Threads Of The Moon

Chapter 16

The light exploded outward like a star dying.

Leaves scattered.

The earth trembled.

Both men were thrown back.

When the brightness faded,

Alina collapsed onto the ground—breathing weakly, trembling.

Rafe was the first to stand.

He staggered toward her.

But Kael moved too—fast, desperate, eyes wild.

They both reached out at the same time.

Only one hand touched her.

And the moment that hand made contact—

the mark on her wrist flared violently,

shooting silver light directly into the one who touched her.

Rafe froze.

Kael froze.

The energy wrapped around the chosen one’s chest like chains of moonlight.

Kael whispered, stunned—

“She chose…”

Rafe whispered, painfully—

“…No…”

Alina’s eyes fluttered open.

And the man kneeling beside her—

the one her soul had reached for—

was the one she least expected.

She chose…

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.”