MOONLIT SECRET

CHAPTER 5: REVELATIONS

"Marcus?" Lira leaped, her heart shaking in desperation. "What are you doing here?"

His voice was tight when he said, "I had to see you." There is something you must know about your past. Which is something I probably should have told you early on.

Rievelyne placed the book into Lira's hands and she opened it slowly with shaking fingers. Contained Hand-Written Notes, Drawings and Cryptic Symbols “Your mother had this,” Marcus said. She and your father were members of an order that dates back to antiquity, whose sole purpose is the defense strategy over Moonstone usage. They sure knew what q-power was and the risks it represented.

Her parents' words bring tears to Lira's eyes as she reads the entries — sorrow and mission in their final chronicles. I: Why didnt anybody tell me this earlier?

“Damn it, I thought that was me keeping you protected,” Marcus replied before his voice broke. But I see now that you need to be hearing the truth. Your parents both died protecting the Moonstone. It's your legacy, Lira."

Evelyn gave Lira a reassuring touch on the shoulder. "We'll find it, Lira. Together."

But then there was a clue for them as they advanced their reading, and it had to do with her parents; "Find the protector of Moonstone where rivers meet under moonlight. This was a puzzle they had to figure out, and without delay as Hunter Cole or others started converging above them.

The next day, Lira and Evelyn went in pursuit of the clue. A forest so dense the underbrush was impossible to navigate. Soft steps, cautious of the dangers within. Something felt almost like it was leading Lira deeper into the woods.

"Evelyn, do you feel that?" * * * Lira inquired, needing to break for air.

Evelyn nodded. Yes, as if we were being directed to. palin Qs 58qQ

They made their way to a clearing in which two rivers came together. Each one flowing and lit only by the light of two moon-urlencoded as I'm not sure what river. The waters were calm and dreamey, a magical place that seemed to have life within in it as soon at Lira neared the shore side of its edge she felt her energy jump fully awake.

"Is this it," she murmured, looking around in hope to make eye contact with the guardian.

Then, from the shadows appeared a tall man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Except he wore old fashioned robes and his presence was very much that of power and wisdom.

"Who are you?" Ielie stood close to him, sighing deeply; Lira turned from where she had been standing with the King and asked, calm voice in spite of her pounding heart.

The man smiled. I am Eldric, Secrest Liaison to the Moonstone. I'm here waiting for you, Lira.

Lira and Evelyn looked at each other in horror. "You know who I am?" Lira asked.

Eldric nodded. Well, ah... your parents; they were great friends of mine. But they put it in my keeping—they set me the example of trusting one who had wronged them—far more to be trusted than that man. I was sent here to safeguard it until the true heir could come forth.

"Rightful heir?" Lira spoke almost inaudibly.

“Mmm.” Eldric stepped closer. The Moonstone belongs to your bloodline, Lira. You are the secret source to realizes its true potential. But watch out, so many of them will attempt to capitalize on it themselves.

Evelyn spoke gravely, urgently. “ we just gotta find it before the rival packs do or Hunter Cole sooner than expected. Can you help us?"

Eldric nodded, his grim expression unchanged. So you can follow my lead, but the trip will be rough. The Moonstone lies hidden in a secret grove, sheltered by potent magicks. It hides an inscription, "Entry Station- Only Pure of Spirit Shall Pass."

Determination filled Lira. "We have to try. My parents in protecting the Moonstone to their death, I will not allow their sacrifice to be for naught."

With practiced ease Eldric seemed to navigate through the forest, his steps were quick and careful. The closer the pair got to the sacred grove, she could feel an unmistakable pulse of magic in her light as Lira vibrated with that power. Eldric pushed them across the touch of a gossamer wall and turned back.

'Here I must bid you good-morning,' he said. The Moonstone is beyond this wallsect. Lira only you may enter. Have faith in yourself and Selene's steering."

Lira inhaled deeply and stepped forward. The door to the grove yielded, and she stepped into it with a surge of energy.In the center of everything, resting on what appeared to be a pedestal made from pure moonstone glowed with an otherworldly luminescence was THE MOONSTONE!

In the process of reaching out to touch it, she found herself having a vision. She saw her parents together, beaming with pride and love. You know that Lira, we are there beside you Her mother's voice resonated in her ears. You are stronger than you can imagine.

Lira's hand touched the Moonstone, and light rippled through her body-defuser-delivering an overwhelming feeling of rightness and understanding. She knew what she had to do.

But before her fingers could fully close around the Moonstone, a noise ripped through her black-out. She whipped around to see Hunter Cole and his crew penetrating the line. Frustrated panic burned in her nerves but she held firm, alive with the power of Moonstone.

"Evelyn, get out of here!" Lira cried, her voice was urgent.

Evelyn hesitated then nodded and disappeared into the forest to let them know. He stalked forward, his eyes stormy. You just led me straight to it girl. Give me the Moonstone or…maybe then I won't kill you.

“Never,” Lira whispered, her voice strong and unyielding. It's my fate, and I will not have it stripped away from me.

Hunter Cole surged toward her, but Lira was prepared. That was until she tapped the power of a Moonstone to erect a shield that threw him backwards. It hit him with such force he stumbled, but quickly regained his balance and his eyes flared in anger.

The howling, boiling anger of the storm never abated; at times Lira could swear it was drowning out her own hearing. She was desperate and she needed the help now. Before Hunter Cole could strike, a howl that rocked the grove echoed and Aiden and his pack came crashing in.

"Aiden!" Lira screamed, relief enveloping her body.

Aiden nodded, his features hardened. "We fight together.”

Thanks to Aiden and his pack, they were able turn the tide keeping Hunter Cole and his men forced back. The battle raged on, but Lira sensed a resilience she had never known before; her newfound resolve empowered by the Moonstone and the presence of her companions.

Once the dust had begun to settle, Aiden approached Lira with reverence in his eyes. "You fought well, Lira."

“Thanks,” she responded in a soft but steady voice. I would never have been able to make it on my own.

Aiden chuckled, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We make a good team."

Lira simply had a sense of calm flow over her. She had found the Moonstone, discovered new information about her family and made possibly game-changing allegiance. However, she understood it was just a start. The real fight was yet to come; keep Moonstone safe, unite the packs and fulfil her prophecy.

In the heart of the sacred grove, with light from Moonstone spreading a warm aura around her Lira felt not fear this time but transformed. But it was personal, and when that final show down with the witch came she was ready, her ancestors by her side as well as a friend walking in amongst them.