Chapter five

The sky was dark and the moon cast a pale glow over the kingdom. Guards patrolled lazily at the far ends of the wall, unaware of the figure slipping through the shadows. Theron moved silently, his steps sure and careful. He left the palace grounds without hesitation, pulling his dark hood over his head as he passed through the gate and disappeared into the forest path.

At the far side of the forest, a black horse was tied to a tree. Theron got on the horse and rode into the night. After some minutes, he stopped in front of a small wooden house tucked away between the trees. He tapped lightly on the door.

“It’s me.” he said with a voice just above a whisper.

There was a pause at first then the sound of footsteps. The door creaked open just enough to reveal a woman’s scanning eyes. When she recognized him, her face softened, and she quickly allowed him inside.

 Theron pulled down his hood and sat at the small table, a frown plastered on his face . Lyandra poured him a cup of tea and slid it toward him, her sharp green eyes fixed on his face. She had hazelnut brown hair and weary eyes… probably from staying up too late .

“I’ve told you to stop coming so frequently,” Lyandra said, her voice calm but filled with warning as she took a seat in front of him, her cup in her hands. “People might grow suspicious of your movements. Only come when you have something important for me. Do not make this hard for the both of us Theron”.

He wrapped his hands around the warm cup but didn’t drink from it. “I know. That’s why I’m here, I have something important.”

Her gaze softened with curiosity. “Go on.”

 “I’ve seen her.” Theron sighed, finally sipping from the cup.

Lyandra froze , her hands trembling slightly but she managed to grip her cup, steading them. She leaned in closer, shock flashing across her face.

 “Seen who?” she asked 

 “The Luna.” he responded 

“She’s here… finally?”

Theron leaned back to rest his back in his chair, his green eyes glinting in the dim light.“Yes.”

Lyandra let out a loud happy laugh.

“How is she? Tell me everything about her.” she beamed.

Theron shook his head slowly.“I don’t know much. I only met her today. She doesn’t know who she is yet. She doesn’t even understand the power she carries.”

“Her Luna abilities?” Lyandra asked 

“Nothing yet…she seems very plain, like a normal human “ he squinted his eyes.

The woman inhaled sharply, concern written round her face. “You have to get closer to her. Any way you can, Theron. Do you understand me? If others get it first…”

A faint smirk tugged at Theron’s lips, though his tone remained calm,

 and assured. “Don’t worry about that. Fate’s already placed me beside her.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

He leaned forward, his voice low but steady. “I was chosen as her personal guard.”

The woman’s breath caught, her eyes widening with both awe and fear.

“Then the Moon Goddess truly favors you. It's meant to be…can't you see?” She smirked. “We have waited so long for this, I hope you know what is at stake.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “I know what’s at stake. This golden opportunity is more than enough”

Lyandra’s smile sharpened, knowing and cold. “Enough isn’t always enough. Remember that. If one thread in the weave snaps, the whole tapestry unravels.”

His jaw tightened. “Then I’ll make sure no thread snaps.”

“Good.” She lifted her cup and took a slow sip. “Because if this fails, it won’t just be your head on the block…it will be mine too. And unlike you, I have no patience for failure.”

He lowered his gaze but his voice was steady and confident. “It won’t fail. I won’t let it.”

           The next day 

Before morning, Theron had returned to the palace and to his room preparing for his first day with Leora.

Leora woke early the next morning to a knock on her door.She stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and forced herself out of bed. She pulled open the door and outside stood two maid servants ready to attend to her.

“Good morning Luna” They both chorused, bowing their heads slightly.

Leora had never had people wait on her before so it was a bit — weird at first but still nice and relaxing.

They ran her bath, dressed her carefully, slipping into the uniform prepared for her. The fabric was smooth, neat, and far more expensive than anything she had worn back home. After they brushed her hair and secured it with a silver clasp, she glanced at herself in the mirror.

“Wow…I can barely recognize myself from all the costly things I'm putting on” she said to herself when the maids finally left.

Today was her first official day attending school here—another reminder that her life had completely changed for good.

"Alright, Leora," she muttered under her breath. "New school, new people, just don’t embarrass yourself. Remember, you are soon to be ruler of this creepy kingdom so all eyes will be on you…and maybe some claws”. She exhaled deeply