A Symbol
ZAIA. “Zaia, what’s wrong? Do you want me to come down there? Because I swear if you don’t tell me, I will.” Sebastian’s growl makes me blink. “I… it’s my birthmark.” I say quietly, brushing back a few wet strands of my hair.
“What?” “My birthmark. There’s the old book I’ve been going through of old practices like healing, and I just saw the symbol.
“Are you serious? I’ve looked for it all over, and never found anything.” He asks, sounding uncertain.
“Yeah… it’s exactly the same…” I murmur, staring at it. The very same mark that is on the side of my breast, with the upside down V and the symbol…
“What does it say?” he asks, his voice hushed as I drag my eyes away from the symbol and scan the page. Trying to read it, whilst my head spins.
“Blood Born,” I say, reading the title, before I look at the first line of the small text. “The Blood Born symbol graces the ones born of the Celestial Lunar… within their blood is the fire to quench the earth and moon of all life. Beings or monsters, we know not, but fear them, we do.
For it is said that they are the judgement upon the people. By the warning of our Goddess, recite her words; Forget me and I will send my Blood Born, and that is when it is time to end my creation, for they will have forgotten me and I… I will bring an end to their time…and forget them.”
There’s silence as I quietly reread what I just read out loud. Pushing my hair back, I tuck the phone between my chin and ear as I check the next page, hoping for more.
of this stuff is real.” “We exist, Sebastian, we’re werewolves. How can you say
modern times. Why should we be praying
Maybe she’s moved on. I don’t think there’s a god or goddess watching down on us,”
I know she’s real because WE exist. The paper you have read ‘Beware the ones that wear the mark of discord, mischief, and death.’ This might just
and drawings. There’s not much I can make out and part of the text is in a language I have no
I do not recognise.” “The talented bilingual Zaia Toussaint doesn’t know the language,
“It sounds a little ominous, but don’t overthink it. That’s more than I ever learned with regards to your birthmark, and I’ve
for years.” I reply, staring at the symbol. Even the smallest flick to the
might know more then,” Sebastian
ask him,” I say. “Yeah, in a casual manner, there’s no harm in it, and see what he
pictures of the page and if you find anything else of that, too. I’ll get them from you next week when we meet
beat, and I let out a scoff of disbelief, remembering that. “You know that’s my project. Why would you
intention is to be near you and perhaps I’ll score another
voice dropped a few octaves and the words slip from my lips before I can stop them. “And
giving him an opening to flirt, and I know I shouldn’t. Why does the heart want what it shouldn’t? “The kind where I win
dirtier from him, but either he is behaving or he knows exactly what melts my
“Sebastian…”
will I get?” He asks sexily. Ah, there he is, ever
how about this, make me laugh, and I don’t mean a scornful laugh, but get an actual laugh out of me, and I will give you something,”
worth it for sure, but no violence better be involved.” He says,
“Fine. I promise.”
the favour with a spanking session.” He says
I figure something out. He deserves
at the book. I know Sia has not yet attained
losing isn’t in my genes. Regarding the birthmark, don’t worry too much about it.
serious now, and he means it. The no- nonsense Sebastian who will get things done…
“You aren’t alone. I’ll always have your back, even if I’m not by your side.” I’m silent. That ache
on purpose,” I say. “Be careful of
that. You’ve never liked him.” I reply, frowning slightly. I know
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!