Chapter 23: The Bell of Dawn
833 Words
Chapter 23: The Bell of Dawn
The great silver bell hung high within the tallest tower of the Moon Temple.
For centuries, it had remained silent.
Dust covered its surface, but faint silver runes slowly began to glow, responding to the approach of their Queen.
Deep within the temple, the ancient walls hummed with life.
The Moon Temple was awakening.
---
Far below, Lyra looked toward the shining tower rising above the mountains.
"We're close."
Fenrir lowered himself so she could climb onto his back once more.
"The path is open, my Queen."
Behind them, Orion joined the group.
"Darius has surrendered."
Lyra looked past him.
The mighty general stood on one knee, his broken axe lying on the ground.
"I failed my king."
Orion shook his head.
"No."
"You simply remembered honor."
Darius lowered his head in silence.
---
Kael pressed a hand against his wounded shoulder as Damon hurried over.
"You should let the healers look at that."
Kael smiled faintly.
"After this is over."
Maya rolled her eyes.
"That's exactly what a stubborn Alpha would say."
Despite the danger surrounding them, several warriors laughed.
For the first time since the battle began, hope could be heard in their voices.
Lyra smiled.
Fear had ruled them for too long.
---
The moment didn't last.
A deafening explosion echoed across the valley.
Everyone looked toward the Eclipse Spire.
The crack in the Eye of Eclipse had grown larger.
Instead of weakening...
Dark energy poured from it.
Seraphine's expression changed instantly.
"Oh no."
Lyra frowned.
"I thought the crack was a good sign."
"It is."
"But a wounded beast is often more dangerous."
The Eye slowly opened wider.
From within its crimson depths, thousands of dark feathers drifted toward the battlefield.
They floated silently through the air.
One landed beside a wounded Shade Wolf.
The creature immediately doubled in size.
Its eyes burned brighter.
Its claws lengthened.
Another feather touched an enemy soldier.
His armor transformed into jagged black spikes.
His strength multiplied.
Damon gripped his sword.
"It's making them stronger."
The Shadow King's laughter echoed across the mountains.
"If hope weakens the Eye..."
He raised the Blade of Eclipse.
"...then despair will feed it."
---
Without warning, the enhanced Shade Wolves charged.
Their speed was terrifying.
One leaped toward Maya.
Before anyone could react, Nyra intercepted it.
Her borrowed sword flashed.
The beast collapsed.
Maya stared.
"You saved me."
Nyra smiled awkwardly.
"I suppose... I'm still getting used to being on the right side."
Lyra couldn't help smiling.
People really could change.
---
Fenrir roared as three giant Shade Wolves attacked him at once.
He crushed one beneath his paw.
Another he hurled into a cliffside.
The third sank its fangs into his shoulder.
Fenrir howled.
Kael immediately joined the fight in his wolf form.
Together, the two wolves forced the creature back.
Side by side.
As allies.
---
"The temple!" Orion shouted.
Everyone looked up.
Dark lightning struck the Moon Temple's outer walls.
The Shadow King wasn't trying to stop Lyra anymore.
He was trying to destroy the Bell of Dawn before she could reach it.
"If the bell falls..." Seraphine whispered.
"We lose our only chance."
Lyra's heart raced.
"We have to hurry."
Fenrir nodded.
"Hold on."
He sprinted toward the mountain path with incredible speed.
The temple gates came into view.
Ancient silver doors nearly a hundred feet tall.
As Lyra approached, the runes carved into them began glowing brilliantly.
The doors slowly opened on their own.
No hands touched them.
No magic forced them.
The temple itself was welcoming its Queen home.
---
Inside, everything was silent.
Moonlight poured through crystal windows.
Statues of past Moonborn rulers lined the grand hall, each holding a sword over their heart.
As Lyra walked between them, every statue bowed its head.
Kael stopped in amazement.
"They're... alive?"
Orion smiled.
"They recognize their Queen."
At the end of the hall stood a spiral staircase leading upward.
"The Bell of Dawn is at the top," Seraphine said.
"I'll go alone," Lyra replied.
Kael immediately shook his head.
"No."
"This is something only I can do."
She looked at everyone gathered around her.
"If the Shadow King reaches the tower before I ring the bell..."
Her grip tightened around the Moonblade.
"...everything ends."
Fenrir lay down before the staircase, blocking the entrance.
"Then none shall pass."
Orion planted his spear beside him.
"Neither will I."
Kael drew a deep breath and unsheathed a new sword handed to him by Damon.
"I failed to stand beside you once."
He met Lyra's eyes.
"I won't fail again."
Lyra smiled softly.
Then she turned and climbed the staircase alone.
Each step echoed through the ancient tower.
Behind her, the massive temple doors suddenly slammed shut.
A deep voice echoed through the hall.
"So..."
The Shadow King stepped out of the shadows, the Blade of Eclipse resting across his shoulder.
"I've been waiting."
He smiled at Orion, Fenrir, and Kael.
"Who will die first trying to stop me?"
- Writer
