Episode 13
744 Words
The roar echoed through the Sacred Mountains, shaking the ancient temple to its foundation.
Dust drifted from the ceiling as another violent impact struck the outer walls.
Lyria's heart raced.
Alpha Darius had found her.
The young guardian rushed back into the chamber, panic written across his face.
They have surrounded every entrance. There is no escape.
Elara remained calm.
There is always a way.
She turned to Lyria.
The Heart of the Moon has chosen you. If you wish to protect your children and everyone in this temple, the ritual must begin now.
Lyria looked toward the glowing crystal.
What must I do?
Place your hands on the Heart of the Moon and do not let go, no matter what you see.
Will it hurt?
Elara smiled sadly.
The truth often does.
Another explosion rocked the temple.
Cracks spread across the stone floor.
The guardians immediately formed a protective circle around the crystal.
Lyria took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The moment her palms touched the crystal, an intense surge of energy rushed through her body.
She cried out as silver light exploded around her.
Her feet lifted from the ground.
The temple disappeared.
She found herself standing in a beautiful valley beneath a bright full moon.
The air was warm, and thousands of white flowers covered the hills.
Confused, she looked around.
A woman dressed in silver stood several steps away.
She had long black hair, gentle blue eyes, and the same crescent mark on her wrist.
Lyria stared at her in disbelief.
Who are you?
The woman smiled.
I have waited many years to meet you.
Do I know you?
Not yet.
The woman walked closer.
I am your mother.
Lyria froze.
No.
That was impossible.
My mother died when I was a child.
The woman nodded.
Yes.
My body died.
But my spirit has remained here, waiting for the next true Luna.
Tears filled Lyria's eyes.
She had dreamed of seeing her mother again.
She wanted to run into her arms.
Instead, she stood frozen.
Why did you leave me?
Pain crossed the woman's face.
I never wanted to.
I died protecting you.
Lyria felt her knees weaken.
Protecting me from whom
From the same people who are hunting you now.
The woman raised her hand.
The peaceful valley vanished.
A new vision appeared.
Lyria saw a younger Alpha King fighting beside her mother.
Blood covered their clothes as dozens of masked warriors surrounded them.
One of the attackers snatched a baby wrapped in a silver blanket.
Another warrior reached for a second child.
Her mother screamed and threw herself into the battle.
The vision faded.
Lyria's breathing became uneven.
What did I just see?
Your past.
Lyria frowned.
That baby...
Was me
Her mother nodded.
You were born into the royal bloodline.
Lyria's eyes widened.
No.
That cannot be true.
My grandmother raised me.
She told me my parents were ordinary wolves.
Your grandmother lied to keep you alive.
If anyone had known who you truly were, you would have been killed before your first birthday.
Lyria struggled to understand everything.
Then...
Who was my father
A soft smile appeared on her mother's face.
He loved you more than his own life.
Before she could answer, the valley began to shake.
Dark clouds gathered overhead.
Her mother's expression changed instantly.
There is no more time.
Listen carefully.
The enemy is not only outside the temple.
One of the guardians has betrayed us.
Lyria's heart skipped.
Who
You must discover that yourself.
Her mother's body slowly began to fade.
Wait.
Please do not leave again.
Her mother reached forward and gently touched Lyria's forehead.
Never doubt your strength.
Your greatest power is not the mark on your wrist.
It is the love you carry for your family.
The vision shattered.
Lyria opened her eyes.
She was back inside the temple.
The crystal's light slowly faded.
Every guardian was staring at her.
Before anyone could speak, one of the temple doors burst open.
A wounded guard stumbled inside.
Guardian Elara...
We have been betrayed.
Someone opened the western gate.
The enemy is already inside the temple.
Every guardian immediately reached for their weapons.
Then, without warning, one of the guardians standing beside Elara drew a hidden dagger.
Before anyone could react, he plunged the blade into Elara's back.
Blood splashed across the crystal floor.
Lyria screamed.
The traitor pulled off his hood and smiled coldly.
Alpha Darius sends his regards.
- Writer
