LUNA'S LAST TEARS

THE OATH OF THE BLADE

Episode 13

The night after the Court gathering was heavy with silence. Luna and Kael walked through the moonlit gardens, where silver lilies glowed faintly under the stars. The air was cool, carrying the scent of rain, though no storm clouds moved across the skies.

Luna’s thoughts replayed the moment in the Court when the shadows had stirred. Every whisper, every accusing gaze, still burned within her. Yet stronger than all of that was the look on Kael’s face when he stood beside her, unwavering.

“You saved me from faltering,” she said softly.

Kael glanced at her, his jaw set. “You didn’t need saving. You stood on your own, Luna. I only reminded you of what you already carry.”

His words warmed her, though doubt still lingered. “But what if Darius is right? What if the curse will consume not just me, but everyone around me?”

Kael stopped walking. He turned to face her fully, his golden eyes fierce beneath the starlight. Slowly, he unsheathed his blade, its silver surface catching the moonlight in a soft glow. He held it upright between them.

“Then hear my vow,” he said, his voice steady, reverent. “If darkness rises to claim you, I will cut it down. If fate seeks to bind you, I will break its chains. And if your love is both curse and key, then I will carry its weight beside you. My blade is yours, my life is yours,until the end.”

The oath struck her heart like a chord. Tears blurred her vision, but she didn’t look away. “Kael…” she whispered.

He lowered the blade, placing it gently into her hands. “Hold it. Feel its weight. This sword has defended my bloodline for generations, but tonight, it belongs to you. Together, we will shape our own destiny.”

The sword felt heavy, but not just from its steel,it carried the weight of his devotion, his trust. Luna’s fingers trembled as she held it, then slowly, she raised her gaze.

“I will not run from what waits in the shadows,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “If the prophecy cannot be broken, then I will bend it. And you will stand with me.”

Kael nodded once, a small but unshakable smile forming. “Always.”

The lilies around them swayed though no breeze passed, their silver petals glowing brighter, as if the very night had witnessed their vow. For the first time, Luna felt not only the burden of her fate, but also the strength of choice.

Together, they walked back toward the palace, the sword in her hand and the oath between them an unspoken promise that the darkness would not have her without a fight.

Luna lingered in the chamber long after Kael’s words faded. The silence pressed in, heavy yet expectant, as though the very walls held their breath. She traced the edge of the tapestry one last time, her fingers brushing the ancient threads. Somewhere deep within, she felt the weight of unseen eyes watching her, urging her forward.

Kael placed a steadying hand at the small of her back. “Come,” he said softly. “The night is not over, and neither is your strength.”

Together, they stepped out into the darkened corridor, unaware that in the shadows behind them, the tapestry glimmered faintly once more,its crescent glowing like an unanswered question.