Elara
No one moved.
The silver shield had vanished, but its memory lingered in every face staring at me.
The village square, moments earlier filled with the sounds of battle, was now filled with whispers.
“Did you see it?”
“She stopped a sword with her bare hands.”
“Magic…”
“She’s the one from the stories.”
The fear in their voices cut deeper than any blade ever could.
I hadn’t wanted them to see.
I hadn’t wanted any of this.
I had only wanted to save Kael.
The masked warrior slowly climbed to his feet, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
He laughed.
A cold, satisfied laugh.
“So…”
He spread his arms toward the frightened villagers.
“The secret is finally yours.”
He wasn’t speaking to me.
He was speaking to Moonridge.
“You have sheltered the Last Moon Weaver witho
