Chapter 65: Shadows of the Past

The deeper Serena and Theron ventured into the temple, the more the air shimmered with magic. The walls of the corridor pulsed faintly with silvery-blue runes, like veins in a living creature. Each step they took echoed with the weight of destiny.

Theron held the torch ahead, his blade unsheathed and eyes alert. Serena walked beside him, her fingers still tingling from the surge of energy at the altar. The memory of the vision haunted her — her mother’s face, the goddess’s voice, the taste of blood.

They entered a chamber shaped like a dome, the ceiling lost to darkness. Pillars of crystal spiraled upward, glowing faintly. In the center of the room stood a statue — a woman cloaked in flowing robes, her hands extended as though offering something invisible.

Serena moved closer.

“She looks like…” she trailed off.

“Like you,” Theron finished. His voice was low, unreadable.

Serena swallowed. The resemblance was uncanny — the statue’s delicate bone structure, the lift of her chin, the mark on her collarbone.

“This is her,” Serena whispered. “My ancestor. The first Moonbearer.”

As if responding to her words, the statue’s chest lit up with a radiant white glow. The ground trembled faintly, and before their eyes, a book floated out from beneath the statue’s robes, resting mid-air.

Serena reached out, and the book landed softly in her hands.

The leather cover was warm to the touch. As she opened it, the first page displayed a single phrase in glowing ink:

“To the last daughter of the moon.”

A shiver ran down her spine.

Theron stepped closer. “What does it say?”

She turned the page slowly. “It’s… a history. Spells. Bloodlines. Prophecies.”

As she read, the truth began to unfold like pages of a forgotten tale.

Her family had been guardians of the moon's essence — a lineage charged with protecting the balance between the magical and mortal realms. But somewhere along the way, betrayal had fractured everything. Her mother had been the last known bearer… until Serena.

A soft noise behind them made Theron spin, blade ready.

“Did you hear that?” he asked sharply.

Serena nodded, tucking the book into her satchel. “We’re not alone.”

From the shadows, figures began to emerge — robed beings with glowing eyes, their forms shifting like smoke.

“Wraiths,” Theron hissed, stepping in front of Serena. “Stay behind me.”

But the wraiths didn’t attack. They formed a circle around the chamber, then knelt, bowing their heads to Serena.

One rose. His voice echoed like wind through a cave. “Moonbearer. You have returned. We are the Silent Guard. Bound to serve the bearer of the light.”

Serena stepped forward slowly, heart pounding. “Why now? Why reveal yourselves now?”

“You awakened the temple. You accepted the path. We are sworn to protect you until your blood’s purpose is fulfilled.”

Theron’s grip tightened on his sword. “What purpose?”

The wraith hesitated. “To bind the realms. Or to tear them apart.”

Serena’s breath hitched.

The wraith looked at her with eyes that held centuries of sorrow. “The prophecy is not yet decided. It hinges on the bond between the bearer… and her chosen.”

Her gaze flickered to Theron. His jaw clenched.

“I’m no chosen,” he muttered. “I’m just her guard.”

But the wraith said nothing more. They vanished into smoke, melting back into the walls.

Silence hung heavy between them.

Serena finally broke it. “Do you think that’s what Elias is afraid of? That I’ll tear the realms apart?”

Theron turned to her, his expression dark. “Elias doesn’t fear you. He fears losing control. You… you were never meant to be someone else’s pawn, Serena. Not his. Not the court’s. Not even the gods’.”

She stepped toward him. “And what am I to you?”

He hesitated for only a moment. “Everything I never thought I deserved.”

The air between them pulsed.

Serena took another step. “Then take it. If you want me—”

He crushed his mouth to hers.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t soft.

It was a kiss born of frustration, fire, and months of unsaid words. His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her close, and she melted against him, the magic in her veins sparking with each touch. Her lips answered his, matching his hunger, her hands finding the back of his neck as if he were the only thing anchoring her to this realm.

When they finally broke apart, breathless, she pressed her forehead to his.

“I don’t want to be the moon’s pawn anymore,” she whispered.

“Then don’t be,” he said fiercely. “Be the queen of your own damn sky.”

And for the first time, Serena believed she could be.