The mountains loomed above Aria and Kael, their jagged peaks cutting into the sky like the teeth of some ancient beast. The air grew colder as they climbed, the wind biting against their skin and carrying the faint howl of distant wolves.
Aria pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her breath visible in the frigid air. Her legs ached from the steep incline, and the light snowfall made every step treacherous.
"How much farther?" she asked, her voice muffled by the scarf wrapped around her face.
Kael glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. "Not far. If we keep this pace, we should reach the stronghold by nightfall."
Aria nodded, though her body protested with every step. She couldn't afford to slow down—not with the Bloodfangs likely on their trail.
The heat in her chest flickered faintly, the song of the moon guiding her steps. It wasn't as strong as it had been in the vale, but it was there, a constant reminder of her purpose.
---
By midday, the path narrowed, forcing them to climb single file along a sheer rock face. The wind howled around them, carrying snow and ice that stung Aria's skin.
Kael stopped abruptly, his hand raised in a silent warning.
"What is it?" Aria whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind.
Kael pointed ahead, where the path disappeared into the mouth of a dark cavern. Icicles hung from the entrance like jagged teeth, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed from within.
"We'll have to go through it," Kael said, his voice low.
Aria hesitated, the unease in her chest growing. "Are you sure? It doesn't look safe."
Kael smirked, though there was little humor in it. "Nothing about this journey has been safe."
Reluctantly, Aria followed him into the cavern.
---
The air inside the cavern was damp and heavy, the walls slick with ice. Their footsteps echoed as they moved deeper, the faint light from Aria's hands their only guide.
Kael moved ahead, his dagger drawn and his eyes scanning the shadows. "Stay close," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aria nodded, gripping her staff tightly. The song in her chest grew louder, the heat flaring as if in warning.
"Kael," she said softly. "Something's not right."
He didn't have time to respond before a low growl echoed through the cavern.
They froze, their breaths hitching as the growl grew louder, followed by the scrape of claws against ice.
"Rogues?" Aria whispered.
Kael shook his head. "No. Something worse."
The shadows ahead shifted, and a massive figure emerged from the darkness. It was a wolf, but its body was grotesque, twisted by some unnatural force. Its fur was matted and blackened, its eyes glowing a sickly yellow.
"A shadowbeast," Kael muttered, his grip tightening on his dagger.
The creature snarled, its breath visible in the frigid air. Then it lunged.
---
Kael moved first, meeting the shadowbeast head-on. His dagger flashed as he slashed at its throat, but the creature was faster than it looked. It twisted out of the way, its claws raking across Kael's arm.
Aria raised her hands, summoning the light. The heat surged in her chest, and the silvery glow spilled out, illuminating the cavern. She thrust her hands forward, sending a wave of light toward the shadowbeast.
The creature howled as the light struck it, its form flickering like a flame in the wind. But it didn't retreat.
"Aria, keep it distracted!" Kael shouted, circling around the beast.
She nodded, focusing her energy. The light in her chest grew stronger, pulsing in time with her heartbeat. She stepped forward, the glow in her hands intensifying.
The shadowbeast snarled and charged at her, its massive jaws snapping. Aria stood her ground, unleashing another burst of light that sent it skidding across the icy floor.
Kael seized the opportunity, driving his dagger into the creature's side. The shadowbeast howled, its body convulsing before it dissolved into a cloud of black mist.
Aria staggered, her breath coming in gasps as the light faded from her hands.
Kael wiped his dagger clean, his expression grim. "They're getting bolder."
"What was that thing?" Aria asked, her voice shaking.
"A shadowbeast," Kael said. "Corrupted by dark magic. They're drawn to powerful energy—like yours."
Aria swallowed hard, her unease growing. "Are there more of them?"
Kael glanced at her, his expression serious. "Probably. We need to keep moving."
---
By the time they emerged from the cavern, the sun was beginning to set, casting the mountain in hues of gold and crimson. The path widened, revealing a massive stone gate carved into the mountainside.
The gate was ancient, its surface covered in intricate runes that glowed faintly in the fading light. Two massive statues flanked the entrance, their wolf-like forms weathered by time but still imposing.
"This is it," Kael said, his voice filled with awe. "The Moonbound stronghold."
Aria stepped forward, her breath catching as she felt the power emanating from the gate. The heat in her chest flared, the song of the moon rising to a crescendo.
"What now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael studied the runes, his brow furrowed. "The legends said the stronghold would only open to those deemed worthy. If that's true…"
The runes pulsed, their glow intensifying as Aria approached. The song in her chest reached its peak, and the heat surged through her veins.
"Aria," Kael said, stepping back. "I think it's waiting for you."
She swallowed hard, her hands trembling as she reached out toward the gate. The moment her fingers brushed the stone, the runes flared to life, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.
The gate began to creak open, revealing a dark corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly into the mountain.
Kael stepped beside her, his dagger ready. "No turning back now."
Aria nodded, determination hardening in her chest. "Let's find out what's inside."
Together, they stepped into the stronghold, the gate closing behind them with a resounding thud.