Chapter 2 The boy of Fire and Ash

Elira scrambled backward, heart thundering. The boy stepped closer, lowering his fiery sword. His voice was calm, but his eyes gleamed with restrained power.

"You don't have to be afraid," he said. "My name is Kael. I'm here to protect you."

"Protect me? From what?" Elira gasped, clutching her glowing shoulder. The crescent mark throbbed under her skin.

"From the Shadow Court," Kael replied, scanning the strange twilight forest around them. "They've sensed your arrival. If they find you first-"

A shriek pierced the air. The trees trembled, and out of the mist slithered a shadowbeast-dark as smoke, with too many eyes and claws like obsidian. Kael shoved Elira behind him, his sword bursting into full flame.

"Stay close to me!"

He fought with elegance, fire spinning in arcs that scorched the beast's hide. But even wounded, the creature lunged for Elira.

Instinct surged in her blood.

She raised her hands-and the Moonfire roared from her palms.

Silver light clashed with shadow, and the beast disintegrated in a burst of ash and wind.

Kael turned to her slowly, eyes wide.

"You used it," he whispered. "You really are the one."

They traveled for hours beneath the twin moons. Kael led Elira to a hidden fortress carved into a cliffside-Crescent Keep-where moonlight danced across marble towers and glowing vines.