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The Moon's Undead Phase

The moon shed a tear. It yearned. 

Below its grace lay a hollow kingdom, one that housed a desolate queen. 

Shattered, destroyed, ruined—all of it. 

Amongst the cackling flames and crying snow, there she lay beneath all the destruction. Her breaths faltered, clawing onto her body as her limbs stretched in defeat. 

This is bad. Where did she go? Luna gasped for air as her eyes flickered through her raging surroundings. She won’t get away with this.

Allured by the moonlight’s gaze, she gave up on her search and looked up at the heavenly sky, blood running away from their home. 

It was such a righteous night, one so beautiful it didn’t feel right.

After a minute or two, she took a deep breath and glanced at her chest, then returned, resting her head on the rubble.

A giant crater found itself comfortable in her body, taking pride in scaring off all her crimson blood. 

So that’s what happened, Luna sighed in disappointment, faking a smile. What a pity, I was so close to capturing her.

From the higher floors to the nearby rooms, all fractured, none stopped glaring at the queen, almost as if they pitied her. 

Her heartbeat grew slower, her eyes grew dimmer, and her skin grew paler. 

The night offered no mercy.

Then, from the broken hole in the roof, fell a corpse right onto her, splashing their blood and limbs together. 

Klink! A diamond-like object, overflowing with brilliance, hopped out of her dull hand, sneaking up by her face.

The harsh winter winds grew calmer, as if respecting the presence of the glowing artifact, turning their focus away from the queen and leaving the place be for a moment.

You know what, this isn’t so bad, Luna smiled with bitter relief, turning her attention back to the moon, shutting her eyes. This end is very fitting for me.

Pitch black, nothing but a quick and desolate void.

Nothing.

But only for a brief moment.

Then, everything. All senses began to stir in her mind, finding themselves twirling around like maniacs, panicking at the sense of time. 

Almost as if it didn’t happen. Yet.

Her eyes snapped open. Her hands twitched.

She took a hefty breath. 

Reaching for her chest, she took another few breaths as her eyes were drawn to the floor.

Did I almost doze off again? Luna thought with suspicion, glancing at the polished tiles below. I need greater self-restraint. 

Withdrawing her hands, she rested them on her soft mattress, sitting between silky canopies, and shifted her attention to the wooden door of her room.

“That’s right, it’s a new week.” She rolled her eyes at the sight, slouching in reluctance. “How wonderful.”

Stretching her arms long and wide, she yawned loudly, smacking her dry lips. 

The lurking absence grew closer, keeping its gaze on the exhausted queen, who was half hidden by her rough silver hair.

“Okay, just a weekly walk and snack, that’s all.” She whispered to herself as she rubbed her eyes, her eyebags suffocating. “Then the rest of the week is mine.”

She pressed against the bed and got up, barely overcoming her trembling legs and weak feet, heading for the golden doorknob. 

Her eyes widened in surprise, lifting ever so slightly, brushing past the morning light that somehow peeked through the windowless corridor.

“Good morning, your majesty.” An almost identical clone spoke with diligence, lifting the sides of her dress as she bowed before her. 

Only their hair and health differed; she was clean, bright, and strong compared to the tired and still ruler, her sapphire eyes glistening.

“Good morning to you, dear Neoma,” Luna said with gentle care, smiling softly as she stepped outside into the hallway. 

“I was just about to remind you of your weekly physical maintenance.” Her hand bounced up and down in the air, accompanying her suggestion. “But it seems you’re already awake.”

“Yes,” She knotted her hands together, resting them in front. “I’ve been for a while.” 

“And there’s another instance of sleep deprivation.” Clapping her smooth hands together, she sighed dramatically. “I mean no offense, but that’s why your eyebags only get worse, your majesty.”

“Behold the effects of the Moonlight Husk.” She lightly shrugged, reaching for the door and shutting it. 

She froze for a second, glaring at the doorknob as if she had left something behind in her room.

“Speaking of which,” Neoma spoke, her smile still as strong as the morning presence. “I’d like to converse in private after your walk.”

Luna nodded, resting her hands on her side as Neoma continued her formality, remaining still as a soldier.

“Do please remind me,” She requested, gazing into her clone’s eyes. “I might forget.”

“Of course, your majesty.” Neoma bowed once more, watching in admiration. “Farewell and have fun.”

Luna made her way over to the staircase at the end of the hallway, strolling in a leisurely manner not to upset her fragile body. 

Each passing second, her body dispersed into cold mana, gradually transforming into powder snow.

Vanished. She had disappeared.

And outside the grand castle, she reappeared. 

Her footsteps graced the sweet snow, her limbs reforming themselves with delicate motion.

Glancing back at the towering castle that reached for the faint moon, she closed her eyes for a brief moment.

Now, which town of mine do I visit? Luna turned back, gazing off into the endless snow. And what do I get for nutrients?

She dragged her feet forward and marched, her smile stuck between reluctance and annoyance.