The Hex Luna

Chantel's Point of view

I wiped the sweat from my forehead as I rushed down the woods.

It was midnight and I couldn't beg for the moon's mercy enough.

I tore through the darkness as it kept closing in.

Branches slashing at my face like knives. Every glance over my shoulder revealed that twisted face, its grin growing wider with each step. That thing wouldn't leave me alone and has been on my tail throughout the night.

I took a rough left, screaming without even realizing it.

Suddenly, my foot snagged on a hidden twig, and I dropped, splashinginto a puddle of my blood, gurgling for air as I immediately began to drown.

Scars I thought had long healed erupted, spewing forth a crimson tide, spreading the puddle even further.

As I gasped for air, a chilling realization dawned: these wounds weren't just physical. Memories I'd long suppressed began to resurface, tangled with a dark presence that had haunted me for years.

I kicked and pulled to free myself but I kept getting sponged in.

Fear's icy grip closed around my heart, and I scrambled forward, desperate to escape the entity's suffocating grasp as it kept rushing forward.

But with each crawl, the darkness grew thicker, more menacing. And I knew I wasn't just fleeing for my life – I was running from the shadows within.

I jolted awake and nearly had a seizure from the rush.

My heart racing like crazy, with sweat dripping from my brow. Trembling hands grasped the sheets as the nightmare's echoes dissipated but I could still feel myself bleed

Fear gave way to a hollow ache as I reached out and felt my nose, there was blood, my pulse pounding, Sweat-clingy shirt stuck to my back.

Breathless, I felt raw, exposed, and vulnerable

I got up from the bed and palmed my face.

After a while I shuffled to the kitchen, my hope dwindling.

The drawer creaked open, and I picked up something, revealing an empty prescription bottle– damnit. I crushed it in my fist, my frustration boiling over.

That very morning, I had to trek the distance from my place to work since I was very low on cash, and it wasn't so easy.

The city's oppressive summer heat was also a thing here, it was always suffocating. But it wasn't just the temperature that had me on edge - the full moon was rising, and my instincts were stirring, not because i was expecting a change at the nighttime hours, but because while they let loose and howl, I'll be over here, low-key craving the freedom to join in.

As I pushed through the office doors, the fluorescent lights hummed overhead, mirroring the tension building inside me.

It was six in the morning and I needed to sort some files before these kids started coming to school.

Yup, I was a school teacher,a historian infact and I was all about that life.

Another day, another performance. But today felt different. Today, I sensed a shift in the air.

I slid into the classroom and gently closed the door behind me.

I sat down, pen in hand, surrounded by silence. The usually bustling space felt empty.

Thank God, they weren't any students yet, I had to finish some paperworks before they started swarming in.

I held my breath and... then, I saw my younger self – sitting amidst a lively crowd, yet looking lost. Hands tucked in, eyes searching for a connection or a conversation or a friend but no one would speak with me.

My mind was a total time capsule – old memories were resurfacing, no warning, whenever I was in a tight space or somewhere quiet it just happens. It was a major throwback, but not exactly what I'd asked for

I had no friends growing up so it was a familiar feeling – still seeking my tribe, my place.

I began to write, reflecting on the past and present, searching for answers.

Just as I was jotting down some notes, my phone started buzzing on silent mode. I didn't catch it initially, but when I saw the screen, I was like, " Holy crap, it's the school owner! "

I picked up, trying to play it cool. He went straight into interrogation mode:" 'You ignoring my calls? " he asked bluntly.

" Not really Sir, I'm on campus, actually, handling assessments and I didn't see your calls... " I replied.

" See me in my office immediately, I just entered. We have an issue, " he demanded, and the line went dead.

I packed up my stuff, making sure everything was tidy. Last thing I needed was a messy comeback. Now, to tackle the mystery meeting with the school owner, that man and his troubles were always neck-and-neck.

I took the hallway, his office was five classrooms away from my classroom.

When I got there, I stood behind the door taking a rather uncomfortable deep breath. After a while I knocked but the weight of my knuckles slowly nudged the door open– I guess it was never close, I sighed then walked in.

I took a seat, and Gary, the school owner, turned from the window, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. His expression was unreadable.

" Good morning, " and I didn't even get a reply.

I fidgeted, my hands clasped between my legs. Gary only summoned me when something big was at stake, I mean he hardly even did.

He settled into his chair, leaning back with an air of calm authority.

I felt a surge of nervous energy around me and it was suffocating.

Was this about the loan?

Yeah, I'd been chasing that loan for over two and a half months.

Gary had promised to approve it two weeks ago, but when I showed up, he spun some tale and ghosted me.

Now, I was sitting in his office, wondering if he'd finally come through. I desperately needed the cash for some health benefits since Victor, my alpha wasn't willing to give me anything so are my parents, but Gary had no clue about that.

I kept my cool, hoping this meeting wouldn't be another disappointment or maybe it was something else entirely.

" The loan, " Gary said, locking eyes with me. " The thing is, we can't afford that amount until month-end. "

" Excuse me sir but that's what you said last month and a month before that, "

I felt my frustration spike.

" I sincerely need it. You've got me taking extra classes, evening lessons – the works you're loading me with. Yet, I don't get paid monthly, and when I ask for a part of my pay, you still refuse. "

Gary's tone turned conciliatory.

" We're doing our best. "

I scoffed inwardly. What best? They're not the ones dealing with rejection, I need that money for some medications.

" Calm down, " Gary said.

" I won't calm down, " I shot back. " I need cash, and I need it now. This delay is killing me. "

" Give me till Tuesday, " Gary said.

I checked my calendar. Today was Tuesday. " You mean next week, right? "I clarified.

Gary nodded.

Before he could finish, I cut in, " I need that money, please. "Desperation crept into my voice.

" I'll see what I can do, " Gary offered.

I wasn't having it. " Please, " I repeated, turning to leave.

I slammed the door shut behind me, frustration boiling over. This school was seriously testing my patience."

I walked back into class, trying to refocus, but my mind was a mess. The stress was real. I needed that loan as soon as possible to get my life back on track – sleepless nights, no meds, it was taking a toll.

I couldn't afford the meds either.

I dropped my pen and leaned back, feeling overwhelmed.

Memories from when I was five resurfaced, and I couldn't help but feel frustrated. The struggles, the scarcity... it all came rushing back.

I could remember, true story though, I could remember when I was five, you know I thought all this was normal but when I look back when I was five I tend to get frustrated even more.

Growing up, I often slept at my uncle's store since my parents didn't want me around.

I'd wake up early, clean up, and start my day – this was my reality at just five years old.

One afternoon or thereabout, after a two-hour nap, I had a haunting dream: a beautiful woman screaming towards my direction with a knife, she swiftly chased me down and pierced my chest open.

I kept this vision hidden from my family, fearing they'd believe the whispers of our community – that I was cursed.

As I grew older, the dreams persisted, and I began to believe it too. It wasn't just the nightmares; I felt an emptiness, a lack of belonging. Everyone's rejection and hatred solidified my conviction: I was indeed cursed.

My only escape was dreaming of a mate who'd love and rescue me from this suffering. But those were just fantasies... or so I thought.

Just as I was getting caught up in my thoughts, the bell rang, shaking me back to reality...

... And here comes the students.