Episode 8
743 Words
The captain's words echoed through the vault.
The future Luna must die before the next full moon.
Lyria felt every ounce of strength leave her body.
The old prisoner was dead.
The only person who seemed to know the truth had been silenced forever.
The Alpha King's expression grew darker.
Take me to the dungeon.
The captain bowed and hurried ahead.
Lyria followed behind them, her heart pounding with every step.
The dungeon was in chaos.
Guards stood outside the prisoner's cell, whispering among themselves. Blood stained the stone floor, and the smell of death lingered in the air.
The Alpha King entered first.
The old prisoner lay motionless against the wall, his eyes still open as if he had died trying to warn someone.
Lyria covered her mouth.
She had spoken to him only hours earlier.
Now he was gone.
The royal physician knelt beside the body.
He stood as soon as the Alpha King approached.
He was killed with a silver blade coated in wolfsbane.
The Alpha King's eyes narrowed.
The same poison.
The physician nodded.
Yes, My King. The same poison that was used against you during the Blood Moon.
That meant one thing.
The same enemy was behind both attacks.
The Alpha King searched the cell carefully.
His gaze stopped on something carved into the stone wall.
Three crescent moons surrounded by a single crown.
His face became unreadable.
The captain noticed it.
Do you recognize that symbol, My King?
The Alpha King remained silent for a long moment.
Then he answered.
I hoped I would never see it again.
Lyria frowned.
What does it mean?
He turned toward her.
It belongs to a secret order that disappeared many years ago.
An order sworn to destroy the royal bloodline.
The captain looked shocked.
But everyone believed they were extinct.
Apparently they are not.
As they prepared to leave the cell, Lyria noticed something beneath the old prisoner's hand.
A small leather pouch.
She quietly picked it up before anyone else saw it.
No one noticed.
She slipped it into the pocket of her dress.
The Alpha King ordered the guards to seal the dungeon while he questioned every soldier who had been on duty.
Hours later, Lyria returned to her room.
Two guards remained outside the door.
She locked herself inside before taking out the leather pouch.
Her fingers trembled as she untied the string.
Inside was a folded letter and a tiny silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon.
She unfolded the letter.
The handwriting was shaky.
If you are reading this, I am already dead.
Do not trust anyone inside the palace.
Not even those who swear to protect you.
The enemy has worn many faces for years.
They are waiting for the children of the prophecy.
Protect them at all costs.
Before Lyria could finish reading, a sharp pain twisted through her stomach.
She bent over, gripping the edge of the table.
The pain was stronger than before.
A warm glow spread beneath her hand.
Then it disappeared.
A knock sounded at the door.
Lyria quickly hid the letter and pendant beneath her pillow.
Come in.
The Alpha King entered alone.
His eyes immediately settled on her pale face.
You do not look well.
I am fine.
He stepped closer.
You are lying.
She looked away.
Why do you care now
His expression softened for the first time.
Because I have already made one mistake.
I will not make another.
Before Lyria could answer, the royal physician rushed into the room without knocking.
His face was filled with panic.
My King.
The Alpha King turned.
What is it?
The physician struggled to catch his breath.
I have completed the examination of the Moon Stone.
And
It has confirmed the prophecy.
The Alpha King's jaw tightened.
Speak clearly.
The physician looked from the King to Lyria before lowering his head.
She is carrying your children.
The room fell silent.
Lyria's eyes widened.
She instinctively placed both hands over her stomach.
The Alpha King stared at her, unable to speak.
The physician swallowed.
There is more.
The Alpha King slowly looked at him.
What else
The physician's voice trembled.
It is not one child.
It is three.
Three royal heirs.
At that exact moment, a deafening explosion shook the palace.
The windows shattered.
Smoke rose into the night sky.
A terrified guard burst into the room.
My King, we are under attack.
Someone has breached the palace walls.
- Writer
