The Scarlet Moon: Part 1

By M.C. Aragon

The northern lights are strangely glowing in the skies, moving east, slowly slithering over territories that have never seen them before. These are not simply aurora borealis following a course or a meteorological anomaly, this is an ancient call unseen for generations invoking some hidden tribes from all over the world to unite and deal with the great prophecy which is finally unfolding thanks to the birth of a boy named Andre. His ancestors concealed a big family secret: An obscure pact that makes him the materialization of the second fruit of Eden, an intangible weapon of evil intended to destroy the creation in these modern days. According to the prophecy, the boy will bring obscurity and destruction to the world, but there’s also hope: the prophecy advises that he can also be the one to end that darkness that has already summoned old enemies from World War II and a new and powerful secret society eager to control Andre’s abilities. Thanks to this, some ancestral hidden forces in the forest have decided to emerge to protect the boy, they are the Reliquums, the keepers of the universal balance, and they will use their bond with nature and the powers they get from the universe to protect the child and the world at all cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Mar 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781665756679

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Copyright © 2024 M.C. Aragon.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Interior Image Credit: Salvador Torres

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5668-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5667-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024902898

Archway Publishing rev. date: 03/05/2024

CONTENTS

To Mario and Lucy,

my grandparents,

the best teachers and storytellers I could’ve asked for.

Also to Angelica M, Wendy B, Ana M, and Edy P.

for believing in me before anyone else.

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CHAPTER I

THE SECOND FRUIT OF EDEN

T he oceans were calm and hushed. No waves disturbed the tranquil shores, no winds stirred the clouds in the sky above, and no living being left its mark on the barren sur face.

The demon descended on this dark and barren land like a shooting star, despised by the universe. The infinite celestial cloak stopped to contemplate the creature, who was once an angel, twisting in rage and crawling in misery through a land of despair. His form no longer glowed with light, and his body would never sparkle again.

He scratched the surface and dug the ground to hide himself. Since that day, the earth granted him a dwelling in its depths of fire. As a result, the malevolent creature clothed himself with shadows, feeding on pain and suffering. With time, his subjects fell from above, like rotten fruits discarded by the tree, seeking refuge in this new reign of obscurity, where he shall wait for ages to emerge and taste revenge.

In the beginning of time, life flourished on earth with harmony and beauty. Time brought life with it. The land dressed in green, the winds swept across the plains and ascended the mountains that pointed to a bright blue sky. Silence had vanished, instead, the birds sang and fluttered in the air, the fish filled the waters and the herds made the earth vibrate.

Yet, this creature wandered among them in silence, meandering with evil intentions, until he found a man. As a result, he realized his naivety and used the forbidden fruit to separate him from his creator. Consequently, Eden closed its gates, vanishing men and condemning him to a mortal fate. The evil creature was not satisfied; his vengeance was not complete. So he kept the second fruit of Eden to use it in due time, and so, he waited, patiently throughout ages, until the moment arrived.

Humans had created a prosperous world full of wonders, but sadly they were at their most vulnerable, they had forgotten how to speak to nature and the language of the creator.

In a moment buried deep within the folds of time, concealed amid the unyielding division of years, days, and minutes, an ancient prophecy quietly emerged. This foretelling spoke of the birth of a spirit, destined to wage wars for the sake of peace, to unveil light amongst shadows, and to bring harmony between heaven and earth. This prophecy found few willing ears and was scarcely shared through the mouths of many, thus failing to propagate beyond the confines of its origin. Nevertheless, its restricted dissemination did not diminish the profound truth and enduring significance it held.

On a crisp October day, as the first stars made their appearance on the darkening horizon, the vivid colors of the sunset quietly retreated behind the majestic mountains. A chilly wind swept southward, rustling the aged leaves from the towering cypress trees and softly rapping at the doors of the Leisser mansion. Rested atop a lofty edge overlooking Luteria, a small town embraced by ancient forests and rivers, the town’s name had faded into obscurity within a small country marked by twisted roads and cobblestones covered with dust.

The Leissers, a prosperous immigrant family who had settled in Luteria a couple of generations ago, arrived in search of fresh opportunities for both their family and their business endeavors. On this particular night, friends of the family had been invited to an impromptu and lavish gathering in anticipation of the birth of their first child. Following their unique tradition, the Leissers forwent hospital births, opting instead for home deliveries. They had adopted the peculiar custom of celebrating during the labor process itself to ensure that every descendant entered the world in a joyous and festive atmosphere.

Legend has it that many years ago, amidst the devastating bombing of the city of Dresden, the great-grandmother of the Leissers found herself giving birth to a premature child in a crumbling and war-torn hospital. Surrounded by destruction and the lingering scent of death, her only solace was to sing and celebrate the precious gift of life. It was in this harrowing moment that the roots of their unique and enduring custom first took hold.

Christine, the sole offspring of the Leisser family, had tied the knot less than a year ago with Abraham, who was from a working-class background, despite initial objections from both sides of the family. With the passage of time, Gerardh and Leonora Leisser, the parents of Christine, gradually embraced their son-in-law as an integral part of their family. Nevertheless, they found a way to ensure that their firstborn would retain the Leisser surname as a prefix, preserving their family legacy.

The mansion was located less than a kilometer from Luteria. It rested, in solitary, high above the city, and settled at the foot of a mountain known to locals as Juda’s Hill. It earned its name from a withered tree that sat on top, visible from a distance. Legend had it that long ago, people who were tired of living would find some comfort there.

To the north of Luteria, was Mount Norgorie—a sandy, and arid volcano that had been inactive for a little less than two centuries. It was said that the natives and ancient settlers went to its crater to communicate with their Gods and supernatural beings. The locals believed in the existence of a peculiar type of rock atop the volcano, supposedly expelled during an ancient eruption. This mineral possessed a unique sensitivity to surrounding energies and, under specific conditions, emitted light. As the tales went, on certain nights, these rocks would emit a gentle emerald-green splendor, casting a vivid hue upon the night clouds above.

According to the legend, on dark evenings, peculiar lights would dance above the crater, accompanied by the apparition of enormous, white animals of various shapes and sizes around the town. Further fueling the fascinating legends, it was said these distinct animals were protectors of the area who lived in forests in communion with the forces of the earth.

On that very same chilly October night, the residents of Luteria gathered to watch the spectacular fireworks emanating from the Leisser mansion. The entire town was aware that the newest addition to this esteemed family was on the verge of making his entrance into the world.

In one of the main bedrooms, a doctor and two nurses attended the delivery, while guests toasted in the grand hall of the house. The hall exuded extravagance, featuring enormous ornate acacia wood windows, resplendent golden chandeliers hanging from the vaulted wooden ceilings adorned with intricate engravings, and shiny marble floors that gleamed, reflecting the flickering flames of the fireplace. At the heart of the hall’s floor lay a remarkable circular mosaic brimming with a vibrant spectrum of colors, primarily shades of yellow and orange, resembling a summer sunset. Its true significance remained a mystery to all except Gerardh, the head of the family. In that moment, as he gazed around and witnessed the colorful sparks illuminating the night sky through the windows, he raised his glass and smiled with an air of feigned superiority. Now, I have the undivided attention of the entire town, he mused to himself with his chin held high.

Amidst the explosive bursts of fireworks, celebratory toasts, and the harmonious melodies of violins and pianos that enveloped the atmosphere, the firstborn of the Leisser family began her journey into the world. Christine’s anguished cries were engulfed by the symphonic sounds that resonated through every corner of the venue. Outside, the birds, seemingly bewildered, took flight from the trees, while the desperate howls of dogs reverberated across the city, bouncing off the nearby mountain range. Suddenly, an unexpected gust of wind descended upon the quaint town of Luteria.

The music came to an abrupt halt, and a violinist cast a fearful gaze at the glasses trembling on the table, emitting a sharp clinking sound as they collided. The ground beneath their feet quivered, walls began to tremble, and the lights flickered intermittently as the entire room swayed violently from side to side. Cracks spread through the houses of Luteria, toppling streetlights, walls, and roofs, leaving a trail of destruction behind. Silence descended upon the once-vibrant scene.

Beyond the Leisser Mansion’s threshold, a hushed crowd gazed into the dimly lit interior. The only sounds were the cautious footsteps crunching on the broken glass and the faint creaking of chandeliers still swaying precariously from the ceiling. Then, amidst the dusk and uncomfortable calm, from a distant room, the plaintive cry of a newborn was heard. The wails grew louder and closer until Abraham emerged from the mansion with the newborn in his arms.

The crowd’s curiosity and excitement were palpable as they hurriedly approached. Bathed in the gentle glow of the moonlight, Christine emerged from the house, supported by the others. She appeared weak, her face still glistening with sweat as she cradled the newborn in her arms. With a sense of relief washing over her, she gazed at the baby and let out a contented sigh. In a clear, unwavering voice, she declared, His name is Andre.

At that very moment, an unexplained chill swept through those gathered there, like a powerful omen manifesting as an invisible wave. A pervasive feeling of foreboding coursed through the earth, touching the hearts and minds of all who were present. Clairvoyants and prophets from far and wide sensed that something momentous was unfolding. The prophetic whispers had reached them as an unmistakable premonition, and fate had spoken loudly and unequivocally on that fateful night. A new and extraordinary chapter had begun.

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CHAPTER II

THE GREAT PROPHECY

T he massive golden doors swung open slowly, revealing an elderly woman who entered with grace. She held a staff in her hand and, as she removed her hood, a gentle breeze lifted her silver hair.

So long it has been, and so far you’ve come, spoke a tall bearded man seated on a crystal throne at the center of the temple. Around him stood more than a dozen individuals, all adorned in carmine tunics, each with a crystal pendant hanging from their necks.

Tádem omvio, she greeted him in the ancient tongue, bowing her head.

Tádem omvio, he replied in kind. You didn’t have to come all this way to discuss what’s happening. We all felt it that night—the prophecy is alive, real, and unfolding.

I know we all felt it, even ordinary humans sensed it. I’m here to tell you that this sudden surge of energy had a focal point—a source.

Are you speaking of the dark firstborn? he asked, his face filled with concern.

He was born that night, announced by the earthquake. The second fruit of Eden, in human form, she replied.

In that case, we must act quickly and resolve this once and for all, said one of the others, removing his hood.

Are you suggesting we end a baby’s life? the woman asked, raising her voice.

Prophecies can be interpreted in many ways! Another man said.

She is right, the bearded man addressed everyone from his throne. Remember, a person who knows their future is condemned to change it and live a different one. That’s why prophecies can’t be specific, definite, or detailed in what they reveal.

After a moment of silence, the man retrieved a parchment from a small wooden chest and began to read:

Between heaven and hell, the earth lies defenseless. Water and oil, demon and angel unite, the dark firstborn will be revealed, his existence will invoke death, and his death will bring life, only if his eyes see tomorrow’s sun today. The stars will reveal the path, but only one shall know, and only silence will keep it from vanishing forever. Darkness will be summoned from the abyss to end what began at the start, but only immortal fire will restore the broken balance. Act as one to defeat the one, and as you walk the dark path, remember that in the beginning, everything ends, and at the end, everything begins.

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There it is, the great prophecy, written in ancient times, before humans built with bricks or sailed on iron, the man said, placing the parchment back into the chest. He looked around and took a moment before continuing. No life shall be taken for a prophecy that, despite its darkness, also carries hope. Now is not the time for action but for observation. Major decisions will be made when the moment is right. he said, looking at the old woman, As for now you will be our eyes. Return to your lands, watch and meditate, keep a close eye on the child, and we will meet again. The crystal pendant around his neck glowed as he spoke. She curtseyed and left, using her staff.

I trust you, Mádeliz, he whispered to himself as she disappeared from sight.

Mádeliz was an older long, wavy gray-haired woman. She was often seen walking the cobbled streets of Luteria, dressed in dark, flowing attire and carrying her staff. This staff was a collection of sturdy roots naturally twisted together, as though crafted by Mother Nature herself, and for some reason, its upper end was always covered with a cloth.

In town, Mádeliz was considered eccentric. People avoided her, perhaps due to her appearance or unfounded rumors. Despite her age, she moved with vigor. Mádeliz had a unique energy, her eyes were filled with life, though her smile was a rare sight.

I heard you called me, said a young humble woman with dark skin, approaching Mádeliz near an ancient tree in the forest.

You heard it, or you felt it? Mádeliz replied, gazing at her staff. The cloth that once covered its upper end had given way to reveal a large, peculiar multicolored crystal embedded within. Twisted roots had grown around it as if they were meant to hold it in place.

I don’t know. Somehow, I just knew I was being called and where to go, the young woman answered.

Your intuition and awareness are awakening, my dear.

It’s all thanks to your teachings, Mádeliz.

Julia, you are a humble and sweet young lady. I could sense your energy deep within the woods, even beyond the mountain range. You heard our call. That’s why I came down that summer day to find you. You were born as one of us. Julia blushed and then smiled as Mádeliz continued, I’ve called you here today because I… WE need your help.

What can I possibly do for you? Julia asked, somewhat surprised.

The Leissers, Mádeliz replied, pausing. We need to keep an eye on the baby. Since his birth, the energies around us have shifted. Dark forces will come to feed on this newfound power in the air.

So the prophecy is real?

Not only the prophecy, but the curse as well. Some nights, I can hear their voices, calling for help from a very dark place.

But you’ve always taught me that hell is not a place for human souls.

There are human souls in hell not as punishment but by their own conviction. What their ancestors did went beyond greed and lust for power. They made a pact with the darkest spirit imaginable, and those things linger in the blood for generations. Mádeliz fell silent, waiting for a response.

How can I get close to this child? Julia asked.

They are searching for a nanny.

What makes you think they will choose me to be his nanny?

Leave that to me, Mádeliz responded as the crystal in her staff began to glow from its core.

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CHAPTER III

THE STRANGE EVENTS AT THE LEISSER MANSION

T he Leisser Mansion exuded the gentle scent of aged wood, carried by the breeze that flowed through its windows. Sunlight streamed through those windows, painting delicate patterns on the swaying silk curtains, which seemed to drift aimlessly in