Moonlight Enchantment

Lyra's POV

The moon was barely visible, like a thin silver line cutting through the sky at night. Merida could see its cold light. Like a river that never stops flowing, I could feel its pull and power.

From the shadows, a deep growl pierced the stillness of the night.

"Lyra," Kael's voice was hoarse, a deep rasp that made me shudder. That voice seemed familiar to me. I knew the guy it belonged to. Risky. Strong. But also... alluring.

I didn't turn to look at him right away. I could not. Not at this time. Not when my heart was already in a tangle of opposing feelings. His presence was a storm I had never requested yet could not ignore.

Kael emerged from the shadows, his chiseled face lit by the moon, and murmured, "You can't run from me forever." His gaze fierce, as if he could see straight through the walls I'd spent years constructing, his emerald eyes fixed on me.

I folded my arms and prepared myself. Kael, what do you want? I said, my voice revealing nothing. You have already created enough disorder. What remains to be destroyed?

He grinned and moved closer; I didn't retreat. There is nothing to ruin, Lyra. Not if you are beside me.

The words floated in the air like a challenge, a promise I wasn't certain I wanted to take. Though I tried to ignore it, my heart raced. I could not let Kael influence me as he had always done. I would not let him.

What about you? I lifted an eyebrow. What is your side of? A battle I want no part in?

He halted only a breath away from me, his aroma-a blend of pine and smoke-filling the space. You must be a part of it, Lyra. Your strength and you. Do you believe you can escape this planet? From reality?

His closeness made me feel my pulse race and the force within me flare. Though I remained calm, the Moon Whisperer blood in me stirred.

"You're wrong," I muttered, drawing back slightly, just enough to shatter the spell he was building around me. I can choose. I am not your tool, Kael.

A glimmer of something darker danced in his eyes. You believe you are only a female, right? You believe you can leave behind all your parents battled for, all that has been imposed upon us? You believe you can leave me?

The mention of my parents made me bite my lip and sent a shiver down me. Kieran The creatures they had made. The lies that had destroyed all I knew.

But I could not allow Kael to witness my frailty. Not at this time. Not when it seemed like he was already dismantling me piece by piece.

Clenching my fists, I wished for the strength to remain in control and concealed. "You don't get to decide my fate, Kael. Not any more.

Though it didn't reach his eyes, his lips twisted into something nearly like a smile. "I don't have to decide, Lyra. You're already too deep in this. The issue is whether you will support me or oppose me.

My pulse raced as I looked up at him, caught between the man I once trusted and the perilous stranger who stood in front of me now. Was I too far? Or might I yet escape?

The sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears just then, pulling me from my musings. I spun around quickly to find Damien running towards me, looking terrified.

Lyra, ignore him! His voice broke with urgency. Kael-he's not the guy you believe him to be!

Turning to face Damien, Kael's posture was stiff and his eyes narrowed. Damien, and you? He almost spat the name. Still acting like the good guy?

A few steps away from us, Damien paused, glancing between Kale and me with a mix of anxiety and resolve. I'm not faking, Kael. I know what you can do. Your willingness to act to obtain what you desire. Lyra- Turning back to me, his eyes were full of agony. Don't mind him, please. He's exploiting you.

The remarks made me feel a surge of rage in my chest, but the nagging sense of betrayal soon calmed it. Once the man who appeared to care for me, Damien now looked like simply another participant in a risky game.

Damien, what do you know about it? I snapped, my voice cutting. Really, how much of this do you grasp?

Damien halted, looking at Kael before moving closer and speaking more quietly. I know enough to recognize the reality, Lyra. Kael doesn't give a damn about you. Like Kieran, he merely wants to exploit you for strength.

Kael's laugh sliced through the tension with a frigid edge. Damien, you have no clue what you're saying. No clue what I have given up to go this far.

What about Lyra, then? Damien asked. What about what you have given up for her?

Caught between the two guys, each tugging at me in opposing ways. Kael, with his promises of power, and Damien, with his need to save me. But which of them was honest?

The burden of the decisions in front of me was crushing and my head was whirling.

I glanced at Kael and then at Damien. Torn between the two, my heart wavered. Damien was someone I wanted to believe. I wished to. But even if it came at a high cost, there was a part of me that had always longed for Kael's approval, for Kael's love.

Suddenly, the air cracked sharply like though a thousand stars were breaking. Then the ground under us trembled as though the actual earth was responding to the tension in the air.

What was that? My heart raced in my chest, so I muttered.

Kael's eyes danced with something resembling dread. It's going on... His voice was almost inaudible, as though speaking louder would break any delicate control he still possessed.

Kael, what's going on? Panic growing in my chest, I asked.

He remained silent. Rather, he seized my arm and dragged me away from Damien and toward the outskirts of the city.

I fought his hold. What are you up to?

"The Great Silence," he said under his breath, more to himself than to me. It has begun. And it's all due to me.

What do you mean, all due to you? The phrases kept me racing in thought. The Great Silence would deplete the werewolf clans of their power, therefore making us all defenseless.

Kael's jaw set as his hold on my arm grew tighter. I believed I could manage it. I believed I could employ it to kill Kieran. But I was mistaken. The Silence-it won't just finish with him. It will kill every one of us.

His comments hit me hard, making my stomach drop. We have to stop it then! I shouted, attempting to escape his hold.

For barely a second, his gaze softened; then he turned away, his visage hardening once again. You don't get it, Lyra. The Emerald is the sole means to end the Great Silence. But employing it will kill you.

I froze, a frigid shudder coursing down my back. What do you mean?

But before Kael could respond, a huge, horrible roar broke the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of approaching footfall. Someone or something was approaching.

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.

Lyra's POV

Kael? I spoke almost inaudibly. Are you able to hear me?

The room surrounding me had vanished. The guilt, the anxiety, the suffering were all gone.

All I could sense was heat-radiating throughout every inch of my body-and the sound of his voice reverberating in my head.

Kael, I'm not yours to guard.

That is what I stated. But I lied as I drifted through the dazzling white electricity.

I wished for his protection. I longed for his arms to encircle me once more.

It made me loathe myself.

A whirl of shadows yanked me from the trance. I fell upon a frigid floor quite forcefully. The Emerald's shine dimmed, leaving a harsh quiet behind.

Then I heard it.

Applause.

Lethargic. Ridiculing.

Well, well. At last, the moon's favored daughter shows up.

I turned around.

Kieran stood there in his dark robes, perfect as always. His eyes sparkled with wicked delight. Next to him-Damien.

No links. No wounds. Only human form's treachery.

I felt sick.

"You," I spat. You came after me here. You brought me here.

Damien avoided looking at me.

Kieran said, smirking, "Not quite." "But I have to admit, he performed his role wonderfully."

I moved toward Damien. Everything considered... after Rachel...

He winced. Lyra, I didn't want her to pass away. I was attempting to mend my damage.

"You are what's broken," I retorted. I loved you.

His eyes were shiny. Still, I adore you.

Then why does it seem that every time I look at you, I lose another bit of myself?

Kieran laughed. Moving. Truly. But enough of this romance nonsense. He moved forward, his voice falling. "You touched the Emerald. That indicates it's waking.

"I won't let you use it," I hissed.

You will not have a choice, he said. You will be mine the instant it completely awakens.

The floor below us suddenly split. From the earth, faint golden runes sprang to life in reaction to the Emeralds awakening.

Kieran lifted his hand; I fell on my knees.

Energy coursed through me, causing my body to quiver in agony. As though two were pulling me.

"Stop--", I said breathlessly, but the words hardly left my mouth.

Kieran grumbled, "Foolish girl." "You don't understand. That power was never meant to be yours."

I clenched my fists. "That's... amusing," I said, pulling myself up. "Because it seems like it's mine."

I pushed out with all the strength I could muster. An explosion of silver energy shot from my palms, knocking Kieran across the room. Roaring, he crashed into the wall.

Damien sprinted in my direction. Lyra, stop! He'll murder you-

I retorted, "Don't pretend you care." You sold me out for a seat at his table.

Damien pleaded. I had no idea what he would do. I was just trying to live.

I wasn't, I said icily. I was attempting to exist.

The walls trembled again.

That's when I noticed it-Kael. Alive but coated in dust and blood, he crawled through a shattered archway.

I felt a tightness in my chest.

He yelled, "Lyra!"

Our eyes locked.

The turmoil surrounding us vanished then.

I dashed to him. Thoughtlessly. Unreasoned. Simply pure instinct.

He grasped me in his arms, clutching me as though I would disappear.

Voice hoarse with feeling, he said, "I thought I lost you."

I believed I lost myself. "But I remain here."

He drew back a little, eyes searching my own. Did he cause you pain?

"No," I stated. "But I'm going to harm him right now."

Kael peered past me. "Is that... Damien?"

I agreed.

His jaw clenched. I ought to murder him.

I would allow you.

Damien, though, moved forward. "I messed up, Kael cut him off." Mistake? You nearly caused her death.

Damien remarked, "I returned." Doesn't that matter at all?

"No," I stated. Not any more.

Kieran grumbled and sat up. Cute. Truly. But you believe love will prevent what is approaching?

Kael stepped beside me. Not at all. She will, though.

Kieran's laughter was harsh. You actually think she can manage the curse of the Emerald?

"She already did," Kael remarked. She is not finished either.

My hands shone as I moved ahead.

You murdered my parents. You wiped out my tribe. You exploited me and Damien. But you neglected to remember something.

Kieran's gaze tightened. "And what is that?"

I am no longer alone.

Out of nowhere, rays of light pierced the ceiling. Light from the moon. Ancient and pure. It surrounded me and made me feel the pulse of the Emerald once more.

Kael held my hand. I stand with you.

I felt more powerful.

Kieran's smile faltered.

He lifted his hand to hit, but Damien intervened.

What are you up to? Kieran snarled.

Damien's voice trembled. I am finished being your puppet.

"Then you're nothing," Kieran retorted, stabbing Damien in the side with a dagger.

I screamed from my throat.

"No!"

Damien fell, blood gushing quickly.

Cradling his head in my lap, I hurried to him.

He spoke softly. I earned this.

My eyes burned with tears. "You did not." Not in this way.

He held my wrist. Lyra doesn't let him win."

Then his body became lifeless.

Kael was already on the go. Lyra, he's gone. You are not.

I rose. Rage seething. Power burning.

I confronted Kieran, who suddenly seemed... unsure.

You sought my strength? I remarked. Accept it.

I shot him with everything I had.

The blast illuminated the heavens.

He was gone when the dust settled.

Simply... gone.

Once more the chamber shook.

Kael remarked, "Something's wrong." The Emerald-it is unstable.

Red shone the runes all over the room.

I touched it, I said softly. I woke up. It now craves more.

Kael seized my shoulders. Hear me out. You must let it go. Close it.

"I don't know how!"

Of course you do. Believe in yourself.

I wept, nodding.

I extended my hand. Pulsing, the Emerald drifted toward me.

I said the words my mother once murmured in a dream.

Elaren na vestra lunaria

The chamber flickered, light and black clashing.

Then-

Kael caught me falling. Lyra!

My eyesight became hazy. "Did it work?"

Breathless, he nodded. "You sealed it."

I grinned weakly. Alright. Fighting bores me.

Kael put his forehead against mine. Rest. I have you.

But just as I shut my eyes...

From far away, a voice reverberated.

Woman. Chilly.

I wouldn't rest just now.

Kael and I both stopped moving.

From the shadows emerged a tall woman wrapped in moonlight and blood. Like mine, her eyes were silver.

"Who-" Kael began.

The lady grinned.

The Emerald was made by me.

She lifted her hand.

Kael flew across the room and crashed into the wall.

Not! I yelled, pushing myself to my feet.

The woman's voice was strong and low.

You believe you have triumphed, Lyra. This was just the start, though.

She then disappeared in a smoke spiral.

I knelt down next to Kael.

He was breathing. Hardly.

And just above us-the moon turned crimson.

Now I know what I have to do, she remarked.

Lyra! I yelled. Stop! It's too much-!"

She gazed down at me.

Kael, I'm not yours to guard.

The room then split. The roof fell in.

Lyra disappeared in a whirlwind of illumination.

As all turned dark, I yelled her name.

Kael stared at me, his eyes wide with a combination of regret and resolve. Time is not on our side. You must now believe me, Lyra. Believe me-

But before he could complete, a whirl of movement raced by us and I felt the wind rip into my face. The ground under us shook once more, this time more violently, as if something huge was coming.

My heart stopped in my chest. What lay ahead? More significantly, who was I meant to believe?