Chapter 8: The Messenger
539 Words
Night had already fallen over Moonvale.
Cassian stood outside Lyra's house, worry visible on his face.
"She hasn't returned?" he asked.
Lyra's mother shook her head.
"I thought she was with you."
A bad feeling settled in his chest.
After leaving her house, Cassian searched everywhere.
The training grounds.
The market.
Even the hill where he and Lyra often watched the sunset together.
But she was nowhere to be found.
As the night grew darker, one memory suddenly came back to him.
Recently, whenever Lyra looked troubled, her eyes would drift toward the Moon Temple.
Cassian's expression changed.
"No way..."
Without hesitation, he grabbed his sword.
"Please don't tell me you went there alone."
---
The Moon Temple ruins were silent.
Cold wind moved through the broken stones.
But Lyra was nowhere to be seen.
Cassian tightened his grip on his sword.
"Lyra..."
Then—
A voice spoke behind him.
"Looking for someone?"
Cassian spun around.
And froze.
Two glowing red eyes stared at him from the darkness.
His body trembled.
Every instinct inside him screamed at him to run.
But he couldn't.
Not when Lyra might be here.
His hand slowly moved toward the sword at his waist.
The creature noticed.
And smiled.
"Interesting."
"Even while afraid, you choose to stand your ground."
"Where is Lyra?" Cassian demanded.
Before the creature could answer—
"Enough."
The calm voice echoed through the ruins.
Immediately, the red-eyed creature became silent.
Cassian's eyes widened.
A young boy stepped out from the shadows.
Silver hair.
Blue eyes.
And a strange expression that carried neither kindness nor cruelty.
The red-eyed creature lowered its head respectfully.
Cassian's heart sank.
So this was their leader.
The silver-haired boy glanced toward the creature.
"You're frightening him."
At once, the red-eyed being retreated deeper into the darkness.
Silence returned.
Cassian slowly raised his sword.
"Who are you?"
The boy looked at him quietly.
Then he shook his head.
"Nothing so important."
"I am merely a messenger."
Cassian frowned.
"A messenger?"
The boy nodded.
"I deliver words."
"Nothing more."
His gaze moved toward the moon above.
"The Master has taken interest in the girl."
Cassian's eyes darkened.
"The girl has a name."
For the first time, surprise appeared on the Messenger's face.
After a few seconds, he quietly asked:
"Lyra?"
Cassian stepped forward.
"Where is she?"
"Safe," the Messenger answered.
Cassian released a small breath of relief.
"Take me to her."
The Messenger lowered his eyes.
"I cannot."
"My duty does not allow it."
Anger flashed across Cassian's face.
"Then tell your Master something for me."
Even the Messenger looked surprised.
Cassian tightened his grip on his sword.
"I don't care who your Master is."
"If anyone tries to hurt Lyra..."
His voice trembled.
Not from fear.
But determination.
"I'll stop them."
Silence.
The Messenger stared at him.
Then—
For the first time since appearing, he smiled.
Not mockingly.
Not cruelly.
But sadly.
"You truly know nothing."
Before Cassian could speak again—
Something deep beneath the ruins laughed.
The sound echoed through the darkness.
The Messenger's expression changed instantly.
Fear appeared in his eyes.
"No..."
And for the first time—
Cassian saw genuine panic on the face of the mysterious boy.
---
To Be Continued...
- Writer
