The crimson moon hung above the Black Forest like an open wound.
Aria stood beneath it, clutching the silver pendant her mother had left behind.
Her hands were trembling.
Her mother was alive.
After all these years, the woman Aria had mourned was alive.
And Darius had kept her hidden.
“Aria.”
Kaelen's voice was gentle.
She didn't answer.
Her eyes remained fixed on the forest.
“She knew you,” Kaelen continued. “She called you by name.”
“I know.”
“Then we're going to find her.”
Aria finally looked at him.
“You promise?”
Kaelen didn't hesitate.
“I promise.”
Behind them, Elias examined the pendant.
“This isn't ordinary silver.”
Aria handed it to him.
“What is it?”
Elias turned it over.
A tiny crescent was engraved on the back.
“The Moon Temple.”
Lucian stepped closer.
