Long ago, the God of the Hunt and Darkness, Hunu, ruled the Desert Province called Aridisa. His worshippers called him the Sovereign of Fear. He ruled wickedly and without remorse. And just like his brother Trykar, he too liked playing tricks. But even Trykar knew, never play a trick on a Goddess who had nothing to lose. Now the Desert is paying for his mistake. Nirea, Goddess of the Forbidden, damned the Desert, damned Hunu, and everything he built.

Now, three times a year, Hunu’s creations, the shadow shifters, are enslaved to the working magic of Nirea. When the Moon bleeds, their true animalistic nature are exposed and Desert Arlans pay the price…..

In blood.

***

Ada-Hiar was standing atop the Red Casca, the tallest hill in the desert, when a mist began to suddenly form over the region. The sun had yet to fully set, its burnt orange glow peeking through the mist. As time passed, the centuries old woman stood quietly watching the skies slowly darken and mist thicken into a heavy fog. And beside her, there was Ora. A servant of fate.

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“It’s almost time.” Ora whispered, staring at the sky in awe as the fog grew heavy. “Mother wants it quickly.”

Ada let out a loud chuckle. “Quick?”

“And to make it look like it was one of them.” Ora responded instead. “But not too sloppy. If we wanted to be sloppy, we would have sent your brother, Ye-Hiar.”

Ada suddenly grabbed Ora’s throat. Ora’s hands shot towards her throat, scratching her red painted nails against Ada’s hand.

“You may be your mother’s favorite, but you are not mine.” Ada threatened, then let Ora go.

“You are deranged.” Ora breathed.

Ada rolled her eyes before turning her attention towards the moon.

A crimson line had appeared on the moon's surface, as if something sliced through the sphere and created a wound.

“It’s time.” Ada murmured. “The moon is bleeding.”