The crescent returns
296 Words
Nearly a month had passed since the last Crescent Moon.
The castle had been filled with laughter, quiet moments, and growing affection.
But that peace was coming to an end.
Before sunrise, Elara awoke with a heavy ache spreading through her body.
Her limbs felt weak.
A familiar warmth settled deep within her, and she knew what it meant.
"The Crescent Moon..." she whispered.
She slowly sat up, only to find Kael standing outside her chamber.
He looked at her once and understood.
"It's time."
Within minutes, the castle was awake.
The warning bells echoed through every hall.
Darius tightened the straps on his armor.
Lucian unrolled an ancient map, marking every place where dark creatures had attacked before.
Riven inspected every blade in the armory with a grin that couldn't hide his determination.
Adrian stepped onto the highest tower.
His silver wings stretched proudly behind him.
The last of his molting was over.
His feathers gleamed brighter than ever beneath the morning light.
"I've never felt stronger," he said.
Kael nodded.
"Good."
"Because this time, they'll send more than beasts."
The sky darkened long before sunset.
The wind circled Adrian, carrying whispers from every corner of the realm.
"They're gathering," he said quietly.
"Hundreds of them."
Elara stepped into the courtyard.
"I'm sorry..."
Kael gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Never apologize."
Darius drew his sword.
"This isn't your burden to carry alone."
Lucian smiled reassuringly.
"We made an oath."
Riven spun a dagger between his fingers.
"And we're keeping it."
Adrian folded his wings around Elara for a brief moment.
"As long as we breathe..."
"No darkness will ever take you from us."
The five Alphas took their places around her.
Five kingdoms.
Five hearts.
One promise.
This Crescent Moon...
They were ready.
- Writer
