The group trudged through the dense forest in silence, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Elara's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the encounter with Darian. The way he had spoken, as though he knew more about her destiny than even Selene or Lucian, left her with an unsettling feeling.
They stopped to rest at a clearing near a quiet stream. Selene quickly began setting up protective wards around their camp, her hands glowing with faint magic. Lucian sat by the water, cleaning his wounds, his movements slow but precise.
Elara hesitated, then approached him, her healer's instincts overriding her doubts. "Let me help," she said softly, kneeling beside him.
Lucian glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I'll be fine. I've survived worse."
"You don't have to prove how strong you are," she replied, her tone firm but gentle. "You've done enough. Let me take care of this."
Reluctantly, he nodded, and Elara placed her hands over the deepest gash on his arm. She closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth of her magic. Slowly, the wound began to knit itself together, the raw edges softening until only a faint scar remained.
"Thank you," Lucian said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elara sat back, her hands trembling slightly. "It's the least I can do after everything you've done for me."
Lucian looked at her, his silver eyes searching hers. "You didn't choose this path, Elara, but you've faced it with more courage than anyone I've ever known. You don't give yourself enough credit."
Before she could respond, Selene's voice cut through the moment. "We need to talk."
Elara and Lucian turned to see Selene standing at the edge of the clearing, her expression grim.
"I've been thinking about what Darian said," Selene continued as they joined her by the fire. "About your mark, Elara, and what it truly means. There's something I need to tell you, something I should have told you long ago."
Elara's stomach tightened. "What is it?"
Selene took a deep breath, her gaze distant as if she were looking into the past. "The prophecy of the Moonbearer has existed for centuries, but it wasn't until you were born that the crescent mark reappeared. That mark isn't just a symbol it's a bond, tied to an ancient power hidden deep within the Veil."
"What kind of power?" Elara asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Balance," Selene said. "The Moonbearer was created to bring balance between humans and vampires, to end the bloodshed and forge a new era of peace. But that kind of power comes with a cost. It draws those who seek to control it, like Darian and King Aldric."
Lucian frowned. "What aren't you telling us, Selene?"
Selene hesitated, her hands tightening into fists. "The prophecy is incomplete. There are pieces missing fragments lost to time. But one thing is clear: for Elara to fulfill her destiny, she must unlock the power within the Veil. And to do that, she'll need to journey to the Lunar Citadel."
"The Lunar Citadel?" Lucian asked, his expression darkening.
"It's the heart of the Moonbearer's power," Selene explained. "A sanctuary hidden in the mountains, protected by ancient magic. But it's not without danger. Many have sought it, and few have returned."
Elara felt a chill run down her spine. "So I have to go there? To this citadel? What if I fail?"
"You won't fail," Selene said firmly. "You've already proven your strength. But the journey will test you in ways you can't imagine. You'll have to face your fears, your doubts and the truth about who you are."
Elara swallowed hard, the weight of Selene's words sinking in. She thought of her quiet life in Eldergrove, the simplicity of healing and helping her neighbors. That life felt like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the immense responsibility thrust upon her.
"I'll do it," she said finally, her voice steady despite the fear in her heart. "If it's the only way to stop this war, I'll go to the Lunar Citadel."
Lucian placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. "You won't go alone. I'll be with you every step of the way."
"And so will I," Selene added. "But we must be cautious. The journey will draw attention, and our enemies will stop at nothing to prevent you from reaching the citadel."
Elara nodded, determination hardening in her chest. She didn't know what awaited her at the Lunar Citadel, but she couldn't turn back now.
As the fire crackled and the moon rose higher in the sky, Elara stared at the crescent mark on her arm, its faint glow a reminder of the path ahead. She didn't fully understand the power it held, but she was beginning to understand one thing: it wasn't just her burden to bear. It was her choice.
And she was ready to face whatever came next.