Chapter 4 — The Moon Gate
739 Words
The mountains grew taller as Luna, her father, and Kael continued their journey.
By afternoon, the peaceful forest had disappeared behind them. The path became narrow and rocky, surrounded by enormous cliffs. Cold mist covered the ground, making every step difficult.
Luna held the ancient map in front of her.
According to the map, the entrance to Asteria was somewhere beyond the mountains.
But there was a problem.
“There is no road here,” Luna said.
Kael looked at the map.
“There doesn't need to be.”
Luna frowned. “What does that mean?”
“The map only shows the path to those who can use Moon Magic.”
Luna stared at him.
“So how are we supposed to find it?”
Kael pointed toward the mountain ahead.
“Your magic will show you.”
Luna sighed.
“My magic doesn't exactly listen to me.”
“It will.”
“How do you know?”
“Because your mother taught me.”
Luna stopped walking.
“You keep mentioning my mother.”
Kael looked at her.
“Because she was the greatest Moon Guardian I ever knew.”
Luna didn't know what to say.
She wanted to ask more, but suddenly the pendant around her neck began glowing.
The light became brighter.
Then the mountain in front of them began to shake.
Luna stepped backward.
A large symbol appeared on the stone wall.
It was the same crescent moon symbol on her wrist.
Her father whispered, “The Moon Gate.”
A massive doorway slowly appeared in the mountain.
Silver light spilled from the cracks.
Luna walked toward it.
The moment she placed her hand against the stone, the entire mountain trembled.
A voice echoed through the valley.
“Only the true Guardian may enter.”
Luna looked at Kael.
“What should I do?”
“Open the gate.”
“How?”
Kael smiled faintly.
“Believe in yourself.”
Luna closed her eyes.
She remembered her mother's voice from her childhood.
When the moon calls your name, don't be afraid.
She took a deep breath.
“I am Luna.”
The mark on her wrist began to shine.
“I am the last Moon Guardian.”
The entire doorway exploded with silver light.
The stone doors slowly opened.
Beyond them was not a dark cave.
It was another world.
A vast kingdom floated beneath a glowing purple sky.
Crystal towers reached toward the clouds. Rivers of silver water flowed between enormous bridges, while distant dragons flew around the peaks of shining castles.
Luna could barely breathe.
“Asteria…”
Her father looked at the kingdom with tears in his eyes.
“It survived.”
Kael stepped forward.
“No.”
He pointed toward the horizon.
Luna followed his gaze.
A dark cloud covered part of the kingdom.
Black flames burned around one of the distant towers.
Kael's expression became serious.
“Someone is already inside.”
Luna tightened her grip on the pendant.
“The Shadow King.”
Before they could enter, a group of armored warriors appeared on the other side of the gate.
They surrounded the travelers.
Their leader raised his sword.
“Identify yourselves!”
Kael stepped forward.
“I am Kael of the Silver Guard.”
The warriors immediately lowered their weapons.
The leader stared at Luna.
Then his eyes widened.
“Impossible…”
He slowly knelt.
“The Moon Guardian has returned.”
One by one, the warriors followed.
Soon, every soldier was kneeling before Luna.
She stood frozen.
She had spent her entire life believing she was nobody special.
Now an entire kingdom was bowing before her.
The warrior leader looked up.
“Princess Luna, Asteria has been waiting for you.”
Luna's heart stopped.
“Princess?”
Her father closed his eyes.
He knew the secret could no longer be hidden.
“Yes,” he said quietly.
“You are not only the last Moon Guardian.”
He looked toward the castle.
“You are the last princess of Asteria.”
Luna stared at the magnificent kingdom before her.
Then, somewhere deep inside the castle, a bell rang.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Kael suddenly looked toward the dark tower.
“They know she's here.”
The sky above Asteria turned black.
And from the darkness came a familiar voice.
“Welcome home, Princess.”
Luna's blood ran cold.
The Shadow King had found her.
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