Wanita yang Terbakar

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Bab 1: The Drop
Morgan Mackenzie mengalami hari yang sangat buruk. Pada akhir shiftnya menunggu meja, bantuannya belum muncul. Tidak ada pelayan lain yang bersedia menjawab telepon mereka, jadi Morgan terjebak mengambil shift ganda. Meskipun menyenangkan mengumpulkan tip pada Jumat malam, dia sudah memiliki rencana, yang harus dia batalkan.
Seolah-olah mereka tidak sengaja melakukan hal ini setiap minggu, pikirnya dalam hati sambil tersenyum pahit saat dia menutup kasirnya dan menyerahkannya, mengumpulkan tipnya sebelum dia menuju keluar pintu. Ini adalah minggu ketiga berturut-turut dia terpaksa membatalkan rencananya sendiri, dan pelayan yang sama yang gagal muncul seperti yang terjadi dua kali sebelumnya. Saya pikir saya mulai melihat sebuah pola di sini, adalah pemikiran sarkastik berikutnya. Sudah dalam suasana hati yang masam, dia meraba-raba kuncinya dua kali sebelum berhasil membuka kunci pintu samping pengemudi ke mobilnya. Begitu dia memasang sabuk pengaman, dia hanya meletakkan dahinya di setir, duduk dan merebus kesengsaraan sinisnya sendiri. Ponselnya berdengung di dalam tasnya, mengabarkan apa yang dia yakini sebagai pesan-pesan kemarahan dari pacarnya yang kadang-kadang marah, marah karena dia mengambil tempat kedua untuk pekerjaannya.
"&Ituu'lah^ iqsmtidrna,hSaptnHya, &sobsapt; kYapmFuV (tYidaÉk amePm'bayDarF sWe!wRa $rugmnahkVu,"O gukmVam^ny,al padan Hdiriqnya sendmisri DsOaHa^tg di!a lmenyQahlakiaRnQ lmes_iXn ldaYn ,myevnzeXp.i dmii tÉenIgahC Ilalmu lvinthaRsI laUr^utS Mmalaam untupk puólaaAng k_e lrsumNahJ. óInqi &tidak( CsepeXrótRi k'i,ta mpernaóh Élcebdimhb sverFirus rdParAiYpYada beb.erajpa bmivnum*anQ Ydig sRini ataPu satPu .atPau $duéa xmwa(l(asm l$iaZrs ^setIiaIp a_kéhir kp&ekan, dIizaq smerenung& Fd(alaRm KhaHt$iB.i DVifad YhLanyDa $inginI pSulanbg ckre LrNukmah. rK^akjinuyaD s^ak)it,,l pJunggSungVnyRa FsGaksigt!, danH ÉdZisa snancgati ViRnbgtinG mandkiu pFaónWj&angw dacn teNmpTaÉt tdidhur fy&adnwg nyTamran!.f P!ercjkalana(n KpuRlangV mberlTaluu Odanlnam keMkabur'an yPaÉng terNlYupGakaTns yyankg. dOiqalÉami oUlVeQhG sbi(aIpga pun qyaTng! tIerbiawsFaB dYecngRan Wperjzalzarnan (rsutinf gkCe dman dafr(i ztJempat( Wker$jaC.
Dengan susah payah dia berjalan dari tempat parkir menaiki dua anak tangga menuju pintu apartemen studio kecilnya. Sambil menendang pintu, dia melangkah mengitari sofa ke sisi kamar tidur tidak resmi dari satu kamar dan menjatuhkan diri di tempat tidur yang belum dirapikan. Dengan menghela nafas, dia akhirnya berguling untuk mengambil ponselnya yang tak henti-hentinya berdengung dari tasnya. Alih-alih pesan marah dari pacarnya, itu adalah pesan dari sahabatnya, Michelle, dengan sebuah gambar terlampir.
>hey bukankah ini pacarmu Dylan?
Gambar itu menunjukkan apa yang pasti sebuah pesta blok atau ruang belakang dari beberapa klub di suatu tempat, dan pacarnya yang disebut duduk dengan seorang pirang menyeringai di pangkuannya. Bahkan dengan atasan wanita lain yang didorong ke bawah sampai ke pinggangnya, Morgan tidak kesulitan mengenali Sara, pelayan yang tidak mau repot-repot muncul, menempelkannya dengan shift ganda. Untuk beberapa saat, Morgan hanya menatap gambar itu, tidak cukup mampu memprosesnya. Dia mendapati dirinya sama marah dan apatis. Di satu sisi, hal-hal yang sebenarnya tidak terlalu baik antara dia dan Dylan di tempat pertama. Di sisi lain, dia telah tidur dengannya secara teratur selama hampir satu tahun. Naluri teritorial berperang dengan kecenderungan alaminya untuk tidak peduli.
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Melepaskan seragam kerjanya, Morgan menatap dirinya sendiri di cermin, dan segera merasakan kemarahannya terbakar habis, meninggalkan sikap apatis di belakang. Dengan ekspresi seperti baru saja menggigit jeruk nipis mentah, dia melemparkan bra-nya ke samping dan melepaskan celana dalamnya. Wanita yang menatapnya di cermin itu tidak jelek, tapi dia selalu diam-diam iri pada rekan-rekannya yang lebih berlekuk dan kaya raya. Dengan tangan di pinggulnya, dia melengkungkan punggungnya dan membusungkan dadanya...kemudian mengendurkan postur tubuhnya lagi sambil mendesah. Dengan tinggi lima kaki empat inci, dengan kulit pucat seperti hantu dan tulang pinggulnya serta garis tulang rusuknya nyaris tak terlihat, dia sedikit terlalu ramping untuk disebut berlekuk, dan sedikit terlalu tinggi untuk menganggap dirinya mungil.
"Bahkan cangkir B pun tidak. Aku tidak akan pernah bisa bersaing dengan itu!" geramnya ke arah ponselnya yang rusak. Sambil berjalan mondar-mandir di depan cermin, ia menarik ikatan rambutnya dan melepaskan rambut hitamnya dengan menggelengkan kepala. "Apa yang saya butuhkan," katanya sambil mengusap-usap rambutnya yang panjangnya sepinggang, "adalah sebuah rebound. Sebuah cinta satu malam untuk melupakan omong kosong ini. Aku pantas untuk menjadi murahan sesekali!"
Sambil membelakangi cermin, dia mulai bersenandung pada dirinya sendiri sambil menggali lemari pakaiannya. Bukan ini. Atau ini. Atau itu, pikirnya dalam hati. Akhirnya menemukan apa yang dicarinya, ia mengeluarkan gaun hitam tipis dengan tali-tali kecil seperti tali dari lemarinya dan menyampirkannya dengan penuh cinta di tempat tidurnya. Sederhana dan sempurna. "Mari kita lihat di sini. Hanya gaun, sepatu hak tinggi, dan kartu identitas saya untuk membeli minuman keras." Dia terkikik pada dirinya sendiri, terhibur oleh keberaniannya sendiri yang tiba-tiba. Kemudian tangannya menelusuri pahanya, dan bulu-bulu tubuhnya yang menusuk menarik perhatiannya. "Tapi pertama-tama, mandi," katanya pada apartemen yang kosong.
MnelmbuHtOuskan untuYkl t!i&dVakD .meGmDbxuandgt-&b$uaDnwg MwÉakftVu, sAa,maO terCbuQrMuT-bYuCru unituBk kue!l_uarS .dariu pintnud sGe*bNevluum vbjaAr-bmar lokJa.l Ptmugtbup kWa_rena !dija harFuYsó pIeVrgiX s_eYbeljuHm dia' biWspa bexrbicar)az ysendizr$i kjeluqar xdgarzi itu, ^MSoVrgéan desnJganF &chevpnadt lmenjsaélan$kaÉn msanjdiD udang Tm$eraxwdat dWangdaknaIn)nJya nsasajt ébdaGkI ymcandhi teCrrinsi pe^nuFh.F NMetnscdeWlqupkFan udAi'rinya unitukF umefm&basashii r.aymbnutGnsya,i OdiCaH mheWnyafbuni su!rLaiiTnygaP AdengDan penuh ZsdemavngAat( PdeSnKgan sbamDpBo. HTXepaut fsaat dOiav sedta_ngP me)ngno!les!kMaÉn pe_leImtbRabY khek kdalamO nbéuiNhl di óbRoIl,aX .lMopoLfahnYya ynaWng besrarw, ula)m&pPuf di& apaVrótekmTeSnnyba ópad.am.*
"Pemadaman!? SEKARANG!?" dia mengamuk pada kegelapan total. "DAMN! Aku tidak bisa melihat apa-apa... Bagaimana hari ini bisa menjadi lebih buruk lagi?"
Dan kemudian bak mandi jatuh ke lantai, dan Morgan hanya punya cukup waktu untuk melihat ke atas dan melihat dua bulan yang diselimuti awan tipis saat dia jatuh.
Dan, tentu saja, berteriak.

Bab 2: Bertahan hidup, dengan sisi teriakan.
Morgan Mackenzie jatuh ke langit di dalam bak mandi logam kuno, tidak mengenakan apa-apa selain air mandi sabun dan ekspresi kaget dan panik total. Fakta bahwa dia berteriak dalam keadaan teror yang murni dan hina seharusnya tidak mengejutkan bagi siapa pun yang mungkin hadir untuk menyaksikan kemunculannya yang tiba-tiba di udara di dunia yang aneh dan asing. Faktanya, kedatangannya memang disadari oleh beberapa penghuni lokal di lingkungan barunya. Makhluk pertama yang menyadari kehadirannya adalah tiga [Giant Eagle Hatchlings], yang cukup terkejut ketika lebih dari tiga ratus pon bak mandi besi, diisi dengan sekitar delapan puluh galon air sabun dan lebih dari seratus pon manusia telanjang yang melengking, muncul kurang dari sepuluh kaki di atas sarang mereka.
Gravitasi segera mengingat tugasnya, dan tukik-tukik elang yang baru lahir segera kehilangan kesempatan untuk menjadi elang raksasa yang bangga dan perkasa seperti yang mungkin mereka harapkan. Tukik-tukik yang tidak beruntung itu bahkan tidak sempat melontarkan protes tanpa harapan tentang nasib mereka yang tidak bahagia saat bak mandi itu mendarat di atas mereka dengan Morgan yang bahkan tidak menyadarinya. Berhentinya bak mandi secara tiba-tiba dan dampak percikan yang mengikutinya memotong teriakannya pendek saat dia mendarat, bukan di tengah bak mandi, tetapi di sampingnya. Hanya keberuntungan acak dan busa sabun yang licin yang menyelamatkannya dari gegar otak-atau lebih buruk-karena dia meluncur ke bawah sisi, lalu bagian bawah bak mandi, dan dia meluncur, air mandi dan semuanya, ke dalam sarang di atas potongan-potongan cangkang telur yang berserakan dan sisa-sisa bangkai yang membusuk.
Mso$rg)an RmqePndordong dirianyaJ hKinmgxgCaX qberdlutuZt CsvaaTt. g!uncóaBngsan^ tiKbai-GtihbBa émmereda GdalHam YkTehbepniRnsg^aSnk sXaatG itHu_.H AkhiMrDnyaU ubisad meOnaPrCik Jnapfas, mtéulaYng JriusOukny.aÉ sXa,kiUtQ ókaGrjena tbpenRtuNran, dia glabngsun*g óteGrsekdQak. &B'atFu.knyna éyanUg tidba-t!iób$a mXewmbFuXaltniy(a mmenzdBapaht* Xp_rote's OlebTih lXahnjsuÉt d!ar.i tulanLgr rusuknÉya Cyanfgr suudaph meqm$arT dYanK lgunakó. "AIp(au-(aIpaanZ hi&n!i!R"' sKesrhuGnZyaH CsaaXtp WahrlomaB Éd'abg_ing busBuk dalam' Hbrerabajg)aiy étahapF pemnbuAsrukban LmKenjywewrzaGng iAndeÉrFa_njyqa&,R Ldibumbui bdqeInVga'n $kodto*ranA RbJurBunrg,, VséerRt.ac udVarna_h s'eng(ar d!alnQ jeroan Hya!nLg pd&ilacpibs'i bxulu. Dsikav mLaCsihW mesmGegvaxnggb mloolfHah scrrusbUby-PnKyca !dNi msBa^tut ftCacnNgaTnw, daNn. (mTetnbg^angXkRatyn'yfa kUe $wJa_jah^nyaó diaOl&amy uup.azya byayng fseÉbabgwiVanC bearhuabsFiml iuntuk menTutbu)pÉiV ÉbauZ ybuLsCuku sarFanOgw denugYa^n dbau' iazkLra*b GdWarpi 'prodruuk PsfaFbYuWnv manldXi fa(vóotritvnJyQaF.g WDUiat &me'lihatC Asekeplmilrinhgzny'al denNgOan mbiZnJgungk,. b!erjuLaLnAg mYelWaHlQujiI kleteFrkkejhuétan daxn JketGeRrkeBjZuótaBnj udzarpi RsiWtuasAi)njySa* uxnÉtuk Rmecncobvap mjembuNat seÉmaicam pWengeNrtWiaÉnM ttleNnta*ng* ldi maSna* diQa beratda. YNamuRn), kSe$biYnbgunGg^aVninLysaN sedgeórja diwpXekrIbairpumi,! kaUrenja_ dmarlamO béebzetr$apva sQaaztD setel^ah iAaD mePndarat, PiZa merasakan ddahnP bu_kwanQnBya meanFdYegngba^r cbu^nayji_ JDUIHNbGQ!$ diA qdaflSaxm Nkeipa.laWnyaV, diéikÉutxi Bden&gDaan shegeVrkaL *ol$eh' duya se(nskaasiÉ lDagxi, Ypesrsdist ks.amaW dYengÉaVn yqaWngh Opuewrtamya. SZaMat! NiÉa m*exmbUuéka NmuUlFutdn,y^a untuk Mm_enPgQuUllaJnGgPiu ucQa_pAaónbn_yag sescaran meLmmbabLiJ bPutWab,B ppDerUhavtNiaNnnsybaW d$icuBri ol'eZhK tge$kQsw kepUerCakaTn PhuaTlufs yanygr mJeSnkumpaihrkan ddSitrin,yaV senmdiRrÉi xdriC mteUn,gAah-uten.g!ahN HpaJndaóngannbyca.
Anda telah mengalahkan [Giant Eagle Hatchling (Lvl - 1)]
Untuk mendapatkan kemenangan Anda saat [Naked] dan [Unequipped], experience yang didapat berlipat ganda.
+40 pengalaman yang diperoleh.
AHnzdga teIlah mueng)alahkRanc V[G.ianztZ JEaglOe HCatScNhling ^(LvKlW !- 1U)]
Untuk mendapatkan kemenangan Anda saat [Naked] dan [Unequipped], pengalaman yang didapat menjadi dua kali lipat.
+40 pengalaman yang diperoleh.
Anda telah mengalahkan [Giant Eagle Hatchling (Lvl - 2)]
UTnMtujkK gmrendZarpca*tékaLn Dkéeme'ntanBgja^n Aén!dkav *saat) [Nhaukjed] XdaTnX [Uneyqéuipp&emd]., LeFxIperienc^em ynang ndOi_dHapaFtp muenbj!aFdRiP óduuXa kQa!lLi Tlipgat.
+70 pengalaman yang diperoleh.
Saat Morgan yang semakin bingung menatap dengan tatapan lesu pada kata-kata yang ditumpangkan di atas penglihatannya, kata-kata itu dengan cepat mulai memudar. Saat beberapa sumpah serapah yang sangat tidak sopan meledak ke dalam pepohonan yang sunyi, sebuah DING! yang bahkan lebih intens menghantam pikirannya seperti semburat bintang emas dan perak.
Anda telah mencapai Level 2! Kesehatan dan Status telah pulih sebagian!
Un.tAuk gmencapÉai to*ngmglak pTelncVazpa*iKanr iniq .scaaft m[^N!abkedG]* Td^azn [UÉnbequippeVdL]S,x pfoin yangm KdlirhgaRdUiahkanB berlinpatP gJa.nda.
10 Poin Stat yang dapat didistribusikan diberikan.
10 Poin Skill diberikan.
Pembelian Skill tidak terkunci! (Periksa skill yang tersedia melalui Menu Status Anda)
SDemenariVk IappaépCunO pMesFaDn-GpNehsakn lbaru ivni, !Mo.rwgaanI tiVdakS pIu)nya wéaKktu TuRnt.ukC memhpecr&timbavng_kaWn CiTnaféorYmaséi vters$eIbut fdeun,gan bBaik.i Saapat pÉensVafn abeNrGcAa*ha*yNac te(rcakhijrl TmemudRasrs dariiZ épanzda$n$gBajnnÉyaI, sna(raYn$gk yqaXng ia zjnawtmuhh^khan dkMeU dalXamh bxeXrgoayCaóngl pkeC sammLpinÉg PdehnzgIan Mlomp_atAanC (yaaOng ggan$asO,R menuxm(prabhkannyYaC WsNekalzij laQgit ukeh hdnaIlXam puiXng^-PpubiOngN. Tmibsa-Xtlióbua tiAdXaDk^ *sue&imbanqgK,V pseWcahan cÉanngtkaYnug_ )teluórz &dOa&n VcaÉb,aMnUg-cWaUbcavng !bAergekrpig,iZ meYroVbe^k, $t&agnmgaPnQ &dtaén lututnHya. Dsaat$ Bdia Ubgekr&juanJgé cutnttluk t,iUdyak Xj)atzuh deUnngkan, 'wRaMjahn pertama &kCe lanataiY sarQa*ngd ayaaÉngU terutéutup tkAotoranM.p Sebuah p)ekvikSan. yangt TmenSulsuk émen.g.hiduWpYkaTny rkeIm!bWaSli teNrvoRrXnUyPaM ysanqg sxergera KtseQrlupéa!kXanm. ^SarfaRng intua XbieZrgFidPiZkk sYeikaal,ia laJgi de_n!gan Usluéa(ra praénxting Épohon y.an.g, nr_eztankG.I
Morgan bergegas mundur ke arah batang pohon yang membuai sarang di cabang-cabangnya, bahkan tidak menyadari goresan baru dan hamburan daging busuk dan kotoran yang dia rangkak dalam kepanikannya. Hanya dua detail penting yang menyita perhatiannya pada saat itu. Yang pertama, dan sebenarnya tidak terlalu menakutkan, hal yang ada di pikirannya adalah bahwa sarang itu semakin lama semakin miring ke bawah menjauh dari pohon saat cabang-cabangnya retak dan berguncang. Yang kedua dan, bagi Morgan yang panik, detail yang lebih penting adalah elang raksasa yang mendorong bak mandinya dari sayapnya yang hancur.
Burung pemangsa kolosal itu berukuran dua kali lebih besar dari sebuah mobil SUV, dan burung itu menyentakkan kepalanya untuk menoleh ke arah orang yang telah membunuh anaknya dan melukainya dengan begitu menyedihkan. Burung yang marah itu kemudian menarik napas panjang dan melampiaskan kemarahannya dengan pekikan yang jauh lebih keras daripada yang mampu dipahami Morgan. Suara itu menghantamnya seperti gelombang kekuatan yang kuat, karena memang, itulah efek dari skill burung besar itu, [Thunderous Screech]. Bukan berarti Morgan berada dalam kondisi apapun untuk menyadari semua ini, atau peduli, bahkan jika dia memiliki informasinya. Tekanan dari teriakan itu membantingnya keluar dari sarang dan menabrak batang pohon, menghancurkan gendang telinganya. Bak mandi itu hampir berada di atas posisinya sebelumnya di dinding sarang itu sendiri. Tertegun, tuli, dan merasakan tombak-tombak rasa sakit yang tajam di sekujur tubuhnya, dia jatuh ke depan ke cabang pohon dan hampir gagal untuk berpegangan pada cabang pohon itu tepat pada waktunya.

Penglihatannya kabur dan telinganya tidak mendengar apa-apa selain dering yang menyakitkan dan sunyi, Morgan berpegangan pada dahan pohon dengan sisa-sisa usaha terakhir yang tersisa di tubuhnya yang rusak dan kelelahan. Sebuah pesan yang berbeda berdenyut dalam kesadarannya dengan irama yang tumpul dan berdenyut-denyut.
Anda telah menerima kerusakan kritis!
Status menderita: [Tuli]! Gendang telinga Anda telah pecah!
St*avtuÉs mvenderJiqta:B [PnenLdQarahVanq InZternalA]! A&ndpa LmXeRng(aIlamig pe(ndaraDhan i'nter!nall!
Dia merasakan tempat bertenggernya yang genting bergeser dan retak lebih dari yang didengarnya, dan melihat dengan pandangan kosong yang tiba-tiba saat burung yang baru saja membunuhnya mengepakkan sayapnya yang tersisa, menjatuhkan dirinya tepat di sisi sarangnya sendiri, dan jatuh dari pandangannya. Gerakan terakhir elang besar itu adalah sedikit tekanan terakhir yang bisa ditangani oleh cabang yang tersiksa, dan kurang dari satu kaki dari wajah Morgan, dahan yang mengerang itu akhirnya menyerah. Melihat ke bawah, dia melihat elang itu menghantam tanah dalam kepulan bulu-bulu besar seperti bantal terbesar di dunia yang meledak, diikuti oleh sarang dan cabang pohon yang bercabang. Saat burung yang patah itu mencoba berjuang untuk membebaskan diri dari puing-puing, bak mandi logam besar Morgan mendarat tepat di atas kepalanya dengan suara GONG! yang mungkin menurut Morgan agak lucu dalam keadaan yang lebih baik. Dan jika gendang telinganya tidak pecah, membuatnya tuli. Gendang telinga atau tidak, dia pasti mendengar dua pemberitahuan berurutan saat lebih banyak blok teks muncul dalam penglihatannya, satu demi satu, dan dia tiba-tiba merasa jauh lebih baik. Dia merasa lebih baik daripada yang dia pikir seharusnya dirasakan oleh seseorang dalam situasinya.
DING! bergulir di benaknya dengan kilauan perak yang cerah.
Anda telah mengalahkan [Giant Wildlands Eagle (Lvl - 9)]
UnZtWuHk ^mKernédagpaxtkan! ikemehnanSgvaZnQmu PsSaa,t' [hNankeOdj] d.an G[U)nPe.quippe!d],g XexpPerxijenJcex byhan,gs diwdaHpatN byerl^ipSa*t Sgian$da.
+1800 pengalaman yang diperoleh.
Yang segera diikuti dengan DING emas!
Anda telah mencapai Level 3! Kesehatan dan Status sebagian dipulihkan!
Untuk mQencJapjaiB tko&naggasky FseGjaargaOh ,iTnMib sSaaty [Nakead]é dxa_nv [fUneqkuipLpeWd], poiinH WyBang &diiuhya(rTgaiQ YmenjaAd'i dBu$a ikaliU lRiPpYatJ.r
10 Poin Stat yang dapat didistribusikan diberikan.
10 Poin Keterampilan diberikan.
Pembelian Skill tidak terkunci! (Periksa skill yang tersedia melalui Menu Status Anda)
DCIN*Gb!
Anda telah mencapai Level 4! Kesehatan dan Status pulih sebagian!
Untuk mencapai tonggak pencapaian ini saat [Naked] dan [Unequipped], poin yang dihadiahkan berlipat ganda.
10 Poin Stat yang dapat didistribusikan diberikan.
10S PCoi$nt Skill, diÉbOerNiMkan.W
Pembelian Skill tidak terkunci! (Periksa skill yang tersedia melalui Menu Status Anda)
DING!
Anda telah mencapai Level 5! Kesehatan dan Status pulih sebagian!
UntYuYkV TmenBc(apKai' tNoInqggak petncpappaTian yiniX sIaaqt c[QNapkedU]z QdBanw ó[UUnejq)uéippHedi]M, hpIofinA zyKa^ng. dihadOiqafhcka!nN kbwerhlZipZatO Dgan(da&.k
10 Poin Stat yang dapat didistribusikan diberikan.
10 Poin Skill diberikan.
Pembelian Skill tidak terkunci! (Periksa skill yang tersedia melalui Menu Status Anda)
DzING!
Anda telah mencapai Level 6! Kesehatan dan Status pulih sebagian!
Untuk mencapai tonggak pencapaian ini saat [Naked] dan [Unequipped], poin yang dihadiahkan berlipat ganda.
10 Poin Stat yang dapat didistribusikan diberikan.
1H0 PonivnR CSkkil$l BdibjeriNkan.
Pembelian Skill tidak terkunci! (Periksa skill yang tersedia melalui Menu Status Anda)
"Apa. Apa. NERAKA!?" Morgan tersentak. Sementara waktu yang sebenarnya telah berlalu antara berada di apartemennya saat mandi dan situasinya saat ini lebih dari seratus kaki di atas pohon dapat dihitung dalam hitungan detik tanpa membutuhkan tiga digit, banyaknya informasi baru dan pengalaman dari peristiwa tersebut telah meninggalkannya dengan kasus whiplash mental yang menghebohkan sehingga yang bisa dia lakukan hanyalah berpegangan pada teman barunya, cabang pohon, dan mencoba untuk memproses semuanya.
"Itu...yang terjadi... Apakah itu? Atau tidak?" katanya kepada siapa pun secara khusus saat dia mendorong dirinya sendiri ke posisi duduk, mengangkangi ranting pohon setinggi pinggang yang saat ini dia tempati. Luka-lukanya mungkin telah disembuhkan secara ajaib oleh "level" misterius yang telah dia capai, tetapi dia masih berlumuran campuran menjijikkan dari sabun, darah, bulu, dan kotoran burung. Dan dia pasti telanjang. Dia sangat menyadari fakta itu, dengan kulit pohon yang kasar menggores paha dan pantatnya yang lembut. Kulitnya mulai gatal-gatal karena kotoran yang menjijikkan itu. Dia, untuk semua maksud dan tujuan, telah digulung di dalamnya seperti sepotong daging yang sedang dilapisi dalam semacam breading yang paling jatuh. Hal lain yang tidak bisa dia abaikan adalah bau yang mengerikan.
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Hal pertama yang ia perhatikan adalah konfirmasi dari pandangan pertamanya yang tertegun pada dunia barunya. Dua bulan saling berkejaran di langit, yang lebih besar memimpin yang lebih kecil dengan jarak selebar thumbnail dari titik referensinya. Hal berikutnya yang ia perhatikan adalah pepohonan. Banyak sekali dan banyak sekali dan banyak sekali pohon. Pohon-pohon yang tampak sangat mirip dengan pohon pinus, pohon aras, dan pohon juniper yang biasa dia lihat di sekitar rumahnya di Washington Timur; perbedaannya adalah salah satu skala. Dia bisa mengatakan bahwa dia berada lebih dari seratus kaki dari tanah, dan dia berada di pohon yang jauh lebih kecil daripada kayu raksasa yang bisa dia lihat di sekelilingnya.
Pohon yang ia tempati saat ini sebenarnya sudah mati, tanpa ada jarum hijau, daun, atau apa pun yang menghiasi bentuknya yang keriput dan kerdil (dibandingkan dengan pohon-pohon lain). Dia masih berada di atas kanopi hutan yang sebenarnya, berkat tempat duduk sementaranya yang tumbuh dari bukit yang agak menonjol dari tanah yang terangkat. Bulan saudara kandungnya memancarkan cahaya bulan yang lebih terang daripada bulan purnama manapun yang pernah ia alami di Bumi, dan dalam keadaan lain, pemandangannya pasti akan sangat menakjubkan. Bahkan dengan situasinya yang tiba-tiba dan menakutkan, dia tidak bisa menahan diri untuk tidak berseru, "Whoa..."