Chapter 28: The Shadow King’s Blood

The camp remained silent.

No one slept after Karl revealed Ethan’s betrayal.

The crackling fire seemed louder than usual.

Every snapped twig in the forest made warriors reach for their weapons.

Lyra sat beneath an old oak tree, staring into the flames.

“My niece…”

The Shadow King’s words echoed in her mind.

If they were true…

Then King Alaric had another brother besides Caelan.

Another member of her family had survived.

But was he truly family…

Or simply another monster?

Just before dawn…

Lucien gathered everyone around the campfire.

“We leave immediately.”

Damien frowned.

“We’ve barely rested.”

“We no longer have that luxury.”

Lucien unfolded the map.

“If Ethan reached the Shadow King, every road to Frostfall will be watched.”

Rowan studied the map carefully.

“There’s another route.”

He pointed toward a narrow valley.

“The Silver Pass.”

Arnold frowned.

“I’ve heard of it.”

“Few people have crossed it and returned.”

Rowan nodded.

“Because it’s protected by ancient magic.”

Lucien looked thoughtful.

“But Blood Magic cannot survive there.”

Karl immediately made his decision.

“We take the Silver Pass.”

By midday…

The travelers reached the entrance to the valley.

Towering silver cliffs rose on both sides.

Crystal-clear water flowed through a narrow river.

The air felt different.

Lighter.

Peaceful.

As Lyra stepped into the valley…

Her silver pendant began glowing softly.

The Royal Moon Mark spread across her wrist.

Lucien smiled.

“The valley recognizes your blood.”

Lyra looked around.

“What is this place?”

Lucien’s voice softened.

“Long ago, this was sacred land.”

“The first rulers of Lunaris came here to receive the Moon Goddess’ blessing.”

Karl looked around cautiously.

“It feels…”

“Safe.”

Lucien nodded.

“For now.”

As they continued walking…

Strange silver butterflies appeared around Lyra.

Children of moonlight.

They landed gently on her shoulders and hands before fluttering away.

Even the horses became calm.

Damien chuckled.

“I’ve never seen horses smile.”

Arnold laughed.

“I don’t think horses smile.”

“They do today.”

For the first time in days…

Everyone relaxed.

Even Karl allowed himself a small smile.

Lyra noticed.

“You smile more now.”

Karl looked embarrassed.

“Do I?”

“You do.”

“It’s… your fault.”

“My fault?”

“You make it easier.”

Their eyes met.

For a brief moment…

Neither noticed Arnold quietly watching them from behind.

A faint sadness crossed his face.

He cared deeply for Lyra.

Perhaps…

More deeply than he had admitted to himself.

But he also saw the way Karl looked at her.

Not with pride.

Not with possession.

With regret…

And hope.

Arnold quietly looked away.

That evening…

The group reached the center of the Silver Pass.

There stood the ruins of an ancient temple.

Its marble pillars were cracked with age, yet a massive silver statue remained untouched.

It depicted a beautiful woman with flowing hair holding a crescent moon.

Lyra instinctively walked toward it.

The moment her fingers touched the statue—

A brilliant silver light burst through the temple.

The ground trembled.

Ancient runes carved into the floor began glowing.

Lucien immediately dropped to one knee.

“The Moon Goddess’ Shrine…”

“It’s awakening.”

The others followed his lead.

Only Lyra remained standing.

A gentle voice echoed through the temple.

“Welcome home…”

The statue’s stone eyes slowly opened.

Moonlight gathered into the shape of a graceful woman.

She wasn’t the Moon Goddess herself…

But a spiritual guardian.

She smiled kindly at Lyra.

“Princess of Lunaris.”

“You’ve come at last.”

Lyra bowed respectfully.

“Who are you?”

“I am Elara.”

“The First High Priestess.”

“I have guarded this shrine for over a thousand years.”

Elara’s expression became serious.

“The darkness grows stronger.”

“The Blood Gate was only the beginning.”

Lyra nodded.

“I know.”

“But I still don’t understand who the Shadow King is.”

The priestess sighed.

“You know him by one name.”

“But not by another.”

She waved her hand.

Moonlight formed a vision above the temple floor.

Three young princes stood together.

King Alaric.

Prince Caelan.

And a third prince…

The youngest.

He had bright golden eyes and a warm smile.

Lyra stared in shock.

“He looks…”

“So kind.”

Elara nodded sadly.

“He once was.”

“His name was…”

“Prince Adrian.”

Lucien’s eyes widened.

“I thought he died as a child.”

“He did not.”

Elara’s voice trembled.

“He was taken.”

“Corrupted.”

“And reborn.”

The vision changed.

The smiling prince slowly became cloaked in darkness.

His golden eyes turned cold.

A black crown rested upon his head.

“The world now fears him as…”

“…the Shadow King.”

Silence filled the temple.

Lyra’s hands trembled.

“My uncle…”

“My father’s youngest brother…”

Elara nodded.

“He believes the royal family abandoned him.”

“He seeks revenge not only against the kingdoms…”

“But against the Moon Goddess herself.”

Before Lyra could ask another question

A loud crack echoed outside.

Rowan rushed into the temple.

His face had gone pale.

“Lucien!”

“We have company!”

Karl immediately drew his sword.

“Blood Hunters?”

Rowan shook his head.

“Worse.”

Everyone hurried outside.

Standing at the entrance of the Silver Pass was an army dressed in white armor trimmed with blue.

At their front rode a tall woman with long white hair flowing behind her.

She carried a silver spear and wore the crest of the Frost Court.

She dismounted gracefully and bowed.

“I bring greetings from His Majesty, King Cassian.”

Lucien frowned.

“Captain Astrid…”

She looked up, her expression urgent.

“We’re too late.”

Karl stepped forward.

“What happened?”

Astrid’s voice shook.

“Frostfall Palace has fallen.”

Everyone froze.

Lyra felt the blood drain from her face.

Astrid continued, barely able to speak.

“The Shadow King attacked three nights ago…”

“…and King Cassian has disappeared.”