Episode 12
744 Words
Lyria's eyes fluttered open.
A cool breeze brushed against her face as she stared at the crystal ceiling above her. The walls around her shimmered with silver light, and the air carried the sweet scent of moonflowers.
She slowly sat up.
The last thing she remembered was the battlefield.
The Alpha King.
The attack.
The silver light.
Where am I
The elderly woman standing beside the altar smiled kindly.
You are in the Temple of the First Luna.
Lyria looked around in confusion.
The temple was unlike anything she had ever seen. Ancient pillars stretched toward the ceiling, each carved with wolves bowing beneath a full moon. Silver flames burned inside crystal bowls without producing smoke.
How did I get here?
The Moon Goddess brought you.
Lyria frowned.
Why
Because your life was in danger.
The old woman helped her down from the altar.
You have many questions, and I will answer them. But first, you must know who I am.
She placed a hand over her heart.
My name is Elara. I have guarded this temple for more than sixty years.
Sixty years
Lyria stared at her youthful face.
You do not look that old.
Elara smiled.
Time moves differently inside the temple.
She led Lyria through a long hallway lined with ancient portraits.
Every painting showed a Luna wearing the same silver crescent mark that had appeared on Lyria's wrist.
Lyria stopped walking.
They all have the same mark.
Because they were all chosen by the Moon Goddess.
She looked at the final portrait.
A beautiful young woman with long black hair stood beside a tall Alpha King.
For some reason, the woman's face looked familiar.
Who is she?
Elara's expression softened.
She was the last true Luna.
She died protecting her children.
Lyria felt an uneasy feeling settle in her chest.
What happened to them?
The old woman remained silent for several moments.
They were hunted.
Just like your children are being hunted now.
Lyria instinctively placed a hand over her stomach.
Why does everyone want my babies?
Elara stopped before a pair of enormous silver doors.
Because they are not ordinary children.
She pushed the doors open.
Inside was a circular chamber.
In the center floated a glowing crystal larger than a man.
Silver light flowed through it like water.
This is the Heart of the Moon.
It protects the balance between every werewolf kingdom.
Lyria stared in amazement.
The crystal suddenly began to glow brighter.
Images appeared inside it.
She saw the Alpha King fighting alone against hundreds of enemies.
Blood covered his body.
Yet he refused to retreat.
Lyria's heart tightened.
Is this happening now
Elara nodded.
He is buying time for you.
Tears filled Lyria's eyes.
I have to go back.
You cannot.
Why
Because if you leave before understanding your power, you will only die.
The crystal showed another image.
Princess Selene stood beside Alpha Darius.
They were speaking to dozens of warriors.
Lyria stared in disbelief.
Selene had joined him openly.
Elara sighed.
She made her choice long ago.
She never loved the King.
She only wanted the throne.
The image changed again.
Darius stood before a large map.
His finger pointed toward the Sacred Mountains.
He knows I am here.
Elara nodded.
He will come.
The temple has remained hidden for centuries, but the awakening of the royal triplets has revealed its location.
A deep rumble echoed through the mountain.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
Lyria looked up in alarm.
What was that
Elara's face turned serious.
They have already arrived.
Another violent impact shook the temple.
One of the stone walls cracked.
A young guardian rushed into the chamber, breathing heavily.
Guardian Elara.
The enemy army has surrounded the mountain.
There are thousands of them.
Elara closed her eyes briefly.
It is sooner than I expected.
She turned toward Lyria.
There is only one way to protect your children now.
Lyria nodded.
Tell me.
Elara walked to the glowing crystal and placed both hands upon it.
The Heart of the Moon can awaken your hidden power.
But once the ritual begins, there is no turning back.
Your life will never be the same again.
Before Lyria could answer, a deafening roar echoed outside the temple.
The mountain trembled.
A voice filled with hatred thundered through the valley.
Lyria.
Come out and surrender.
Or I will bury this entire mountain with everyone inside it.
Lyria recognized the voice immediately.
Alpha Darius had found her.
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