Chapter 2 Shadows Beneath the Moon

Kael's POV

"Tell me you don't feel it," I murmured, my voice low and menacing but full of something I despised acknowledging-need. Lyra, tell me you don't sense this insanity between us and I'll leave.

Her sea blue eyes reflected the moonlight, and for a brief time, she was the only thing preventing the planet from collapsing. She stood motionless, breathing irregularly.

I sense it, she said softly. That doesn't imply I believe you.

That struck more forcefully than I had anticipated.

I moved nearer. Then let me deserve it. Even if doing so requires me to demolish the whole city of Merida.

She chuckled ruefully. You already did, Kael. Or did you forget you caused the Great Silence?

I clenched my jaw. I was unable to justify myself. Not much. She had every reason to despise me.

I was not departing her, though.

Not once again.

"Kael," she said, her voice shaking. What is coming? What was that tremor?"

I breathed slowly. The Silence... it awakened something. Far under Merida. Kieran did not generate the power. He took it. The original source-the Moon Wraith-is now waking up.

Her eyes grew large. The Moon Wraith? That's a story.

I declined. It's genuine. It's old. And it is furious.

At that very time, a tremendous howl reverberated across the metropolis. Not a typical wolf howl. This was wild, shattered, warped. And near.

Lyra seized my arm, her nails piercing my flesh. That came from nowhere.

"No," I murmured, reflexively dragging her behind me. That's completely different.

Every footfall resonating in the strange quiet, we whirled and dashed along the dark lane. My pulse quickened not from the risk but from her hand still holding mine.

Damn it, why did it still count?

She inquired unexpectedly, "Where's Damien?"

The mention of his name nearly caused me to trip.

I responded firmly, "He went to warn Kieran." "He believes Kieran will make him second in command if he plays the hero."

She came to a halt. "What?"

Fists tight, I looked at her. "I told you. He's not who you believe him to be.

Her eyes flitted away. You are neither.

I moved nearer. You are correct. I'm not the young man you recall. I'm the guy attempting to clean up my mess-even if it kills me.

A moment of stillness.

Then, she glanced up, agony lighting across her face. Why didn't you be honest with me? Regarding the Emerald? Regarding what it would set me back?

"Because I wished to discover another path," I remarked. But I did not. But now... I spoke less. Without it, I cannot now defend you.

She gasped. What if I say no?

Then we all perish. Gradually. In the shadows.

She appeared conflicted. Shattered. Still, she stood her ground.

So teach me. "Teach me to operate the Emerald without dying."

I blinked once more. Lyra- I am not requesting. I am informing you. Should I quit this, I will not be a pawn. Not your own. Not Kieran's.

I felt something almost like respect in my chest. Perhaps love instead. Damn it.

I said, "I'll train you." But first you should know something.

What is it?

I gulped. Using the Emerald incorrectly will not just kill you. It will tie your soul to the Moon Wraith. For all time.

She became motionless. You waited till now to inform me?

I didn't want to frighten you.

She laughed coldly. It's too late.

Before I could say another word, a loud scream tore through the lane.

Lyra turned. Rachel.

Sprinting across the rooftops, Rachel's speed almost matched mine, so we both ran off. Whatever occurred to her was near.

I stopped as we got to the scene.

Something... terrible was pinning Rachel against a wall. With crimson eyes shining like flames, it appeared like a wolf but twice the size. Its claws were buried in Rachel's shoulders.

Lyra acted without hesitation. She shot the animal with a pulse of moonlight energy, sending it flying back.

I raced to Rachel and caught her just before she fell.

Her blood drenched my hands. She is fading.

Lyra replied, kneeling next to me. Rachel, stay with me. Just please.

Rachel's eyes blinked open. "He... he's coming..."

Lyra stiffened up. "Who?"

Rachel coughed, her voice growing weaker. "Damien... he gave them... the Emerald map..."

"What?" Lyra's voice broke.

Rachel reached up and held her hand. Apologies, Lyra. I had no idea... he made use of me...

Rachel's body became limp a second later.

Lyra let out a scream.

As she cried, I took hold of her and drew her into my arms. I said softly, "It's not your fault." You had no idea.

Her fists hammered my breast. All I had left was her!

I was speechless. That meant I kept her.

I held her even when I knew I didn't merit it.

After a protracted pause, she withdrew, her tears turning to rage.

"Damien is who I'm pursuing," she remarked icily.

I will accompany you.

She made no case.

Following the path of shadow energy and blood, we trailed him across the city. It was not long. He was not concealing. He hoped we would locate him.

He was waiting when we came into the ancient cathedral.

By the altar, Damien held the old map alight in his hands. He smiled and looked up.

He said gently, "Lyra" You located me.

Her expression was stony. "You let Rachel down. You let me down.

He winced. "I didn't intend to-"

"Save it," I said angrily. She is gone. Your lies murdered her.

Damien's gaze flitted to my own. Kael, don't act innocent. You started everything, really. You destroyed the tribes. You turned Lyra into a target.

Lyra came in between us. That's sufficient. Damien, hand me the map.

He gazed at her, his eyes full of sadness. I loved you.

You should have defended me then, she remarked. Not sold me out.

There was quiet. He gazed down at the map.

He then ignited it.

"No!" Rushing forward, Lyra yelled, but it was too late. The antique parchment collapsed to ash in seconds.

Damien stepped back, eyes wild. "No one can have it. Not Kieran. Not Kael. Not even you."

A pulse of dark energy surged through the cathedral.

Then the floor broke under us.

I grasped Lyra as the ground gave way. We fell-hard-into a cavern underneath. Ancient runes danced across the walls. At the center stood a pedestal.

The Emerald.

It pumped with raw strength, pulsing with ancient anger.

Lyra looked at it, pulled to it like a magnet.

She said "Kael..." It's finally here.

I could sense it as well. The burden. The magic. The danger.

We ought not to be here, I remarked. It is coming to life.

Suddenly, Damien tumbled into the chamber, bleeding and desperate.

"I won't let you take it!"

He ran.

Lyra yelled.

I moved between them.

His sword cut into my flank.

I didn't fall even though agony sliced through me.

I seized him by the neck and hurled him backward.

"You don't get to hurt her again," I growled.

Eyes wide, Damien gasped.

Then Lyra screamed.

The light of the Emerald wrapped about her like a cocoon.

"No!" Reaching for her, I yelled, but she was already floating.

It was constraining her power. Too quick. Overly strong.

Her body shook.

Then her eyes became silver.

She murmured, "I can feel everything." Every spirit. Every falsehood.

A blast of moonlight sent both Damien and me reeling.

Surrounded by a dazzling light, Lyra floated. Her voice resonating like a goddess, her hair lashed in all directions.