THE CAGE & THE MOON
Elara’s breath came in ragged pulls. The light from the carvings on the stone platform still shimmered around her, reflecting silver across her sweat-slicked skin. The pulse of power inside her had not receded; if anything, it had grown, raw and insistent, like a tide trying to break free of the moon’s pull. She tried to steady herself, but the presence in the room made her pulse spike again.
Ravik stepped forward, his movements measured, deliberate. He didn’t need to raise his voice. His calm, confident air cut through the chamber like a blade.
“You’re stronger than I imagined,” he said softly, circling her. His amber eyes caught the reflections of the sigils. “The Moonbound energy… rare. But not fully realized.”
Elara stiffened. “I’ve already realized it.”
“Have
