't breathe. Can we find a seat? I feel like I'm on the subway during rush hour."

"Oh, Jonea!" shouted Marilyn to overpower the noise there. "You can't sit up tonight. We have to party."

We parted ways with the crowd. Suddenly Marilyn's hand grip. I am separated from them.

I turned around, looking for Marilyn and the others. Instead, my gaze stopped at one figure, no, three figures in different directions. They all seemed to be emitting dark auras from their bodies.

I got goosebumps.

I inhaled and exhaled a long breath repeatedly.

"Calm down, Jonea… calm down… they're just a bunch of werewolves like you. If I don't like it, I just need to avoid it, right? They seem to be having fun and busy partying. I can't make eye contact with anyone!"

"Jonea! Here!" shouted Marilyn, waving her hand.

"Oh, you there?" How relieved I was to see Marilyn again.

I walked towards her. I also split the sea of people dancing on the dance floor.

Someone accidentally nudged my back. My steps staggered.

I'm fine. Calm! I repeated in my head.

"Sorry!" the man exclaimed.

I tried to stand straight, but a man beside me grabbed my waist. He hugged me from behind.

I gritted my jaw. "Release your hand. Why did you touch me without permission?"

"Oh, come on, pretty girl. Didn't you come here to party? Why don't we have some fun?"

The man hugged my waist tighter. He even touched my ass and squeezed it.

Bastard!

I grabbed his wrist and twisted it tightly.

"Aaah!" The man groaned in pain. "Damn bitch! Let me go!"

His scream caught the attention of everyone on the dance floor.

"Let you go? If need be, I will cut off your hand!" I threatened.

I don't want to let go of my grip just like that. He has abused me. He must pay for his actions.

The man was in more and more pain. He fought back with his free hand. He tried to punch me.

Someone came and held the perverted man's fist for me. People screamed in shock.

"What's your business, asshole?" shouted the perverted man to the person who helped me.

"Sir, I saw you harassing this girl. Leave if you don't want me to drag you to the police station now!"

The perverted man immediately ran away to save himself.

"Are you okay, Miss?"

"Yes, no problem. Thank You." I bowed my head slightly to him.

I'm going to Marilyn's place. However, the man who helped me approached and blocked me.

"What is it?"

He brought his face closer to mine. His hands held my shoulders. I was bewitched as soon as his hand touched my shoulder. At that time, I could see a red mark on his forehead very clearly.

"You… Red Moon Girl?" The man grinned at me.

I gasped and couldn't move. I can't control myself. The man lifted and carried me.

"Why do you drink so much?" He deliberately said it loudly for the people around us to hear. "I'll take you home."

No!

I wanted to scream, but no sound came out of my throat. The same thing happened when I met Owen. However, this time it was scarier.

My body also felt weak. It was as if the man controlled and dominated me.

I can't fight either.

This man had a red mark on his forehead. I didn't know the impact would be this terrible.

"Luck seems to be on my side. Who would have thought I would meet a possessor of the Red Moon's divine blood?"

He took me out of the club. My head fell on his shoulder. I saw Marilyn looking for me. But she didn't see me. My tears fell onto his shirt.

This man kept walking away from the club. Where will he take me? What will he do to me?

My strength suddenly disappeared. Why? My body feels weak, and my energy is completely drained. My head is dizzy, and I feel like throwing up.

Who exactly are these people with red marks on their foreheads?

We are already out of reach of people. This man grinned at me. Amidst my fading consciousness, I could see the neon signs decorating the shop fronts.

We turned into a dark and deserted alley between closed shops.

He will kill me! Am I going to end up like this?

Please… Anyone help me…

It's useless. They can't see and heard me. Only tears that I can remove at this time.

"I wonder if the heart of the Red Moon Blood can really increase my strength? Ha ha ha…."

The man's haughty laugh echoed through the alley.

He laid me on the surface of the cardboard boxes near the trash. He knelt beside me.

I could see his eyes turning black–as black as night. His eyes were like death pits.

He caressed my face with his black, long, pointy fingernails. Now his natural face is visible. His head was bald, pale, and had black streaks all over his skin.

I can only cry silently.

"Let me tear your beautiful body and eat your precious heart!"

His black and long fingers ripped through my dress. Crack! I felt his sharp nails scraping my cleavage.

Sweat profusely all over my body. My breath is also fragile. My eyes feel so heavy. I completely lost all my energy.

Please… Anyone help me…

He raised his hands high and ready to sink his sharp nails into my chest.

I close my eyes tightly.