Everyone knew how the stories went. They were told at a young age. They heard the whispers, the hushed taboos—no one was sheltered from the harsh reality. It was laid out in front of everyone—anyone could seize the truth at a breath's notice and no one would know because everyone knew the truth. Or so they thought.

Society was divided into three groups: humans, hybrids, and lycanthropes. Humans were at the bottom of the chain—they possessed no powers nor any god-like abilities. Hybrids were perceived as ill and were the outcasts of society. They were half-human, half-beast; both human and lycanthropes rejected them. It was rare for a Hybrid to be successful, since most of them were kemonomimi—a human with animal features. Then there were the lycanthropes—the Lycans. Possessing fangs, unnatural strength and speed, and odd color eyes, the Lycans could morph from beast to human by will. Most were ill-tempered and feisty, lusting for unforgivable acts. They had the power to Turn a human—all it took was a bite during a rut/heat or a Bind. A Bind was rarer—it was a sensual act, an intimate act, where both human and Lycan willingly gave themselves to each other.

Parents told their children about the Hybrids and Lycans. They warned them to stir clear from them; if they dare to test the waters out, it would only come with regret.

This was why Paradox Feign's parents struggled for a long time because of his curiosity.

Paradox was a bright-eyed, eager, and wildly curious person when he was younger. He'd ask impossible questions, challenging authority and the laws; he was chaotic and uncontrollable that it drove his parents insane. Despite stirring uneasy troubles due to asking outrageous questions, he was a good kid. He was polite and kind; courteous and humble. As he grew older, he became tamer with his questions, and in turn, resided in books of philosophy, myths, and poetry.

Paradox's parents were proud of their only son—he was going to grow into a good man. They trusted him to not dwell on forbidden ideas and pry into prohibited actions. He told them he wouldn't: he wasn't interested in them nor wished to engage in the activities. But sometimes curiosity snuck behind him and left his mind wandering in circles. The idea of what if was always there—but he tried pushing it down. After all, it was dangerous to chase after precarious ideas—it could be fatal.

But no matter how many times Paradox tried to ignore the looming thoughts, wherever he went, he wouldn't escape it. It was everywhere—at the store, at the mall, in the streets, next door—there was no escaping it; he had to somehow block it out of his mind, but couldn't. After all, how could he when it was on the news?

Burying his face in the books was no help. Listening to music was no help. Talking to his best friend, Caravel, was no help. Nothing was working.

Sensing his mounting frustration, Caravel suggested he and Paradox have a night out—a boys' night. Paradox was hesitant, unsure if this was a good idea, but when Caravel pressed into the matter, saying it'd be best to clear his mind, Paradox gave in.

#####

It was a hot and hazy June. School had been out for over a week, and Paradox was bored out of his mind. He already finished applying for his choice of universities; he had letters of recommendation done and sent out to the universities; he wasn't worried about grades or his GPA, which was a 4.15—

Perhaps if he read a book it would ease his mind of boredom, however, the library didn't open until 10am and it was currently 8am. Paradox sighed, frustrated and tense. Perhaps a morning jog would be for the best. Before he could decide whether or not he would run, his phone pinged: Caravel.

Paradox knew Caravel since he was nine. Caravel had moved from Eureka, Nevada, a population of less than a thousand, to Maes Chwarae’r Diafol, New York. It threw Caravel off since Maes Chwarae’r Diafol was heavily populated with around eight million people. Caravel wasn’t necessarily shy, per se, rather secluded since he grew up in a rural, unincorporated city. He was hard to talk to and rather edgy during the first year Paradox knew him. However, as time passed, Caravel grew onto Paradox due to him being so outspoken, brave, and extroverted. Eventually Caravel became so extroverted that Paradox looked introverted by the time they became fourteen.

Like Paradox, Caravel was an only child, so it made sense why both boys clicked so well. They relied on each other and went to each other for the hard times; they were platonic soulmates—they knew when the other needed help, which was why when Caravel texted him, Paradox wasn’t surprised at all.

Caravel's text was simple: wut up

Paradox sent back a I'm bored.

Caravel's response was: u no…we shood hang 2gether - go to a park or smth

What do you have in mind? Paradox asked. He went to his closet, getting ready to get dressed. Usually when Caravel suggested doing something, they actually did it in the end.

lumen lunae?

Paradox stared at the text, bewildered. Lumen Lunae was a year-round carnival, and was infamous for the countless sketchy activities that took place. From teens trying to OD on LSD or PCP and teens finding a Lycan to fornicate with; from intoxicating music, drunken lights, and inhibited secrets—Lumen Lunae was arcane and treacherous. Lumen Lunae harbored delinquents, goths, druggies, and runaways; most "normal" people wouldn't dare step foot unless looking for some scandalous fun.

Paradox decided to call Caravel. Caravel answered on the first ring.

"Are you crazy?" Paradox found himself saying. "Lumen Lunae? Out of all the places? Don't you remember what happened last week?"

"Para." Caravel said in a low voice. "I know. I was there, remember?"

Paradox indeed did remember because Caravel had called him that day.

Apparently a Lycan went rogue and went psychotic. The Lycan was tearing up the place, violently trying to claim lives all the while trying to find a human to mate with. Chaos ensued for over two hours and it wasn't until the police stepped in did things become less chaotic.

"He was in his Lycan form," Caravel had told Paradox. "Wild, muscular, dark, mysterious—"

"Don't tell me you'd fallen for a stupid Lycan, Caravel," Paradox had grumbled.

"I'm pan—everyone's hot AF." Caravel had said.

"Didn't you say he killed someone?" Paradox had asked.

"It was glorious, though. Blood everywhere— everywhere. You should have—" Caravel had begun eagerly but Paradox shut him down quickly: "Keep your weird blood kink away from me."

Paradox sighed, staring at the inside of his closet. Should he get dressed? But Lumen Lunae? He wasn't sure if it was Caravel's brightest ideas.

"They're doing a cool event," Caravel added to fill up the silence.

"And may I ask, what kind of event?" Paradox asked, grabbing a faded gray t-shirt.

"The theme is haunted," Caravel said. "Like, Halloween but in summer."

Paradox scowled. "Won't there be Lycans?" He asked.

Caravel hummed thoughtfully. "I mean, they're always there; it's not like they don't exist."

"Maybe we shouldn't,” Paradox said carefully. “What if something happens?”

“What if what happens?” someone said from Paradox’s doorway and he turned to find his mother.

Kami Feign had a small smile on her lips, her hands around her waist. Kami was a lithe woman—slender, fine-boned, and tall. She had dark hair and pale skin, just like Paradox. Her eyes were the color of summer greenery; bright and full of life. She had her head tilted in question as she waited for Paradox to answer her question.

“Er,” Paradox found himself saying.

“Well?” Kami asked.

“Caravel wants to go to Lumen Lunae,” Paradox said, and Caravel on the phone said, “Wait, did you just out me?”

Kami’s usually warm expression flickered slightly. “Lumen Lunae?” she asked. “But wasn’t there an event that took place that was…dangerous?”

Paradox gave a shrug. “I don’t have to go. Caravel and I could go somewhere else—”

“Take a switchblade with you,” Kami said suddenly, and Paradox stared at his mother in alarm. “And stick together.”

“Wait—we can-we can go?” Paradox asked, dumbfounded.

Kami pursed her lips. “You’re seventeen, Paradox. And Caravel as well. You’re both almost adults. I can’t cage you; I did my best to protect you and I know you will do your best to protect yourself. So long as you don’t mess with Hybrids and Lycans, I’m sure it’s fine.” She gave him a smile. “You’re a good kid, Paradox. I trust you.”

“Sweet! C’mon, Para! We’re going!” Caravel cheered from the phone. “Get dressed! I’ll be there in five!” And he hung up.

Paradox drew in a sharp breath. “Well…okay. Thanks, Mom. I’ll…be careful. Promise.”

“I know,” Kami said. “After all, you never broke your promise before.”