Enchanted by Moonlight

Chapter 5: A Dangerous Alliance

Christine stood in the dimly lit chamber, her breath coming in shallow gasps. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, curling tendrils of smoke weaving intricate patterns in the candlelight. Across from her, Paul’s expression was unreadable, his jaw set in a hard line. The knowledge they had uncovered in the sanctuary’s library had led them here—to a decision that could alter the fate of their world.

“We don’t have a choice,” Christine whispered, gripping the edges of the ancient scroll tightly. The parchment crackled under her touch. “If we want to find the Lunar Seal, we need information that only one person can give us.”

Paul exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t like this. We can’t trust him. Mirabel warned us—”

“I know what Mirabel said,” Christine interrupted. “But time is running out. If the darkness breaks free before we find the Seal, everything will be lost.”

A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. Then, with a reluctant nod, Paul relented. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

They made their way through the winding corridors of the sanctuary, past the grand hallways filled with statues of past guardians. Christine’s heart pounded as they approached a door guarded by two armored sentinels. Their gleaming silver armor reflected the torchlight, their eyes shadowed beneath their helmets.

“We need to see him,” Christine stated firmly, lifting the scroll as proof of their purpose.

One of the guards stepped forward. “The prisoner is not to be disturbed without authorization.”

“We have authorization from Mirabel,” Paul lied smoothly, his voice steady. Christine shot him a glance but said nothing. The guards hesitated, then stepped aside. The heavy door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit chamber beyond.

Inside, chained to the wall with thick, rune-engraved shackles, was a man draped in tattered robes. His silver hair, streaked with black, hung in tangled waves around his face. Sharp golden eyes flicked up, locking onto Christine’s.

“So,” he drawled, a smirk playing at his lips. “You finally came.”

His name was Kael, once a trusted member of the Council of Guardians. Now, he was a prisoner, accused of betraying his own kind and conspiring with the darkness. Christine felt a chill crawl up her spine as she met his piercing gaze.

“We need information,” she said, forcing her voice to remain steady.

Kael chuckled, shifting against his restraints. “Of course you do. No one visits me for pleasant conversation.”

Paul stepped forward, his fists clenched. “Enough games. Tell us where to find the Lunar Seal.”

Kael tilted his head. “And why would I do that? You offer me nothing in return.”

Christine hesitated. They had expected resistance, but they hadn’t planned for a bargain. Taking a breath, she stepped closer. “What do you want?”

Kael’s smirk widened. “Freedom.”

Paul stiffened. “Absolutely not.”

“Then we’re done here.” Kael leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes as if bored.

Christine’s mind raced. They couldn’t trust him—Mirabel had made that clear. But what choice did they have? The darkness was closing in, and the Seal was their only hope.

“Tell us what you know,” she said, “and we’ll consider your request.”

Kael’s eyes snapped open. He studied her for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. The Lunar Seal is not where you think it is.”

Christine’s pulse quickened. “Where is it?”

“Not where,” Kael corrected. “With whom.”

A sense of dread settled in her stomach. “Who has it?”

Kael’s expression darkened. “A demon named Varos.”

The room seemed to close in around Christine as the words sank in. A demon. The very creatures the guardians had fought against for centuries. If Varos had the Lunar Seal, retrieving it would be nearly impossible.

Paul cursed under his breath. “You expect us to believe that?”

Kael shrugged. “Believe what you will. But if you want the Seal, you’ll have to face him.”

Christine exchanged a glance with Paul. As much as they hated to admit it, Kael’s words rang with truth. If he was lying, they would waste valuable time. If he was telling the truth, they were walking into a trap.

“We’ll need more than just information,” Christine said cautiously. “We need a way to get to Varos.”

Kael’s smirk returned. “And that’s where I come in.”

Paul scoffed. “No chance. You’ll betray us the moment we set you free.”

Kael’s expression turned serious. “You don’t have another option.”

Christine knew he was right. She closed her eyes, steadying her thoughts. The fate of their world rested on this decision. Taking a deep breath, she looked Kael in the eyes.

“Swear to me,” she said. “Swear that you will help us.”

Kael met her gaze. “On my life.”

Paul groaned. “This is a mistake.”

But Christine knew they had no other choice. She turned to the guards. “Release him.”

The next hours passed in a blur. The moment Kael’s shackles were removed, Paul kept a close eye on him, ready to strike at any sign of betrayal. But Kael merely stretched, rolling his shoulders as if savoring his first taste of freedom.

“We need to move fast,” Kael said. “Varos won’t wait for you to come knocking.”

Christine nodded. “Where do we find him?”

Kael’s smirk faded. “The Shadow Lands.”

Paul swore. The Shadow Lands were forbidden territory, a place where even the strongest warriors feared to tread. It was a realm ruled by darkness, where the veil between worlds was weakest.

Christine took a deep breath. “Then that’s where we go.”

Kael’s golden eyes gleamed. “Then let’s not waste time.”

With their uneasy alliance forged, Christine, Paul, and Kael set out into the night. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they had no choice. The Lunar Seal was within reach, and they would face whatever horrors awaited them to retrieve it.

As they disappeared into the shadows, Christine couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.