Chapter 10: The Awakening
451 Words
"Cassian..."
Lyra's voice trembled.
The image inside the mirror had disappeared.
But she had seen him.
There was no mistake.
Cassian was standing inside the Moon Temple ruins.
Surrounded by darkness.
Fear gripped her heart.
"We have to go back!" Lyra cried.
"Cassian is in danger!"
The gathered Guardians immediately exchanged uneasy glances.
One of the Council members stepped forward.
"Impossible."
"The Mirror has never shown the present before."
Another elder frowned.
"Commander Orion, this girl has already caused too many abnormalities."
"The chamber reacted to her."
"The Mirror broke because of her."
"And now it has shown something that should not be possible."
"We cannot allow this to continue."
Lyra lowered her head.
Maybe they were right.
Maybe she really didn't belong here.
But before she could speak—
Orion stepped forward.
Silence immediately filled the chamber.
His silver eyes remained calm.
But his voice carried unquestionable authority.
"I brought her here."
The Council members fell silent.
"If there is responsibility to bear—"
"I will bear it."
Several Guardians widened their eyes.
Even the elderly Guardian looked shocked.
"Commander Orion..."
But Orion continued.
"She is under my protection."
"And I will take responsibility."
Not a single person argued after that.
Lyra stared at him in surprise.
For the first time since returning to the past—
Someone had chosen to stand beside her without hesitation.
---
Meanwhile—
Inside the Moon Temple ruins—
The Messenger's expression remained pale.
His eyes stayed fixed on the darkness below.
The red-eyed creature trembled beside him.
Cassian frowned.
"What exactly is happening?"
The Messenger slowly closed his eyes.
Then he whispered:
"Something that should never have awakened."
Cassian tightened his grip on his sword.
"What awakened?"
But the Messenger didn't answer.
Instead, he looked toward the entrance.
"We must leave."
Immediately."
For the first time since meeting him, Cassian heard urgency in his voice.
Even fear.
The Messenger turned to leave.
But Cassian grabbed his arm.
"Wait."
"Tell me where Lyra is."
The Messenger stopped.
For a moment, sadness appeared in his blue eyes.
"Even now..."
"Your thoughts remain with her."
Cassian frowned.
"Of course they do."
The Messenger stared at him quietly.
Then—
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"You really know nothing."
Before Cassian could ask what he meant—
The entire Moon Temple shook.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
Cracks spread across the ancient floor.
And from somewhere deep below—
A voice laughed.
Not loudly.
Not cruelly.
But happily.
As though it had been waiting.
Waiting for a very long time.
The Messenger's eyes widened in horror.
"No..."
"This cannot be happening."
Then—
A single crack appeared beneath their feet.
---
To Be Continued...
- Writer
