Enchanted by Moonlight

Chapter 3: The Journey Begins

Dawn’s first light broke through the canopy of the dense forest, casting golden hues on the damp earth below. Christine sat near the remnants of their small campfire, her mind still reeling from everything Paul had told her the night before. The weight of her family’s past, the awakening of her powers, and the looming danger all pressed against her like an invisible force.

Paul was already on his feet, securing the small leather satchel slung over his shoulder. His movements were practiced, efficient, as if he had spent his whole life preparing for this moment. Christine envied his certainty. She, on the other hand, felt like she was stepping into a story that had already begun long before she was even born.

“Ready?” Paul asked, his voice gentle but firm.

Christine hesitated before nodding. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

They started through the woods, following a narrow path that wound through the towering trees. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp leaves and fresh earth. Christine wrapped her arms around herself, not just for warmth but for comfort.

“So, this sanctuary,” she began, breaking the silence, “where is it?”

Paul glanced at her before answering. “Deep in the heart of these woods. It’s hidden by magic, only accessible to those who are meant to find it.”

Christine arched an eyebrow. “And I’m meant to find it?”

Paul smirked. “You are now.”

They walked for hours, stopping only for brief rests. The deeper they ventured, the more Christine felt the shift in the air. It was subtle at first—an odd hush, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. Then, as they neared a riverbank, she saw something remarkable.

The water shimmered unnaturally, reflecting not just the light of the sun but a faint, ethereal glow. Christine stepped closer, mesmerized. “What is this?”

Paul knelt beside the river, dipping his fingers into the cool water. “It’s part of the barrier protecting the sanctuary. Only those who carry the Sinclair blood can cross.”

Christine’s heart pounded. “And if someone else tries?”

Paul’s expression darkened. “They don’t make it.”

A shiver ran down her spine. Paul stood and extended his hand. “Come on. You have to step through it.”

Christine took a deep breath and clasped his hand. The moment her foot touched the water, a pulse of energy surged through her, tingling through her veins. The river parted slightly, as if recognizing her. She gasped but forced herself to move forward, trusting the path ahead.

On the other side, the forest transformed. The trees were taller, their leaves a shimmering silver. The air felt thicker, charged with an energy Christine couldn’t describe. It was beautiful yet overwhelming.

Paul exhaled in relief. “We’re close.”

Christine followed him, her eyes darting around in wonder. But just as she was beginning to feel a sense of awe, a low growl rumbled from the shadows. She froze.

Paul tensed, stepping protectively in front of her. “We’re not alone.”

From the darkness, glowing red eyes emerged, watching them hungrily. The shadow beasts had found them.

Christine’s pulse pounded in her ears as she stared at the creatures surrounding them. Their bodies were made of swirling darkness, their movements unnatural and fluid. The red glow of their eyes was hypnotic, filled with malice and hunger.

Paul reached for the dagger strapped to his hip, his movements slow and deliberate. “Christine, listen to me,” he murmured. “Stay behind me and don’t run. They feed off fear.”

Christine swallowed hard. “What are they?”

“Servants of the darkness. They’ve been tracking us since last night.”

Christine’s fingers curled around the pendant hanging from her neck. She could feel it vibrating against her skin, as if resonating with the energy in the air. The beasts advanced, their growls deepening.

Then, in a flash, one lunged.

Paul reacted instantly, sidestepping and slashing with his dagger. The blade sliced through the creature, but instead of wounding it, the beast reformed within seconds, its smoky tendrils knitting back together.

“They can’t be killed,” Christine gasped.

“Not by ordinary means,” Paul said through gritted teeth. “We need magic.”

Christine’s breath hitched. “I don’t know how to use magic!”

Another beast pounced, this time straight at her. She threw up her hands instinctively, bracing for impact. At the last second, a burst of silver light shot from her palms, slamming into the creature. It shrieked, its form unraveling like mist in the wind.

Christine staggered back. “Did I just—”

Paul grabbed her wrist. “Yes. Do it again.”

The other beasts hesitated now, their glowing eyes darting between Christine and Paul. One let out an eerie screech before lunging again. Christine barely had time to react before another pulse of energy exploded from her, sending the beast hurtling backward. It dissipated into the night, leaving only the thick scent of smoke in the air.

Paul watched her with something like awe. “You’re stronger than I thought.”

Christine’s hands trembled. “I don’t even know what I did.”

“You channeled your magic. It’s waking up.”

The remaining beasts exchanged glances, then suddenly turned and disappeared into the shadows, as if retreating.

Christine exhaled sharply. “They’re leaving?”

Paul nodded. “For now. But they’ll be back.”

Christine swallowed, still feeling the tingling sensation in her fingertips. She had barely begun to grasp what was happening to her, and already she had enemies.

Paul placed a hand on her shoulder. “We need to move. The sanctuary is close.”

Christine nodded, her legs feeling shaky beneath her. They pushed forward through the shimmering forest, her mind racing. If those creatures were after her, then she had to be ready. She had to learn how to fight.

The sanctuary loomed ahead, an ancient structure hidden among the trees. It was time for Christine to embrace her destiny.