Episode 30
718 Words
Beneath the Moonlight
The days that followed were unusually peaceful.
No attacks came from the Shadow Kingdom.
No scouts reported enemy movements.
Even so, no one allowed their guard to fall.
Warriors continued their patrols around the Hidden Village while the elders prepared supplies for the journey to the Forbidden Forest.
The first relic awaited them.
Until then, all they could do was prepare.
As night settled over the valley, Lyria stood alone beside the river. The moon reflected across the still water, turning its surface into silver glass.
She closed her eyes and listened to the gentle sound of the current.
For the first time in weeks, her heartfelt calm.
Footsteps approached behind her.
She smiled before turning around.
Kael.
He carried a thick wool blanket over one arm.
Without saying a word, he draped it gently over her shoulders.
The nights are getting colder.
She looked up at him.
You're always worrying about me.
He chuckled softly.
It's part of loving you.
Lyria slipped her hand into his.
For a while, they simply stood together, watching the moon rise above the mountains.
Sometimes I wonder what our lives would have been like if none of this had happened, she said quietly.
If there had never been a prophecy...
No Shadow Kingdom...
No war.
Kael looked toward the stars.
I probably would still have found you.
She laughed.
You sound very certain.
I am.
He turned to face her fully.
The Moon Goddess may have brought us together...
But I fell in love with you because of who you are.
Not because fate told me to.
Her eyes shimmered.
Even after everything we've lost?
Especially after everything we've lost.
Kael gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
I've seen your strength.
I've seen your kindness.
I've watched you risk your life for people who doubted you.
Every day, you remind me why this kingdom believes in its Queen.
A tear escaped the corner of Lyria's eye.
She leaned into his embrace.
Sometimes...
I'm afraid.
Kael wrapped both arms around her.
Afraid of what?
She hesitated before answering.
That one day I'll fail everyone.
That I won't be strong enough.
That this war will take away the people I love.
His heartbeat remained calm against her ear.
Listen to me.
You don't have to carry this burden by yourself anymore.
When you're afraid...
Lean on me.
When you're tired...
I'll carry you.
And when the darkness comes...
We'll face it together.
Lyria smiled through her tears.
You always know what to say.
He grinned.
Not always.
I've made plenty of mistakes.
She looked up at him.
Name one.
He laughed quietly.
The first time we met, I tried to act like I wasn't impressed by you.
She raised an eyebrow.
You failed.
Completely.
They both laughed, the sound drifting across the quiet riverbank.
For a little while, they weren't a king and queen preparing for war.
They were simply Kael and Lyria.
Two people who had found love in the middle of chaos.
The Shadow Dragon watched them from a nearby hill.
Its silver eyes reflected the moonlight as it lowered its massive head peacefully.
Even the ancient guardian seemed to understand the importance of moments like this.
Kael reached into his pocket and removed a small silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon.
I wanted to give you this before we leave for the Forbidden Forest.
Lyria accepted it carefully.
It's beautiful.
It belonged to my mother.
She always believed it would protect the person who wore it.
Lyria's eyes widened.
Kael...
I can't take something so precious.
He gently fastened it around her neck.
It already belongs where it should.
She placed her hand over the pendant.
I'll treasure it.
Always.
A cool breeze swept through the valley.
The peaceful silence was suddenly broken by the frantic sound of running footsteps.
Ronan emerged from the trees, breathing heavily.
His face was pale.
Kael immediately stepped forward.
What happened?
Ronan struggled to catch his breath.
We've found one of our scouts.
He's barely alive.
He says...
Someone inside the village has been sending information to the Shadow Kingdom.
The warmth of the evening vanished in an instant.
Kael's expression hardened.
A traitor.
Somewhere within the Hidden Village...
Someone they trusted had already betrayed them.
- Writer
