chapter 38
The silence after the battle felt wrong. Not peaceful. Not relieving. Heavy. Like the forest itself was holding its breath. Kael stood still for a moment, scanning the clearing one last time to make sure no creature remained. There was nothing. No movement. No presence. Yet— His instincts refused to settle. “…we need to leave,” he said finally. No response. He turned. Luna hadn’t moved. She stood exactly where the energy had exploded, her head slightly lowered, her hand still faintly trembling at her side. The last traces of dark power flickered weakly around her fingers… then slowly faded beneath her skin. “Luna.” Still nothing. Kael’s chest tightened slightly as he stepped closer. “It’s over.” Her lips parted. “…no.” His expression hardened. “What do you mean?” She li
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