The forest was eerily quiet as Luna, Kael, and Lyra emerged from the crumbling temple. The ground still trembled beneath their feet, the echoes of the collapse fading into the distance. Luna clutched the Heart of the Moon tightly, its light dim but steady, a reminder of the power she now carried.
Kael's grip on her hand was firm, his golden eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. "We need to keep moving," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Selene won't give up that easily."
Luna nodded, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. The vision of the first Moon Priestess still lingered in her mind, the woman's words echoing in her thoughts.
The magic is within you, Luna. Always has been.
Lyra stepped forward, her violet eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern. "We need to find a safe place to regroup. The Bloodfang Pack will be hunting us, and the Shadow Council won't be far behind."
Luna's stomach churned at the thought. "Where can we go?"
Lyra hesitated, her gaze flickering to Kael before returning to Luna. "There's a place—a hidden sanctuary deep in the forest. It's protected by ancient magic. Even the Bloodfang Pack can't find it."
Kael's jaw tightened, his expression grim. "Then let's move. We don't have much time."
The trio set off through the forest, the trees closing in around them like silent sentinels. The air was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs setting Luna's nerves on edge. She could feel the weight of the Heart of the Moon in her hands, its warmth a constant reminder of the power she now carried.
As they walked, Kael's hand never left hers, his presence a steadying force amidst the chaos. Luna glanced up at him, her heart swelling with a warmth she had never felt before.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
Kael looked down at her, his golden eyes filled with a tenderness that made her heart ache. "Always," he said, his voice low and firm.
For a moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet stillness of the forest. And then, slowly, Kael leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was soft and gentle, yet filled with a raw intensity that took her breath away.
Luna's hands gripped his shirt, pulling him closer as she kissed him back, her heart pounding in her chest. It was a kiss filled with all the fear, the hope, and the love they had both been holding back.
When they finally pulled apart, Luna's cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in short gasps. Kael rested his forehead against hers, his eyes filled with a warmth that made her heart swell.
"I've got you," he whispered, his voice soft but firm. "Always."
Luna nodded, her heart swelling with a warmth she had never felt before. For the first time in her life, she felt like she belonged—like she had found a place where she was truly loved.
The sanctuary was hidden deep within the forest, its entrance concealed by a wall of vines and moss. Lyra led the way, her movements sure and steady as she pushed aside the foliage to reveal a small, hidden cave.
"This is it," she said, her voice filled with relief.
The cave was small but cozy, its walls lined with soft moss and its floor covered in a thick layer of leaves. A small stream trickled through the back, its water clear and cool.
Luna sat down on a bed of moss, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Kael sat beside her, his arm around her shoulders as he watched Lyra with a wary expression.
"We'll be safe here," Lyra said, her voice calm but firm. "For now."
Luna nodded, though the fear was still there, lurking in the back of her mind. She didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: she wasn't alone.