Lunar Addiction

By Myria Hopkins

In Myria Hopkins' chilling novel "Lunar Addiction," the shadowy streets of Darkhaven City become the epicenter of a terrifying transformation. This gripping tale of horror and suspense delves deep into the heart of an urban supernatural mystery, masterfully blending the allure of werewolf folklore with the stark realities of a crime-ridden metropolis.

 

Synopsis: Darkhaven City, a sprawling urban landscape, is a place of stark social contrasts and hidden dangers, where the history is steeped in werewolf legends. The city's eerie tranquility is shattered when a new street drug emerges, causing monstrous transformations in its users, revealing an ancient werewolf bloodline.

 

Enter Elena Martinez, a determined undercover investigator with a vendetta against drug-related crimes. Joining her are Dr. Lucas Grant, a biochemist whose expertise becomes crucial in understanding the drug's horrifying effects, and Mia Zhang, a tenacious journalist seeking the truth behind this dark phenomenon.

 

Together, they are thrust into the heart of darkness, pitted against the enigmatic drug lord Victor Krawley, who, along with his accomplice, the ethically dubious geneticist Dr. Helena Frost, harbors a sinister plan. Their goal: to wield the drug as a tool to forge a new world order.

 

As the effects of the drug intensify with each full moon, the trio must navigate through a city teetering on the brink of chaos. Elena grapples with her inner demons and fears of losing her humanity. Lucas faces the ethical implications of pitting his scientific skills against a supernatural force. Meanwhile, Mia's relentless pursuit of the truth exposes her to grave dangers and moral dilemmas.

 

"Lunar Addiction" is a tale of ambition, humanity, and the supernatural, set against a backdrop of urban decay and ethical dilemmas. It's a narrative where myth clashes with reality, exploring the depths of human and inhuman nature.

 

This novel is a must-read for fans of horror, especially those drawn to the terror of werewolf lore and body horror. Prepare to be immersed in the dark world of Darkhaven City, where the line between science and the supernatural is blurred, and the full moon brings more than just fear into the hearts of its inhabitants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Benoit
• Release date: Dec 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223029670

Myria Hopkins

Myria Hopkins is a fresh and exciting new voice in the world of fiction, starting her journey as a beginner author. Her passion for storytelling and deep understanding of the human experience are evident in her debut works, which showcase her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate readers from beginning to end. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and a wide range of sources, Myria's writing is marked by its authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability. As she continues to develop her craft and explore new literary terrain, she looks forward to connecting with readers and sharing her unique vision with the world.

Book preview

Chapter 1

In the heart of Darkhaven City's bustling police department, Elena Martinez leaned against the back wall of the cramped briefing room. She watched, her intense brown eyes scanning the room as officers shuffled in, their murmurs filling the air with a restless energy. The atmosphere was charged, a palpable tension hanging over them like a thick fog.

Lieutenant Harris, a grizzled veteran with a voice like gravel, stood at the front. Listen up! His command sliced through the chatter. The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards him. We've got a spike in violent incidents, he began, his gaze sweeping across the room. Not your regular street fights – these are... different. More brutal.

Elena's mind raced, linking the dots to the new street drug she had been tracking. Her jaw tightened. This wasn't just another case; it was personal.

Harris continued, outlining the bizarre details of the recent crimes. Each word resonated with Elena, reinforcing her resolve. She knew these weren't ordinary criminals; they were victims of something far more sinister.

As the meeting concluded, Harris's eyes found Elena's. Martinez, stay sharp out there, he said, a hint of concern in his tone. Elena nodded, a silent promise to herself and the city she vowed to protect.

Later, as dusk settled over Darkhaven, Elena patrolled the narrow, shadow-laden alleys of the Old Quarter. Her footsteps were soft but purposeful, her senses heightened to every sound, every movement. The full moon hung above, casting an eerie glow over the ancient cobblestones.

Suddenly, a shuffling noise echoed from a nearby alley. Elena's hand instinctively went to her sidearm, but she paused, recalling her training. Stealth was key. She crept forward, her athletic frame moving with silent precision.

Peering around the corner, she spotted a figure hunched over in the darkness. His movements were jerky, unnatural. Elena's heart raced, adrenaline coursing through her veins. This was it.

She stepped into the alley, her voice steady. Police. Don't move.

The figure whirled around, revealing wild, bloodshot eyes. A snarl curled his lips, revealing unnaturally sharp teeth.

Elena's training kicked in. She closed the distance, her moves fluid and practiced. The man lunged, but she sidestepped, using his momentum against him. She delivered a precise strike to his knee, followed by a swift elbow to his jaw.

He staggered, but recovered quickly, his movements fueled by an inhuman frenzy. Elena dodged another swipe, her mind racing. This wasn't just a drug addict; this was something else.

They exchanged blows, Elena's expertise against his brute strength. Finally, she saw her opening. With a swift move, she disarmed him, pinning him to the ground.

Breathing heavily, she handcuffed him, her mind reeling. This was more than a drug. This was a nightmare come to life.

As backup arrived, Elena stood up, her gaze lingering on the subdued man. She knew this was only the beginning. Darkhaven City was on the brink of chaos, and she was right in the thick of it.

Determined, Elena walked back to her cruiser, her mind already formulating a plan. She would uncover the truth behind this lunar addiction, no matter the cost. The city needed her, and she wouldn't let it down.

Just as she settled into her cruiser, a crackle from her radio jolted her. Martinez, we've got a situation. High-speed pursuit, suspect linked to the new drug case. The dispatcher's voice was tense, urgent.

Elena's pulse quickened. She fired up the engine, the cruiser's sirens blaring as she navigated through Darkhaven's congested streets. The chase led her to the city's throbbing heart, where neon lights clashed with the deepening shadows.

The suspect, a wiry figure with frantic movements, darted through the crowds, knocking bystanders aside. Elena pursued on foot, weaving through the chaos, her eyes locked on the fleeting shadow ahead.

Stop! Police! she shouted, but the suspect seemed oblivious, driven by a wild, desperate energy. Her training took over, her strides long and determined, closing the gap.

As they reached a less crowded area, Elena saw him stumble, clutching his head in agony. For a moment, he turned, and their eyes met – his filled with a mix of horror and confusion.

Then, it happened. Elena watched, her heart pounding, as the man's body began to contort. His face elongated, his teeth sharpened into fangs, and his muscles bulged under his skin. A partial transformation, a grotesque blend of human and beast.

Elena's breath caught in her throat. She'd heard rumors, whispers of what the drug could do, but witnessing it was a different reality. A mix of fear and fascination gripped her. This was what they were up against – a drug that didn't just addict but transformed.

She drew her taser, knowing conventional methods wouldn't subdue him now. Stay down! she commanded, her voice steady despite the racing of her heart.

The transformed man lunged, but Elena was ready. She fired the taser, the electrodes hitting his chest. His body convulsed, then crumpled to the ground.

As the suspect lay motionless, Elena reached for her radio, her hand trembling slightly. Dispatch, this is Martinez. I need backup at my location, now. Suspect down, possibly under the influence of the drug. Be cautious.

Her voice was firm, but internally, Elena wrestled with her usual disdain for protocol. This situation, however, was beyond anything she'd encountered. She needed every resource available.

While waiting for backup, Elena kept a vigilant watch over the suspect. The transformation had subsided, leaving behind a man seemingly more bewildered than beastly. His labored breathing was the only sound in the quiet alley.

Suddenly, a guttural growl echoed from the other end of the alley. Elena's head snapped up, her eyes scanning the darkness. Another figure emerged, its movements erratic and menacing.

Stay where you are! Elena shouted, drawing her sidearm. The new threat ignored her command, advancing with a menacing gait.

This one was different – larger, more aggressive. Its eyes glowed with a feral intensity, and its snarls sent shivers down Elena's spine. The transformation was complete; this was no longer a man, but a beast.

Elena fired a warning shot, but it only seemed to enrage the creature further. It charged, its claws extended and jaws snapping. Elena dodged, feeling the rush of air as the beast barely missed her.

The creature turned, ready to strike again. Elena realized non-lethal methods were futile. She aimed her gun, her heart pounding in her ears.

But before she could fire, the beast suddenly convulsed, letting out a pained howl. It staggered, clutching its head, as if fighting an internal battle. Elena watched, frozen, as the creature slowly reverted back to human form, collapsing to the ground in a heap.

Elena holstered her weapon, her mind racing. The transformations were unpredictable, violent. This was no mere drug; it was a curse, warping the very essence of its victims.

As sirens wailed in the distance, Elena's attention shifted to the frightened civilians emerging from their hiding spots. Her heart ached at their terror-stricken faces. She approached them calmly, her voice soft but authoritative. It's okay, you're safe now. Please, move to a safer area. We'll handle this.

Her reassuring words seemed to ease their panic as they scurried away from the scene. Elena watched them go, feeling a pang of responsibility for their safety. Protecting them was more than a duty; it was a personal mission born from her own harrowing experiences.

She turned back to the alley, where the backup team was now securing the area. The second man, once a snarling beast, now lay unconscious, his features human again. The surrealism of the situation struck Elena; this was a nightmare turned reality.

The radio crackled to life again. Martinez, we've got another report. Suspect sighting near the Riverside Docks. The dispatcher's voice was urgent, but Elena felt a weight in her chest.

She ran back to her cruiser, her mind racing. The Riverside Docks were a maze of shadows and danger, a perfect hideout for someone, or something, like the suspect. As she drove, the eerie glow of the full moon seemed to mock her efforts, illuminating the path ahead yet revealing nothing.

Arriving at the docks, Elena moved quickly, her senses on high alert. The sound of water lapping against the old piers mixed with the distant hum of the city. She searched the area meticulously, her training guiding her every step.

Then she saw him – the original suspect, his figure barely visible in the dim light. Police! Stop right there! she shouted, her heart racing.

But as quickly as he appeared, the suspect vanished into the labyrinth of containers and shadows. Elena gave chase, determined not to let him escape. But the docks were a treacherous maze, and every corner seemed to lead to another dead end.

Breathless and frustrated, Elena stopped to catch her breath, her hands on her knees. The suspect had eluded her, melting into the night like a ghost. She felt a surge of frustration, the sting of failure biting at her pride.

Elena knew this was far from over. The night's events were a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. Darkhaven was under a threat like no other, and she was at the forefront of this battle.

She returned to her cruiser, her resolve hardened. This was her city, her fight. The drug, the transformations, the chaos – she would face them head-on. Elena Martinez was no stranger to the darkness of Darkhaven, and she would not back down.

Back at the police department, Elena found herself in the dimly lit confines of a small office, facing Derrick Johnson. His rugged features were set in a grim expression, reflecting the weight of the night's events.

We got him, Elena, Derrick began, his voice low. The guy from the docks. He didn't get far.

Elena nodded, her relief tempered by the gnawing sense of unease that had settled in her gut. But this is just the beginning, Derrick. We're dealing with something way beyond our usual scope.

Derrick leaned against the desk, his eyes meeting hers. I know. This drug... it's like nothing we've seen before. And your encounter tonight?

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. It's worse than we thought. These transformations... they're violent, unpredictable. It's like these people are losing their humanity.

Derrick's gaze was sympathetic. And that hits close to home for you, doesn't it?

Elena looked away, her thoughts drifting to her past. The rough neighborhood, the helplessness she felt watching her community ravaged by drugs. It does. I joined the force to make a difference, to fight against the very thing that's tearing our city apart now.

Derrick moved closer, his voice earnest. And you are making a difference, Elena. Don't doubt that for a second. We'll get to the bottom of this.

Elena's eyes flicked back to Derrick, her resolve hardening. We have to. For the sake of Darkhaven. For the sake of everyone who's fallen victim to this nightmare.

She stood up, her posture firm, the embodiment of determination. I won't let this city succumb to this chaos. Whatever it takes, we'll stop Krawley and his lethal creation.

Derrick nodded, standing beside her. We're with you, Elena. All the way.

As Elena left the office, her mind was a whirlwind of emotion and determination. The streets of Darkhaven, once familiar, now seemed to harbor shadows at every turn. The battle ahead was daunting, but her resolve was unwavering.

She thought of the victims, their lives irrevocably altered by a drug that preyed on the vulnerable. Elena knew her fight was not just against a criminal element but against a tide of despair that threatened to engulf her city.

Driving through the moonlit streets, Elena's thoughts turned inward. The challenges ahead were immense, but her will was unbreakable. She had seen the darkest depths of human suffering, and it had only steeled her resolve.

This was her city, her fight. The drug, the transformations, the chaos – Elena faced them all with a steely resolve. The nights in Darkhaven had grown longer, the shadows deeper, but her determination shone like a beacon in the darkness.

Hours later, back at the police station, Elena sat in the quiet of the records room, surrounded by case files and police reports. The clock on the wall ticked monotonously, marking the late hour. Her eyes were weary but unyielding, poring over every detail, every connection.

As she sifted through the files, tracing the pattern of violence and chaos that had gripped the city, her phone buzzed. A text message lit up the screen, anonymous, its contents sending a shiver down her spine: The truth about the drug lies with its creator. Look into the old Krawley estate.

Elena's brow furrowed. The Krawley estate – a place shrouded in rumors and dark history. Could this be a breakthrough or another layer of the mystery?

She stood up, her fatigue pushed aside by a surge of curiosity and urgency. This tip, if true, could lead her to the heart of the darkness engulfing Darkhaven.

Elena grabbed her jacket, determination etched on her face. The night was deep, and the dangers unknown, but she was ready. For every lost soul, for every shattered dream in the city she loved, Elena would fight. And she would not rest until the shadows were lifted, and the truth revealed.

Chapter 2

In the Grant Research Facility, a state-of-the-art laboratory nestled in an upscale part of Darkhaven City, Dr. Lucas Grant was engrossed in his work. The lab, with its sterile white walls and high-tech equipment, hummed with the sound of scientific endeavor. Lucas, tall and lean with glasses perched precariously on his nose, peered intently through a microscope, analyzing genetic samples that had been collected in the recent weeks.

These samples were unusual, tied to the series of bizarre incidents that had been occurring throughout the city. Lucas, known for his expertise in genetics and biochemistry, had been intrigued and deeply concerned by the preliminary findings. The city was being plagued by a new street drug, rumored to cause monstrous transformations. It was a scientific anomaly that begged for a deeper understanding, and Lucas was determined to unravel its secrets.

As he adjusted the focus on his microscope, Lucas's keen eyes caught something extraordinary. The genetic markers in these samples were unlike anything he had ever seen. They hinted at a complexity that went far beyond simple drug effects. There were sequences and patterns that seemed almost... impossible.

Remarkable, he muttered to himself, his mind racing with the implications of this discovery. Could these markers be the key to understanding the drug's terrifying effects? The more Lucas studied them, the more he realized that this drug was not just a chemical compound but a trigger for something primal and deeply rooted in human genetics.

The revelation sent a chill down his spine. This was not just a matter of public health or criminal activity; it was something that touched upon the very essence of human nature, perhaps even the ancient myths that had long been dismissed as folklore.

Lucas pushed his glasses up and leaned back in his chair, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his discovery. This was a turning point, a moment that could redefine his entire career and possibly change the course of events in Darkhaven City.

He reached for his notebook, flipping it open to jot down his observations. The peculiar genetic markers, the transformations, the drug's rapid spread – all of it pointed to a mystery that was much deeper and more complex than anyone could have imagined.

Dr. Lucas Grant was at the forefront of a discovery that could either save the city or plunge it deeper into chaos. As he scribbled down his thoughts, the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders. He knew he couldn't tackle this alone. It was time to reach out to other experts, perhaps even the authorities, to share his findings.

The clock ticked past midnight, but sleep was the last thing on Lucas's mind. There was too much at stake, too many questions that needed answers. With a deep breath, he turned back to his microscope, his eyes fixed on the genetic puzzle that lay before him.

Lucas Grant, immersed in his groundbreaking research, looked up from his microscope, his mind swirling with questions and possibilities. The lab around him, usually a haven of order and logic, now seemed to pulsate with the mystery of the samples he'd just analyzed. The genetic anomalies they presented were not just scientifically intriguing; they hinted at something much deeper, possibly even touching the realms of the supernatural.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. The weight of what he'd discovered felt both exhilarating and daunting. Glancing at the clock, he noted the late hour, yet sleep was a distant thought. With a determined nod, he stood up and walked over to the office of his colleague, Dr. Sarah Lin.

Sarah, a petite woman with an inquisitive gaze, looked up as Lucas entered. Lucas, it's late. What's going on? she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Lucas, usually reserved, could hardly contain his excitement. Sarah, the samples... they're showing genetic markers that I've never seen before. It's extraordinary!

Sarah raised an eyebrow, skepticism in her voice. Lucas, you know we need to be careful. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

He nodded, understanding her caution. I know, Sarah, but this... it's different. The patterns, they don't align with any known genetic mutations or diseases. It's as if... as if they're hinting at something ancient, something primal.

Sarah folded her arms, her scientific curiosity piqued. You're not suggesting...

Lucas hesitated, then took a deep breath. I think these samples might be connected to the werewolf myths. There's something about them that echoes the legends, the folklore of lycanthropy.

Sarah's eyes widened. Lycanthropy? Lucas, that's a myth, a story. We're scientists, we deal with facts.

I know, I know, Lucas replied, running a hand through his tousled hair. But science is also about exploring the unknown, about challenging our understanding. And these samples... they challenge everything.

Sarah sighed, considering his words. Okay, Lucas. I'll keep an open mind. But we need more than just speculation. We need solid research, hard evidence.

Lucas nodded eagerly. Absolutely. I'm going to dive deeper into this. I'll look into ancient lycanthropy myths, compare them with our genetic findings. There has to be a connection.

Sarah watched him, a mix of skepticism and admiration in her eyes. Well, if anyone can find a link between myth and science, it's you, Lucas. Just remember to stay grounded in reality.

Lucas thanked her and returned to his lab, his mind racing with the possibilities. The night outside the lab's windows was dark, the city of Darkhaven a labyrinth of shadows and secrets. But inside, Lucas was alight with the thrill of discovery. He opened ancient texts on folklore, juxtaposing them with the genetic data on his screens.

The hours slipped by as he delved into the lore of werewolves, their transformation triggers, and their mythological origins. He cross-referenced this with the genetic anomalies he'd observed, looking for patterns, for similarities.

As dawn approached, Lucas realized he was on the cusp of something groundbreaking. The connections he was beginning to draw, while still speculative, were too compelling to ignore. He was charting a course into unexplored scientific territory, where myth and science intersected in ways he had never imagined.

In the sterile environment of the Grant Research Facility, Dr. Lucas Grant, absorbed in his work, barely noticed the hours slipping away. His gaze, fixed intently on the genetic anomalies beneath his microscope, revealed a mix of fascination and trepidation. Each sample he examined further solidified his suspicion that they were dealing with something far beyond ordinary science.

The lab was quiet, the only sounds were the hum of machines and the occasional flipping of pages as Lucas consulted various texts on genetics. His tall, lean figure, usually poised with a researcher's calm, now moved with an urgency driven by the bizarre nature of his findings.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a knock at the lab door. Lucas looked up, pushing his glasses back up his nose, to see Mia Zhang, a young journalist with a reputation for her tenacious pursuit of the truth. She stood in the doorway, her petite frame outlined by the fluorescent lights of the hallway.

Dr. Grant? Mia inquired, stepping into the lab. I'm Mia Zhang. We met briefly at the science conference last month. I've been following your work on genetic anomalies.

Lucas, usually reserved, was taken aback by her direct approach. Yes, I remember. What brings you here, Ms. Zhang?

Mia's eyes flickered with an intense curiosity. I've been investigating the rise of the new street drug in Darkhaven. There are rumors about its effects... transformations. I heard about your research and wondered if there might be a connection.

Lucas hesitated, weighing his words. It's still early to make definitive conclusions, but the samples I've been analyzing... they're unlike anything I've ever seen. There could be a link to the drug, but I need more evidence.

Mia nodded, her expression serious. That's what I was afraid of. This story is bigger than I thought. The city needs to know, but we need solid proof. Can I see your research?

Lucas considered her request. Sharing his findings with a journalist was not standard protocol, but Mia's determination and her genuine concern for the city's welfare resonated with him. He motioned towards his workstation.

As a scientist, I usually refrain from speculation, but these findings are... unsettling, Lucas explained, showing her the genetic data. See these markers? They're inconsistent with any known human genetics. It's as if they've been altered, or... awakened.

Mia leaned in, studying the data. Awakened? Like in the werewolf legends?

Lucas nodded slowly. Precisely. I've been comparing these patterns to ancient lycanthropy myths. There are parallels that are hard to ignore.

Mia's eyes widened with a mix of shock and intrigue. This is incredible, Dr. Grant. If you're right, this could change everything we know about genetics... and our understanding of these myths.

Lucas sighed, a sense of responsibility weighing on him. "I'm aware of the implications. But we need more research to understand the full extent of what we're dealing with. This drug, whatever it is, could be triggering something primal,