Episode 15
760 Words
The chamber fell silent.
Lyria's eyes remained fixed on the silver dagger pressed against the young guardian's throat.
A single drop of blood slid down the blade.
Selene smiled as though she were enjoying every second.
Choose wisely.
The young guardian met Lyria's gaze and slowly shook his head.
Do not listen to her.
Lyria clenched her fists.
Let him go.
Selene laughed.
You are in no position to give me orders.
She pressed the dagger deeper.
The guardian winced but refused to cry out.
Lyria took a careful step forward.
If you want me, then take me.
Release him.
Selene tilted her head.
You would sacrifice yourself for someone you barely know.
Lyria answered without hesitation.
He risked his life to protect me.
I will not abandon him.
For the first time, Selene's smile faded.
You really are different.
No wonder the Moon Goddess chose you.
A loud crash echoed outside the chamber.
The walls trembled.
The battle inside the temple was getting closer.
Selene glanced toward the entrance before looking back at Lyria.
Very well.
Walk to the throne.
Lyria frowned.
Why
Because the truth is waiting for you there.
Slowly, Lyria approached the ancient silver throne.
As she stepped onto the circular platform, the crescent mark on her wrist began to glow.
The entire chamber shook.
The statues lining the walls lit up one after another.
A deep voice echoed through the room.
Welcome home, Princess Lyriana.
Lyria froze.
Princess... Lyriana.
That was not her name.
She turned toward the guardian.
Who is Lyriana
He lowered his head.
It is your true name.
Lyria's heart pounded.
Everything she had believed about herself was a lie.
Her real name.
Her family.
Even her past.
The throne suddenly released a beam of silver light.
It spread across the floor before forming the figure of an elderly man wearing a royal crown.
He was not alive.
He was a memory preserved by magic.
His kind eyes rested on Lyria.
If you see this, then our kingdom has already fallen.
Lyria could barely breathe.
The image continued speaking.
My beloved granddaughter...
If fate has brought you here, it means the prophecy has begun.
Your children will either restore our kingdom...
Or become the reason it disappears forever.
Selene stared at the glowing figure in disbelief.
So the stories were true.
The old King's image continued.
There is something you must know before it is too late.
The man you know as the Alpha King...
Is not only your mate.
He is also the last surviving prince of the Moon Kingdom.
Lyria's eyes widened.
No...
That could not be possible.
The image nodded as though answering her thoughts.
When our enemies attacked, their families were separated to keep the royal bloodline alive.
Neither of you knew the truth.
You were destined to meet again.
Selene's face twisted with rage.
Enough.
She threw her dagger.
The blade flew toward the glowing image.
It passed straight through without causing any damage.
The old King's voice continued.
Beware of the Shadow Crown.
Its leader has hidden among those closest to you.
Do not trust appearances.
The greatest enemy does not wear a mask.
The image flickered.
Its light began to fade.
Lyria reached out.
Wait.
Who is the leader
The King's expression turned sorrowful.
You already know the answer.
You simply have not seen it yet.
The light vanished.
The chamber fell into darkness.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then Selene burst into laughter.
How touching.
After searching for the royal bloodline all these years...
It was standing beside me the entire time.
She grabbed the young guardian by the shoulder and shoved him to the floor.
Enough games.
She drew another dagger from her belt.
Tell me where the Heart of the Moon is hidden.
The guardian remained silent.
Selene raised the dagger.
Speak.
He closed his eyes.
I would rather die.
So be it.
She lifted the blade.
Before it could fall, a deafening roar echoed through the chamber.
The massive stone doors exploded inward.
Chunks of rock scattered across the floor.
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
The Alpha King stood there, covered in blood from head to toe.
His silver eyes burned with terrifying fury.
Behind him lay the bodies of countless enemy warriors.
His gaze locked onto Selene.
Then he saw the dagger aimed at the guardian...
And Lyria standing beside the ancient throne.
His voice was cold enough to freeze the air.
Take one more step toward my family...
And no one will be left alive to bury you.
- Writer
