Page 71 of The Blood Moon Hunt

I shake my head. “No... he isn’t. He feels... different. From the moment I saw him, I knew there was something about him. But I don’t understand what it is.”

Gerald nods slowly, as though he’s been expecting this question. “Damien wasn’t born into this world the way Adrian or Lucien were. His family wasn’t one of the ancient warlock bloodlines, tied to the Order for generations. In fact, Damien didn’t know what he was until much later.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my curiosity piqued. “If he wasn’t born into this... how did he become part of the Hunt?”

Gerald leans back, folding his hands in his lap. “The Order has a way of... finding those who can serve them. Damien was chosen, handpicked by the Order itself. They saw something in him, something rare and powerful. His role as the facilitator of the Hunt isn’t just about overseeing the game—it’s about balance. He maintains the delicate equilibrium between the warlocks, the prey, and the Order. He’s their instrument, in many ways, though I suspect he resents it.”

“Chosen?” I echo, my brow furrowing. “Why him?”

Gerald shrugs slightly. “Damien has an extraordinary strength, a connection to powers that most warlocks can only dream of. But it’s not without its cost. He didn’t seek this life, Selene. It was forced upon him. The Order gave him power, but in return, they control him. His life is tied to them, just as much as the other warlocks, if not more. But unlike Adrian and Lucien, who were groomed from birth for their roles, Damien was thrust into it.”

A chill runs down my spine at his words. “So... the Order owns him?”

Gerald’s lips press into a thin line. “In a sense, yes. His role as facilitator binds him to the Order in ways even he can’t fully break. He has more autonomy than the others in some respects, but the weight of his position is heavy. And the Order keeps him on a short leash, constantly feeding him power throughout the year. It’s their way of ensuring he remains loyal to them.”

I process this information slowly, feeling the knot in my chest tighten. “And the Hunt? What’s his part in that?”

Gerald’s gaze sharpens slightly. “The Hunt is his responsibility. He’s tasked with ensuring that everything runs smoothly, that the rules are followed, and that balance is maintained. But...”

“But what?” I press, sensing there’s more.

“But this year is different,” Gerald continues, hisvoice lowering. “The presence of the Blood Moon, the appearance of someone like you... it’s thrown everything out of balance. I suspect Damien feels conflicted about his role in all of this. You’ve changed something in him, Selene. I can’t say what exactly, but I know he’s torn between his duty to the Order and whatever bond he feels with you.”

A shiver runs through me, the weight of Gerald’s words settling over me like a heavy blanket. Damien, bound to the Order, yet somehow connected to me in a way that defies everything I’ve been told. It makes sense, and yet it doesn’t. He’s supposed to be their enforcer, their tool. But I’ve felt something else when I’m near him. Something protective, something more than just duty.

“I don’t understand,” I murmur, shaking my head. “If he’s tied to the Order, why would he—” I stop myself, realizing that even now, I’m not entirely sure what I’m asking. Why would he help me? Why does he seem so different from the others? Why does he feel so... protective?

Gerald watches me carefully, his gaze softening. “There are things even Damien doesn’t fully understand, I think. The Order may have chosen him, but that doesn’t mean they own his heart. He’s still a man, Selene. And men are often swayed by forces stronger than any magic.”

I feel my breath hitch, my heart pounding in mychest. Damien... a man caught between two worlds. Caught between his duty to the Order and whatever strange connection we share.

“Do you think he’ll... betray them?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Gerald considers this for a long moment, then shakes his head. “I don’t know. But if anyone could, it would be him.”

The weight of those words settles over me, and for a brief moment, I feel like I’m drowning in all the unknowns that surround me. Damien, the Order, the Hunt... it’s all so much bigger than I ever imagined. And I’m right in the center of it.

“Why is it so hard to control my powers around them?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like they bring out something in me, and I can’t stop it.”

Gerald studies me for a moment before replying. “The bond between a witch and a warlock is... complex. They amplify each other’s power, sometimes in ways that neither of them can fully control. Your emotions are tied to your magic, and the warlocks... they evoke emotions in you, don’t they?”

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I feel like I’m losing myself around them.”

Gerald smiles kindly. “You’re not losing yourself, Miss Selene. You’re discovering who you truly are.”

His words stir something deep inside me, a flickerof hope mingled with fear. “But I don’t know how to control it.”

“Perhaps you need to understand more about what you are,” Gerald suggests, his voice thoughtful. “The library here is vast, filled with knowledge from generations of warlocks. Perhaps you’ll find something there that will help you.”

I glance toward the shadowed corridors, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. “You think I’ll find answers in the library?”

Gerald nods. “I do. You may find the guidance you need to master your power. But remember, Miss Selene, nothing is as it seems.”

Gerald rises from his seat, watching me carefully as I sit there, lost in thought. “You’ll find your answers, Miss. In time.”

I nod, though the uncertainty still gnaws at me. I have to find a way to understand all of this—before it consumes me whole.

Chapter

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