Chapter 13: Shadows at Dawn
831 Words
The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting long shadows across the dense forest as Luna, Kael, Aric, and Selene prepared to leave the safety of the witch’s sanctuary. The air was crisp, heavy with the scent of earth and something else—danger, lingering like an unspoken warning.
Luna tightened the straps of the leather bag Kael had given her, though it contained little more than a few supplies. Her heart was heavier than the pack on her shoulders. Aunt May. The thought of her aunt alone, unaware of the danger closing in, fueled Luna’s every step.
Kael was already by her side, his golden eyes scanning the tree line with predatory precision. His protective nature had intensified since the encounter with the Shadow Court hunter, and Luna could feel the tension radiating off him like heat from a flame.
“You ready?” he asked softly, his voice a low rumble meant only for her.
Luna swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. “I have to be.”
Selene led the way, her dark cloak billowing behind her as they slipped into the dense woods. The forest felt different now, as if it too had been touched by the darkness hunting them. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig made Luna’s heart race.
Aric flanked their rear, his dagger glinting faintly in the morning light. Despite his sarcastic demeanor, Luna had come to rely on his silent vigilance. He was like Kael in many ways—fierce, loyal, and deadly when needed.
They moved quickly, sticking to hidden paths Selene claimed would shield them from supernatural tracking. But Luna could feel it—that invisible thread pulling tight, as if something—or someone—was following.
By midday, they reached the outskirts of Ashbourne. Luna’s heart clenched at the familiar sight of her small town, now shadowed by the knowledge that nothing would ever be the same again.
Kael’s hand brushed against hers, grounding her. “Stay close,” he murmured.
They approached her aunt’s modest cottage cautiously. The door was slightly ajar.
Luna’s breath hitched. Aunt May never leaves the door open.
Without thinking, Luna rushed forward. Kael cursed under his breath and was right behind her, his body tense and ready to shift if needed.
Luna pushed the door open, her heart pounding.
The house was eerily silent. The air felt… wrong.
“Aunt May?” Luna called out, her voice trembling. No answer.
They moved through the small house, searching each room. Luna’s heart sank when she found her aunt’s favorite mug shattered on the kitchen floor. The table was overturned, and deep claw marks gouged the wooden walls.
“They’ve been here,” Kael growled, his eyes flashing with fury.
Luna’s knees buckled slightly, but Kael caught her before she could fall. “She’s not here,” Luna whispered. “Where is she?”
Selene entered the room, her dark eyes scanning the scene. She bent down, touching the floor where faint traces of blood stained the wood. Her fingers glowed faintly as she murmured an incantation.
A flicker of magic pulsed through the room, and Luna gasped as a shadowy image formed—a memory etched into the space itself.
Her aunt had been here, fighting. There were two figures cloaked in darkness, their faces hidden, dragging Aunt May as she kicked and screamed. Luna’s chest tightened as she saw the fear in her aunt’s eyes.
Then the image vanished.
“They took her,” Selene confirmed quietly, standing up. “Shadow Court agents.”
Luna’s vision blurred with tears, but she wiped them away angrily. “We have to find her.”
Kael placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to meet his gaze. “We will. But you need to stay focused. They took her because of you, Luna. They know it’ll break you.”
His words hit hard, but he was right.
Luna took a shaky breath and nodded. “So what’s the plan?”
Selene’s lips pressed into a thin line. “We need to find someone who knows the Court’s movements. Someone who isn’t afraid to deal with the darkness.”
Aric frowned. “You’re not talking about him, are you?”
Selene gave a sharp nod. “Yes. We need to find Darius.”
Kael’s expression darkened. “That traitor?”
Selene met his glare without flinching. “He’s a traitor, yes. But he knows the Court better than anyone. If anyone can help us find your aunt, it’s him.”
Luna didn’t care about the risks. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Kael hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. “Let’s move.”
As they left the broken remnants of her childhood home behind, Luna felt something shift inside her.
This wasn’t just about surviving anymore.
It was about fighting back.
And she would burn the world to the ground if it meant getting her aunt back.
- Writer
