The Moon Gate

Lyra fell through darkness. There was no ground beneath her, no sky above her, no sound except the violent rush of wind surrounding her body. She reached out blindly, trying to find something to hold on to, but her fingers closed around nothing. “What’s happening?” Her voice disappeared into the darkness. The silver light of the Moon Gate was gone. So was the forest. So was everything she had ever known. A sudden force pulled her downward. Lyra screamed. Then she landed hard. Pain shot through her shoulder as she struck a cold, smooth surface. For several seconds, she could only lie there, struggling to breathe. Silence surrounded her. Not the familiar silence of the Sacred Moon Forest. This silence felt ancient. Empty.

Lyra slowly pushed herself upright. Her eyes widened. She wasn't in the forest anymore. She was standing inside a vast chamber made entirely of crystal. Silver light flowed through the walls like veins. Ancient symbols covered the floor, glowing faintly beneath her hands. Lyra looked behind her. The Moon Gate stood several feet away, but it was no longer the enormous gateway she had seen in the forest. It had become a thin silver arch suspended in the air. She scrambled to her feet. “I need to go back.” She rushed toward it. The moment her fingers touched the arch, a violent pulse of energy threw her backward. Lyra crashed onto the crystal floor. “No!” She tried again. Nothing. The gateway remained completely still. “Open!” Nothing happened. “Please!” Her voice cracked. “I need to go back!” A deep rumble answered her. The symbols beneath her feet suddenly brightened.

One by one, ancient markings appeared across the chamber. Then a voice echoed through the crystal walls. “She has crossed.” Lyra spun around. “Who's there?” No answer came. She slowly turned in a circle. “Show yourself.” Another voice answered. “The heir has returned.” Lyra's heart stopped. “Heir?” Before she could ask anything else, a thunderous howl shook the chamber. Lyra jumped. The crystal walls trembled. Then another howl answered from somewhere beyond the chamber. And another. Lyra's fear returned. She wasn't alone. Something was coming.

The enormous crystal doors at the far end of the chamber began opening. Light poured through the gap. Lyra raised an arm to shield her eyes. Several enormous wolves entered. They were larger than any wolves she had ever seen. Their fur shimmered beneath the silver light, and their eyes glowed like polished moonstone. One after another, they surrounded her. Lyra's heart pounded. “No...” She searched desperately for an escape. There was none. The largest wolf stepped forward. It was pure white, with a silver crescent marking its forehead. Lyra recognized it immediately. It was the same wolf that had watched her in the forest. The creature lowered its head. Lyra held her breath. Then it bowed. The other wolves followed. Every one of them lowered their heads before her.

Lyra stared in disbelief. “What are you doing?” The white wolf raised its head. For a moment, its silver eyes seemed almost human. Then it howled. The other wolves joined it. The crystal walls began glowing brighter. Lyra covered her ears. “What is happening?” A soft voice answered from behind her. “They are welcoming you.”

Lyra turned sharply. The silver-robed woman stood on the other side of the chamber, her hood still covering most of her face. Lyra stared at her. “You came.” “I told you that you would find me again.” Lyra rushed toward her. “You have to send me back.” The woman remained calm. “Back where?” “Blackwood.” The woman studied her quietly. “Why?” Lyra's expression faltered. Because Kael was there. Because despite everything, part of her still wanted answers. Because she had spent her entire life in that kingdom. Because she had nowhere else to go. “I don't belong here.” The woman slowly shook her head. “That is exactly what they wanted you to believe.”

Lyra clenched her fists. “Stop speaking in riddles.” For the first time, the woman smiled. “Good.” Lyra frowned. “What?” “You are finally angry.” “I have every reason to be angry.” “Then use it.” The woman stepped closer. “But first, you must understand where you are.” She turned toward the enormous crystal chamber. “Welcome to the Moon Sanctuary.” Lyra looked around. “The Moon Sanctuary?” “The hidden realm of the Moon Bloodline.” Lyra's breathing stopped. “Moon Bloodline?” The woman nodded. “Your bloodline.”

Lyra shook her head. “No.” “You said my blood recognized yours.” “Yes.” “You said I was lied to.” “Yes.” “Then tell me the truth.” The woman's expression became solemn. “Your family belonged to an ancient bloodline believed to have been destroyed twenty-one years ago.” Lyra stared at her. “My family?” “Your father was the last Moon King.” Lyra's lips parted. “And my mother?” “The last Moon Queen.” The words struck harder than any blow. Lyra stepped backward. “No.” “You were their only child.” “No...” “They died protecting you.”

Lyra's eyes filled with tears. “Why don't I remember them?” “Because you were an infant.” “Who raised me?” “The people who hid you.” “Why?” “Because your enemies were searching for you.” Lyra looked around the sanctuary. “And this place?” “The last surviving stronghold of your people.” Silence filled the chamber. Lyra looked down at her wrist. The silver crescent was glowing brighter than before. “What does this mean?” The woman reached toward it but stopped before touching her. “It is the mark of the Moon Heir.” Lyra swallowed. “You called me an heir.” “Because you are one.”

“Then why did I never awaken a wolf?” The woman's eyes softened. “Because your wolf was sealed.” Lyra stared. “Sealed?” “To hide your presence.” “Who sealed it?” “Your parents.” Lyra's breath caught. “They sacrificed your wolf's awakening to prevent your enemies from sensing you.” “So I've had a wolf this entire time?” “Yes.” Something shifted inside Lyra's chest. A faint warmth. Then a heartbeat. Once. Twice. She pressed her hand against her chest. “Did you feel that?” The woman smiled. “She is beginning to wake.” Lyra's eyes widened. “She?” “Your wolf.”

Lyra closed her eyes. For one brief second, she felt something. Not a voice. Not yet. Just a presence. Warm. Familiar. Waiting. Her eyes opened. “I want to hear her.” “You will.” “When?” “When you are ready.” Lyra's expression hardened. “I've spent my entire life being told I wasn't enough.” She looked directly at the woman. “I'm done waiting for people to decide what I deserve to know.” The woman's smile widened. “Then perhaps you are ready to begin.”

Before Lyra could answer, a violent explosion shook the sanctuary. The wolves immediately turned toward the northern entrance. Growls filled the chamber. Lyra's heart raced. “What was that?” The woman turned toward the distant mountains. “They found the outer barrier.” “Who?” “The royal guards.” Lyra froze. “Kael?” The woman's expression remained unreadable. “No.” Lyra stared at her. “Then who?” “People who believe the Moon Sanctuary should remain buried.” Another explosion shook the ground. Crystal dust fell from the ceiling. The wolves moved into formation. The woman finally revealed a silver blade hidden beneath her robe. “Stay behind me.”

Lyra stared at the sword. “You said this place was hidden.” “It was.” “Then how did they find it?” The woman looked at Lyra's glowing wrist. “Because the Moon Gate opened.” A third explosion shook the sanctuary. This time, the sound was much closer. The outer doors began to crack. Lyra stepped backward. “What happens if they get inside?” The woman's silver eyes hardened. “They will kill everyone who stands between them and you.”

The white wolf moved in front of Lyra. Its enormous body formed a shield. Lyra looked at the creature. “Why is it protecting me?” The woman answered quietly, “Because it served your family.” Lyra's eyes widened. “It knew my parents?” “More than that.” The white wolf lowered its head. “He was your father's royal guardian.” Lyra stared at him. “What's his name?” The woman looked at the wolf. “Arkon.” Arkon released a deep growl. Lyra reached toward him. The wolf lowered his head until his forehead touched her palm.

The instant they made contact, a flash of silver light filled Lyra's mind. A man stood beneath the Silver Moon. A woman held a newborn child. The white wolf stood beside them. Fire surrounded the palace. Soldiers stormed through the gates. Her mother screamed. Her father drew his sword. “Take her!” The vision changed. The white wolf carried the newborn child through a secret passage. Behind him, the palace burned.

Lyra gasped and pulled her hand away. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I saw them.” The woman nodded. “Only a memory.” “Why would you hide this from me?” “Because memories can be dangerous before you are strong enough to carry them.” Lyra wiped her tears. “I need to know everything.” “You will.”

Another explosion interrupted them. The crystal doors cracked. The woman stepped in front of Lyra. “Listen to me.” Lyra looked at her. “You cannot stay here.” “What?” “The sanctuary can protect you, but only for a time.” “Where am I supposed to go?” “First, you must awaken your wolf.” “And then?” “Then you will learn why the Seven Kingdoms feared your family.”

Lyra looked toward the sealed Moon Gate. “What about Kael?” The woman's expression changed slightly. “Forget him.” Lyra's heart tightened. “I can't.” “You must.” “He was my mate.” “And he rejected you.” Lyra looked down. The pain in her chest returned. “Yes.” The woman stepped closer. “Then let his rejection be the first thing you leave behind.” Lyra took a slow breath. For the first time, she didn't argue.

The crystal doors suddenly exploded inward. Dark smoke flooded the chamber. The wolves lunged forward. Silver light collided with black energy. Lyra stumbled backward as warriors poured through the broken entrance. “Find the girl!” “Don't let her escape!” The woman raised her sword. “Run!” Lyra turned. “Where?” “North corridor!” Lyra ran. Arkon followed closely behind. She sprinted through the crystal halls as the sound of battle erupted behind her. Silver blades clashed. Wolves howled. Dark magic shook the sanctuary.

Lyra reached the end of the corridor. There was nowhere to go. A massive crystal wall blocked her path. She turned. The guards were coming. Then the crescent on her wrist began to glow. Lyra stared at it. “Please...” The crystal wall suddenly split open. A hidden passage appeared. Lyra didn't question it. She ran inside. Arkon followed. The passage closed behind them.

Everything became silent.

Lyra leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. Then she heard it. A whisper. Not from the woman. Not from the guards. From inside her. “Lyra...” She froze. Her eyes widened. “Who are you?” The voice was soft. Feminine. Familiar. “I have always been here.” Lyra pressed her hand against her chest. “My wolf?” “Yes.” Tears filled her eyes. “I thought you were gone.” “I was never gone.” A warm presence wrapped around her heart. “I was waiting for you.”

Lyra closed her eyes. For the first time in twenty-one years, she didn't feel empty. Then the voice whispered something that made her blood run cold. “They are coming.” “Who?” The wolf answered. “Everyone.” Lyra opened her eyes. Far above the sanctuary, the Silver Moon suddenly turned crimson. And somewhere beyond the mountains, a distant howl answered it.

The hunt for the last Moon Heir had begun.