Threads Of The Moon

Chapter 17

The silver light faded.

Alina’s chest heaved, heart pounding, her mark glowing faintly but steadily.

Rafe was kneeling beside her, still pale and shaken.

Kael, standing a few feet away, his silver eyes softening — for once, not threatening.

“She chose… you,” Kael whispered, almost in disbelief.

Rafe’s hands shook as he reached out to Alina.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, tears brimming.

“You… you saved me,” she added, looking at Rafe with a mix of awe and lingering fear from the awakening.

Rafe swallowed hard.

“You… you survived. That’s enough for now.”

Kael took a step back.

“I… I understand.” His voice was quiet, tinged with sadness.

“I’ll leave. But remember, Alina… the bond I had with you never truly dies.”

Alina’s eyes widened, heart heavy. She wanted to say something, but words failed her.

Rafe took her hand, gently, like never letting go.

“We need to get out of here before the Seekers return.”

The forest trembled again, warning them of lingering danger.

Rafe grabbed her hand firmly. “Stay close. Don’t look back.”

Alina felt the threads of the Lunar-mark guiding them — silver lines only she could see.

“This way,” she said, her voice trembling but steady.

As they ran, shadows began to move at the edges of their vision.

Seekers.

Rafe drew a protective barrier around them — glowing blue, almost fragile — while Alina’s mark flared, acting like a beacon of both danger and power.

They stumbled upon a small cave. Safe, for now.

Rafe helped her sit.

“You’re stronger than I thought,” he said, voice soft.

“I… I don’t feel strong,” Alina admitted, breathing heavily.

“You survived the awakening,” Rafe reminded her. “That’s more than most can handle.”