Bound By Blood And Moonlight:

Chapter Eight – The Moon Priestess

The morning sun barely touched the horizon when Lyanna made her way through the palace, her heart still racing from the discovery in the archives. The prophecy. The scroll. The undeniable truth of who she was.

But that truth—was it a blessing or a curse?

Kieran had been absent for the rest of the day, his usual presence both comforting and maddening. She had barely seen him, only catching glimpses of him moving through the halls, always surrounded by his guards. It only made her wonder more.

What does he think of me now?

Luna stirred uneasily, but Lyanna forced the thoughts away. She needed answers—answers only the Moon Priestess could give.

The entrance to the temple was carved from the stone of the mountain itself, hidden behind a veil of magic. Lyanna approached the grand archway, her pulse quickening with every step. A sense of calm washed over her as she passed through the glowing doorway, and the air seemed to thrum with ancient power.

In the center of the temple, seated upon a silver throne bathed in moonlight, was the Moon Priestess.

Her hair was a cascade of silver, her eyes white as the full moon. She radiated an otherworldly presence—timeless and serene, yet commanding in a way that made even the air hold its breath.

“You’ve come, child of the eclipse,” the Moon Priestess said, her voice a soft melody that echoed through Lyanna’s bones.

Lyanna bowed her head in respect. “I… I don’t understand. What does the prophecy mean? Why was I chosen?”

The Priestess smiled, her lips curving in knowing grace. “You were born for this moment, Lyanna. The moon and the wolf chose you, long before you took your first breath.”

“But… why me?” Lyanna’s voice trembled. “Why a werewolf? Why now?”

“The blood of the ancients runs through you, child. You are the heir to a power forgotten by time—the bridge between werewolves and lycans. You are both, yet neither. Your very existence threatens the hunters who seek to destroy all that is pure.”

Lyanna's heart pounded. She could feel Luna’s power stirring, urging her to listen.

“The Eclipse,” the Moon Priestess continued, “marks the balance of worlds. On this night, the moon’s power aligns with the lycan throne, and with it, your power will be unleashed. But there is a choice—”

Lyanna felt the weight of the words press into her chest. “What choice?”

“You must decide, Lyanna. The path you take will change the fate of all who walk this earth. You can claim the throne alongside the Lycan King… or you can choose to walk alone, to save both races without binding yourself to a crown.”

Her mind raced. Could she really stand by Kieran’s side, knowing how much he fought the bond? Would she even be able to?

Before she could respond, a low growl echoed from the doorway.

Kieran stood there, his figure like a dark storm against the light of the temple. His eyes locked with Lyanna’s, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to stop.

The Moon Priestess tilted her head, watching him with calm, knowing eyes. “The decision is no longer only yours, Lyanna. The King must make his choice as well.”

Kieran stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Lyanna. “The choice was never mine to make. But now that you’re here, Lyanna, you should know—you are not alone in this.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Lyanna could feel the bond between them grow stronger, more undeniable.

But the question still loomed.

What would she choose?