Chapter one

Ungrateful October wind strikes harshly on her already bruised cheeks. The pearly white color of her cheeks is exuded and her face has a feeble pale look. The weathered out bag over her shoulder bears weight more than it could take. The bag holds certain old books she obtained from the library.

Reading has always been a habit for her.

More than a habit to be specific.

Reading helps her neglect the world around her and the ensuing torture the world has provided her with. The little lumps on the inside of her wrist say about the predicaments she had to face alone.

Walking along the familiar track that leads to her favorite spot Serena takes the hood off her head appreciating the beauty of the dark forest before her. She has been seeing the forest for three years. But in her eyes, the forest changes its form day after day. She likes to suppose that the forest sheds its appearance undividedly for her own enjoyment. The concept gives her some sort of consolation. At least they care about her.

She drops the worn out bag tenderly on the grassy floor. Her reading spot is just beside the lake that cuts through the middle of the forest. No one actually visits the forest unless they want woods or water. Trekking groups avoid this part of the forest because it's too…bare.

Serena has no idea what that means, however she is glad because of that. No one will bother her here. It will be just her books and the forest.

Pulling the blanket close to her fragile body, she opens the first book she takes out from the bag.

The red cover is worn out symbolizing that the book has been used by so many people and it does not surprise her though. The summary and even the title are crafty.

'The beast and his moon.'

A fantasy love story.

Serena skims her fingers through the thick golden letters of the title. Her attention went back in time when she was a happy woman. Her dad died when she was just a baby but other than that little pain her life was exemplary. She had the best of school life had a perfect boyfriend whom she married after graduating from college, a nice job and a little bundle of happiness.

The tears tinted the yellowish paper of the book; spreading unevenly and Serena move the book away and wipe her face.

You cannot wish to have happiness until the end of the time.

Pain and suffering will follow after the amount of sugary happiness you had. The only thing that remains is bitter after taste of your happiness in the form of memories.

She never tried to forget them. Her memories are remnants of her happiness. They took everything away from her clutch but they cannot take away her memories. They belong to her and only her.

The painful rumble in her stomach reminds her that she is yet to have her lunch. She had breakfast at home but the groceries were out to make lunch and she didn't have enough money to get food from outside. The money she made from the job she had was more than enough, but it is because of that job, she's left with close to nothing.

Serena bends down to scoop some water into her hands. The water is cold and it gives her some relief as the cool water moistens her throat. She bends down to scoop another but halt her actions suddenly.

The lake is fairly deep and one could easily drown here, but whatever it was, it's not dead.

Serena disregards the icy cold feeling that grips her body and peers down at the bottom of the lake. Elongated head, spidery legs, serrated teeth…

Serena's mouth opens for a scream and she scrambles back. The alien shoots out of the water like a rocket screeching loudly. Serena took off running with a restrained amount of speed due to her weak body, running away from the thing that cost her life and family.

Luar-ke The Hunter's Moon