Chapter 11: The Broken Seal
470 Words
The ground beneath the Moon Temple continued to tremble.
Cracks spread across the ancient stone floor.
Dust filled the air.
Cassian instinctively stepped back, his sword held firmly before him.
"What is happening?" he demanded.
The Messenger didn't answer.
His eyes remained fixed on the widening crack.
The red-eyed creature had already fallen to one knee.
It was trembling.
Not from pain.
From fear.
Cassian's heart pounded.
Whatever was beneath them...
Even these creatures feared it.
"We have to leave," the Messenger said quietly.
"Now."
Before either of them could move—
A deep pulse echoed beneath the ruins.
Boom.
The entire temple shook.
Then—
Silence.
The crack stopped spreading.
The wind disappeared.
Everything became unnaturally still.
The Messenger slowly exhaled.
"It hasn't fully awakened."
Cassian frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
The Messenger looked toward the darkness.
"As long as the seal remains..."
"It still sleeps."
"But for how long..."
His voice trailed off.
Before Cassian could ask another question, the Messenger turned away.
"I've already stayed longer than I should."
"I have a message to deliver."
Cassian stepped into his path.
"Tell me one thing."
The Messenger stopped.
"Will Lyra come back?"
For the first time, the Messenger hesitated.
Then he answered honestly.
"I don't know."
It wasn't the answer Cassian wanted.
But somehow...
It felt truthful.
The Messenger glanced at him one last time.
"You should leave this place."
"There are battles that humans are not meant to fight."
Cassian tightened his grip on his sword.
"Maybe."
"But if Lyra is part of that battle..."
"I'll fight anyway."
The Messenger looked at him for several seconds.
Then, without another word—
He disappeared into the darkness.
Even the red-eyed creature vanished with him.
Soon...
Cassian was alone.
Only the cracked ruins remained.
And the uneasy feeling that something beneath his feet was still watching.
---
Far away—
Inside the Sanctuary—
Orion stood alone on a balcony overlooking the city.
The moonlight reflected in his silver eyes.
Behind him, the elderly Guardian approached quietly.
"The Council has made its decision."
Orion didn't turn around.
"I know."
"They believe the girl should remain here until the truth is uncovered."
Silence.
Then Orion spoke.
"They're wrong."
The elderly Guardian looked surprised.
"Commander?"
Orion finally turned.
For the first time—
His calm expression carried unmistakable resolve.
"If Cassian remains at the Moon Temple..."
"He is no longer safe."
The old Guardian frowned.
"You intend to leave the Sanctuary?"
"Yes."
"The Sleeping Darkness has begun to stir."
"And if the seal truly weakens..."
Orion looked toward the moon.
"The human world will be the first to fall."
The old Guardian's eyes widened.
"You can't be serious."
Orion's answer was immediate.
"I am."
Then—
Without another word—
He walked toward the city gates.
---
To Be Continued...
- Writer
