The Luna’s Legacy

Chapter Five: Inauguration

***Lisa's POV **

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

There, beside us in full human form, stood Jared and Raven. I’d only ever wondered faintly what they might look like as people; this was beyond anything I’d imagined. They were breathtaking. Raven, the Moon Goddess’s daughter, a real princess, and Jared, a Japanese swordsman sworn to guard her.

Around us, the Elders sat in respectful silence until Moraine spoke. “Welcome to our Chamber! At last, we meet face-to-face. Let me first congratulate you on defeating Robert and his Bloodthrone Ogres. That was no small feat. And second,” she tilted her head, studying me, "I find it astonishing that a human could be so richly blessed by the Moon Goddess. Surely you possess some hidden gift?”

I froze. How could I casually explain my odd dreams or my lifelong sense of not belonging?

Sensing my hesitation, Moraine tilted her head, her eyes kind behind waves of white hair.

“You are free to answer, my dear,” she encouraged, smiling.

Drawing a shaky breath, I thought of my past life, nothing stood out as remarkable except my strange dreams.

“I… always felt odd, different. I figured I was cursed,” I admitted, staring down at the moon water rippling around our feet. Our clothes were miraculously dry.

Moraine’s expression softened.

“Your visions, your ability to sense what others overlook, that is indeed a gift. More than that, your resilience. How many times did you want to give up, yet somehow carried on? You survived dangers most would not. You’ve helped countless people instinctively, fighting even when you felt you didn’t belong. You were never meant to remain human, you belong with us. I’m sorry we didn’t intervene sooner.”

Every Elder nodded in agreement. The moon water before me shimmered with glimpses of my life: tears, hardships, survival. A surge of emotion hit me.

“If you’re so sorry, why didn’t you save me sooner?” I asked.

Moraine’s gaze was gentle.

“Our magic is imperfect. Special souls like yours drift into our visions briefly; sometimes we lose track. But Anderson alerted us just in time. You are destined as our Moon Goddess Warrior, and your journey isn’t over. Raven, Noah, Jared—they’ll stand by you. More darkness approaches, and you will be called upon again.”

Raven stepped forward, regal and confident despite the wolf ears atop her head.

“Do Lisa’s and the little one’s dreams point to what’s coming? Is there a way to know when?”

Moraine nodded.

“Likely. But the timeline remains unclear… days, months, even years could pass. That’s why we gathered you all today. Our species lives longer than humans. When our time ends, we may move on or stay to guide successors. Those koi you saw are Elders who chose to remain. Oneironaut and his pack did the same. Jean and Ron will pass into the next life someday, too—and then, Lisa and Noah, you must take their places here and protect Hotep alongside those you recruit. Do you understand this responsibility?”

Anxiety tightened my chest, but Raven cupped my face, her pink eyes shining.

“You’ve faced every trial imaginable. You’re ready.”

Jared joined her, hand on her waist. Noah squeezed my hand.

“You came here for a reason. This is your destiny. I’ll stand by you forever, after all, the moon needs its sun.”

Their faith steadied me. Moraine rose, hope alight in her eyes.

“So, great Moon Warrior, will you accept this calling?”

“I will. If I can save even one life, I’ll know I’ve made a difference.”

Moraine beamed. The chamber erupted in applause.

“Then let us begin!”

The lights dimmed. The moon water glowed softly and rose in luminescent strands, weaving around us and coalescing around Moraine. Her white aura flared; her eyes blazed like twin moons. She chanted in an ancient tongue, and one by one, the Elders joined her in song. The water floated to each of them as they formed a circle, hands joined.

A chorus of ethereal voices rose, filling my mind until the words of the oath became clear.

Moraine’s voice rang out: “I, Moraine Clearwater, bind myself and my chosen brothers and sisters, future Elders, to Luna Lisa and Alpha Noah of Crystal Lake. Do you accept your places within these sacred walls and, when the time comes, to lead this Council by the will of the Moon Goddess?”

“I, Luna Lisa of Crystal Lake, accept,” I declared.

“I, Alpha Noah of Crystal Lake, accept,” Noah replied.

“As guardians of Lisa and Noah, we also accept this obligation wholeheartedly,” they chorused.

Moraine’s smile glowed in the moonlit haze.

“By the Moon Goddess’s blessing, you are inaugurated into the Elder’s Circle. Welcome to the Chamber of Hotep. May you walk in light and wisdom.”

The water settled back to the floor, the room returning to its gentle blue illumination. Moraine enveloped us in a warm, motherly embrace. I realized I’d been afraid for nothing.

Noah and I shared a look. A streak of silver had appeared in his jet-black hair. Laughing, I ran my fingers through it.

“Now we match,” I teased.

With a graceful wave of her hand, Moraine conjured a glowing mirror so Noah could admire himself.

“I kind of love it,” he said, striking a playful pose.

“It suits you,” I agreed, winking.

Raven’s translucent form began to fade.

“We must return,” she said with a giggle and a final salute. Jared joined her, and together they dissolved back into our minds.

Moraine's eyes sparkled with delight. "Shall we celebrate this momentous occasion?"

The chamber erupted in cheers as everyone rose to their feet, surrounding us with congratulations and well-wishes.

Through the crowd came our family. Barbra's eyes glistened with tears as she pressed her lips first to my forehead, then Noah's. "My heart could burst with pride," she whispered.

John clapped Noah's shoulder firmly. "You've done us proud," he said, voice gruff with emotion.

Alexander bounced on his heels, extending a closed fist toward Noah. "Epic! Wait till everyone hears about this!" As Noah returned the gesture, I wondered when my son had picked up such mannerisms.

Rosemary approached last, her heterochromatic eyes, one blue, one brown, searching mine as she nestled against me.

"You aren't upset I kept this from you?" she murmured.

I cradled her face.

"Never. I love you too much for that. When we're home, we'll talk properly, I have so much to tell and teach you."

I pressed my lips to her cheek, and she nodded against my chest.

As we ascended toward the surface, I paused by the pool where the koi swam. They regarded me solemnly before one flicked its tail in what seemed like acknowledgment. I carried Hotep's mysteries within me now, both those I could share and those I must protect.