Prince of Crows

The journey to Seraphina's mother's home was long and arduous, but it was a journey neither of us would ever forget. After departing Volterra, we traveled for a fortnight, stopping on a group of islands in the middle of the ocean between Europe and South America. It was here, amidst the shimmering waters and hidden coves, that we discovered a civilization unlike any we had ever known.

   The people of this hidden society, known as the Children of the Red Moon, were remarkable in their appearance and customs. Their reddish skin, adorned with tribal silver runes that glowed faintly under the moonlight, gave them an otherworldly presence. Their silver hair flowed like liquid mercury, and their crimson-slitted eyes gleamed like rubies, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom and power.

   As Seraphina and I approached their settlement, we were met with curiosity and cautious reverence. News of our arrival spread quickly, and soon, we were surrounded by villagers, their eyes wide with awe and fascination. When they discovered my ability to manipulate blood, they believed I was an avatar of their goddess, sent to teach and guide them. It was a belief that would shape our stay on the island in ways we could not have anticipated.

   As we descended from the sky, my large, black wings creating a dramatic shadow on the ground, the villagers gathered in a semicircle, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Seraphina, who had dismounted gracefully, stood beside me, her presence radiant and calming.

   The first to approach us was a group of children, their eyes wide with wonder. They were led by a young girl with silver hair braided intricately, her crimson eyes bright with excitement. She stepped forward hesitantly, clutching a small doll made of woven reeds and decorated with silver threads.

   "Are you from the outside world, strangers?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and hope.

   I knelt down to her level, offering a reassuring smile. "Yes, we are. My name is Malakai, and this is Seraphina. We've come to rest and share our knowledge with you."

   The girl's face lit up with a smile, and she turned to the other children, her excitement contagious. They began to chatter among themselves, their initial fear dissipating as curiosity took over.

   As the children retreated to join their parents, a tall, regal figure emerged from the crowd. Her silver hair flowed down her back in a cascade of waves, and her crimson eyes sparkled with wisdom and authority. She wore a robe of deep red adorned with intricate silver runes that glowed softly in the twilight.

   "Welcome to our island, Malakai and Seraphina," she said, her voice resonant and soothing. "I am Aeliana, High Priestess of the Red Moon Temple. We have awaited your arrival with great anticipation."

   Seraphina and I bowed our heads in respect, recognizing the authority and reverence in Aeliana's demeanor.

   "We are honored to be here," I replied, my voice steady. "We hope to learn from you and share what knowledge we can."

   Aeliana's eyes softened, and she extended her hand in a gesture of welcome. "Come, let us show you our home and introduce you to our people. There is much for us to share and learn."

   The village was a vibrant tapestry of life and magic. The homes were built from natural materials, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape. Each structure was adorned with silver runes, their soft glow providing both light and protection.

   As we walked through the village, the villagers greeted us warmly, their initial apprehension giving way to genuine curiosity and hospitality. We were shown to a central square where a large stone statue of their goddess stood, her serene expression and outstretched hands a symbol of protection and guidance.

   The villagers gathered around us, eager to learn more about us and our abilities. Aeliana introduced us to the elders, wise men, and women whose knowledge of the island's magic was unparalleled. Each elder shared stories of their goddess and the history of their people, their voices filled with pride and reverence.

   The heart of their civilization was the Red Moon Temple, a magnificent structure carved from the very rock of the island. It was both a place of worship and a center of learning, where the Children of the Red Moon gathered to honor their goddess and deepen their understanding of the world.

   The temple was adorned with intricate carvings and murals depicting scenes from their mythology—battles fought under the light of the blood moon, rituals of power and transformation, and the visage of their goddess, serene and commanding. The air within the temple was thick with the scent of incense, a heady blend of herbs and flowers that filled our senses and heightened our awareness.

   Aeliana led us through the temple, explaining the significance of each mural and artifact. We learned about the goddess they worshiped, a powerful deity who governed the cycles of the moon and the flow of blood. Her influence was evident in every aspect of their lives, from their rituals and ceremonies to their daily routines.

   Our arrival at the temple was met with a great ceremony. The High Priestess, a regal figure with flowing silver hair and piercing crimson eyes, welcomed us with open arms. Her presence radiated authority and grace.

   "Welcome, Malakai and Seraphina," she said, her voice echoing through the temple's grand hall. "We have awaited your coming. The goddess has foretold your arrival, and we are honored to receive you."

   Seraphina and I exchanged glances, both of us taken aback by the reverence in Aeliana's voice. We had come here seeking rest and respite, but it seemed we had stumbled upon something much greater.

   "We are humbled by your welcome," I replied, bowing my head in respect. "We hope to learn from you and share what knowledge we can."

   Aeliana smiled, her eyes glinting with a mixture of pride and mystery. "There is much we can teach each other. Come, let us show you our ways."

   The week that followed was a whirlwind of discovery and enlightenment. Each day brought new experiences and insights as Seraphina, and I immersed ourselves in the culture and traditions of the Children of the Red Moon.

   One of the most profound aspects of our stay was the knowledge we gained about runes and rituals. The Children of the Red Moon had developed a complex system of runes, each symbol imbued with powerful magic and deep significance. These runes were etched into their skin, their homes, and their sacred objects, creating a web of enchantment that permeated every aspect of their lives.

   Under Aeliana's guidance, I delved into the intricacies of their runic magic. Each rune was more than just a symbol; it was a gateway to a deeper understanding of the universe, a conduit for the energy that flowed through all things. I learned how to carve the runes with precision, how to infuse them with my blood magic, and how to activate their power through rituals and incantations.

   Seraphina, too, found herself captivated by the runes. Her natural affinity for fire magic allowed her to manipulate the runes in unique ways, creating sigils that burned with an inner flame and radiated warmth and light. Together, we experimented with different combinations of runes, pushing the boundaries of what was possible and discovering new ways to harness their power.

   The runes used by the Children of the Red Moon were not just letters or symbols; they were intricate designs, each composed of multiple elements that combined to create a specific magical effect. A single rune could contain dozens of lines, curves, and dots, each placed with precision to ensure the correct flow of magical energy.

   Aeliana explained that the runes were divided into several categories, each representing a different aspect of life and magic. There were runes for protection, healing, transformation, communication, and more. Each category had its own unique symbols and patterns, allowing the wielder to tailor their magic to their specific needs.

   One of the most powerful runes was the Blood Rune, a complex design that required the use of blood to activate. This rune was used for rituals involving life force, sacrifice, and renewal. By infusing the rune with my blood magic, I could enhance its power and create effects that were far beyond the capabilities of ordinary magic.

   The process of carving and infusing runes was both an art and a science. It required precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the flow of magical energy. Aeliana guided me through the process step by step, teaching me how to use a special set of tools made from enchanted silver to carve the runes into various surfaces.

   Once the rune was carved, the next step was to infuse it with magic. This was done through a combination of incantations, gestures, and the use of blood. The blood acted as a conduit for the magic, allowing it to flow into the rune and activate its power.

   Seraphina, with her fire magic, found a unique way to infuse the runes. By heating her blood and allowing it to merge with the runes, she created a fusion of fire and blood magic that produced spectacular results. The runes she created glowed with an inner flame, radiating warmth and light that could heal, protect, and transform.

   The rituals and ceremonies of the Children of the Red Moon were deeply intertwined with their use of runes. Each ritual was a carefully choreographed sequence of actions, chants, and magical infusions, designed to channel the power of the runes and create a specific effect.

   One of the most memorable rituals we participated in was the Rite of Renewal. This ceremony took place under the light of the full moon and involved the entire community. The purpose of the rite was to renew the protective wards that surrounded the village, ensuring the continued safety and prosperity of the people.

   The ritual began with a procession through the village, led by Aeliana and the other priests and priestesses. They carried torches and banners adorned with the symbols of the goddess; their voices raised in chants that resonated with ancient power. Seraphina and I were honored to join the procession, our presence adding to the strength of the ritual.

   As we reached the center of the village, Aeliana directed us to form a circle around a large stone altar. The altar was covered with intricate carvings and runes, its surface glowing with a soft, ethereal light. Aeliana led us in a series of chants and gestures, calling upon the power of the goddess and the energy of the moon.

   At the climax of the ritual, Aeliana instructed me to carve a new set of runes into the surface of the altar. With her guidance, I created a complex design that combined elements of protection, healing, and renewal. As I infused the runes with my blood magic, Seraphina added her fire magic, creating a powerful fusion of energies that radiated throughout the village.

   The effect was immediate and awe-inspiring. The protective wards around the village glowed with renewed strength, their power visible to all. The villagers cheered and celebrated, their gratitude and reverence evident in their expressions.