The Shadow King and the Destined Luna

Chapter Five

“Good morning, trouble.” Travian’s voice carried its usual warmth as he slid into the seat beside me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“Good morning,” I managed, though the words came out thin and tired.

His sharp eyes swept over me, and the smile on his lips faltered. “Amora, you look worse than last night. Have you become ill?”

Before I could answer, another voice joined us, smooth and steady.

“What is wrong now, my darling girl?” Prince Caelenor asked, concern and affection woven through his tone. He bent to press a kiss against my temple before taking his seat, his hand lingering briefly on my shoulder.

Princess Elenya followed close behind, her pale green eyes already fixed on me with quiet worry. “Sweet Amora,” she said gently, cupping my cheek with warm fingers. “Travian is not wrong—you are pale. Are you certain you are well?”

“I am, Aunt Elenya,” I answered too quickly. I forced a small smile. “The long day simply caught up with me.”

I could feel their gazes lingering on me while I pushed food aimlessly around my plate.

Everyone around the table had become consumed in conversations about the previous day’s festivities. I could hear their voices, but none of the words truly registered.

All I could think about were those piercing blue eyes.

The tingling sensation left behind from his touch.

The coldness that surrounded him.

A chill crept down my spine, raising the hairs along my arms. My heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the room around me. Somewhere in the distance, someone was speaking to me, but I could not make out who.

“Amora?”

“She’s been like this since we joined her.”

“Amora!”

“Hm?” I blinked, finally tearing myself from my thoughts.

Grandfather frowned slightly from across the table. “I asked how your interaction with the King of Oblivaryn went last night.”

“It was uneventful,” I answered carefully. “I apologized for my clumsiness, and he forgave me.”

I think.

Grandfather rose from the table. “Well then, ladies, please excuse us. We have meetings to attend.” He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket before continuing, “Do not forget about tonight’s ball. The Grand Hall doors open at six, and I expect all of you in the back room by six fifteen so we may make our entrance as a family.”

His eyes lingered on mine a moment longer.

A warning.

Do not be late.

“Cousin,” Travian began, “would you care to join me for a round of fencing? Or perhaps sparring?”

I heard the meaning beneath his words. He was trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

“I actually think I’m going to hide away in the library for a while,” I admitted. “Maybe later?”

“Yes,” he replied slowly, still studying me. “Later will be fine.”

I excused myself while Grandmother and my aunts lost themselves in their own conversation. Wandering the halls aimlessly, I tried to distract myself from the thoughts clawing through my mind.

Thankfully, I didn’t need to worry about encountering guests from the other kingdoms. I remained within our family’s private wing of the castle.

When I finally reached the library doors, I pushed them open carefully and peeked inside.

Silence.

Good.

I needed peace. I needed books.

I wandered between the towering shelves, fingers gliding along the familiar spines of stories I had loved for years. But today, familiarity held no comfort. I wanted something new. Something capable of pulling my thoughts away from him.

Deciding on history, I made my way deeper into the section.

Chronicles of the First Kingdoms.

The Age of Wolves and Iron.

An Accounting of the Eastern Territories.

Then my eyes caught on another title.

The Child Born in Blood and Fire.

I paused.

I didn’t recognize it.

The book was black, its cover smooth and worn with age, the title etched in gleaming gold lettering.

How strange.

A feeling I couldn’t explain stirred deep inside me.

Uneasy.

Curious.

Almost… familiar.

I glanced around to ensure I was alone before reaching toward the shelf.

The moment my fingers brushed the cover, warmth spread across my skin.

I froze.

Not the warmth of the room.

Not the heat from the candles nearby.

The book itself was warm.

My thumb traced across the gold lettering, and for a terrifying moment, it almost felt as though the book was alive beneath my touch.

Calling to me.

Unable to stop myself, I carried it to the nearest fireplace and settled onto the carpet before the flames.

A faint shiver ran through me as the gold lettering caught the firelight once more, almost appearing to glow beneath my fingertips.

And for the first time in my life, the castle library no longer felt like a sanctuary.

It felt like it had been waiting for me.