The first shadow of the eclipse crossed the moon.
The forest fell eerily silent.
Even the river seemed to pause.
Five friends stood shoulder to shoulder in the clearing.
Evelyn.
Lucas.
Maya.
Finn.
Celeste.
Across from them, more than a dozen members of the Veil Order tightened their circle.
Their leader stepped forward, the black staff crackling with dark energy.
“So the prophecy truly lives.”
Selene’s silver blade gleamed.
“It has never died.”
⸻
Lucas moved slightly in front of Evelyn.
“You stay behind us.”
Evelyn frowned.
“I’m getting really tired of people saying that.”
Maya flashed her a grin.
“Get used to it.”
Finn, still in his bear form, let out a deep rumble of agreement.
Celeste quietly raised both hands, emerald fae magic weaving around her fingertips.
“We’
