The Luna’s Forgotten Kingdom

Gathered around her desk, half-completed research papers and old maps, Kira Valen sat. With her gaze locked on her computer screen, her mind wandered as she twirled a pencil between her fingers absentmindedly. Apart from the sound of the city outside her window and the ticking of a wall clock, the flat was silent. She massaged her temples, attempting to concentrate on the most recent discoveries in archaeology, but she was plagued by an unsettling energy that wouldn't go away. It was starting to get to her that she hadn't gone out in the field in months. A slight beep jolted her out of her reverie and brought her attention to the flashing screen. an electronic mail. Odd—she had not anticipated anything. She selected the subject line, "Coordinates," as it was written. Even stranger was the message within: a series of digits followed by a single, mysterious phrase that read, "The lost kingdom awaits its queen." Kira's pulse quickened as she gazed at the message. She grimaced and whispered to herself, "What the hell?" as she copied the coordinates and entered them into her mapping program. The map loaded and she leaned closer to reveal a wide swath of unexplored ocean. Suddenly, an island appeared out of nowhere, a mere dot encircled by sea with no name or labeling. A shiver went through her. How could a place like that exist without records? She held her fingers just above the mouse. She had a strange tug and an inexplicable compulsion. The idea of a forgotten empire ignited a profound desire within her. It felt different from her career long pursuit of old mysteries. even more intimate. Her heart pounded. Is this thing for real? She was in need of further information. "There's only one way to find out," she muttered, organizing an expedition right now. However, she sensed that this would be unlike any dig she had ever been a part of. The following day, Kira walked her little living room while holding her phone to her ear. Eager to share the coordinates and see how her most trusted team members would respond, she had contacted them. Her field assistant, Marcus, listened silently on the other end as she shared the mystery tip. Doubt was evident in his voice as he questioned, "You sure this isn't some wild goose chase?" Kira said, "I'm not sure of anything." However, something about this feels appropriate. These coordinates have never been observed before. The island seems to have materialized out of thin air. Marcus paused, and Kira thought she heard him frown. "In the end, he responded, "I don't like it." It sounds dangerous. There is no history or paperwork about it. What if it's a trap, after all? She paced more quickly as she continued, "I've thought about that." However, I can't overlook this. We've spent months in a state of uncertainty. This could be the perfect opportunity for us to discover something no one else has seen. A pause, and a sigh followed. "All right. I'll organize the logistics. But something feels strange, Kira, I'm telling you. In spite of herself, Kira grinned. "Since when have you avoided something that seems strange?" "I'm serious," he murmured, his voice growing softer. "There's something not quite right about this." Kira stopped at the window and gazed at the city. An underlying tension pricked at her skin, and she felt it too. It wasn't fear, though. It was something completely different. She said, "I'll be careful," but she wasn't sure whether she really meant what she was saying. "But I have to finish this." Later that evening, Kira was bent over her computer, looking over old documents, maps, and journals. There has to be some documentation of this island somewhere if it was real. She spent hours researching ancient myths and traditions, but all she found were rumors of a kingdom that had vanished into the mists of time. She picked out one piece. Buried in a forgotten book she had long before stumbled across and written off as fiction. It told of an island that only those it beckoned to could locate. It was rumored that anyone who ventured there vanished and never came back. The notion of a queen—a Luna—ruling over a kingdom of wolves and connected to the moon's cycles, however, was the most fascinating aspect of the story. Kira's fingers came to a stop on the paper. A Luna? The word rang clear and far in her thoughts. Despite having no link to any of these legends, something continued to stir inside her the more she read. Leaning back in her seat, she gazed intently at the open book. More had to exist. But why did it seem as though she was being welcomed to this island? As if she was supposed to find it? The creepy silence was broken by her phone buzzing. Marcus was there. "We are facing an issue," he declared. "The skipper of the boat just canceled. said something about unfavorable omens and declined to accompany us. Kira felt her heart sink. She blurted, "I'll find another," shivering from the sudden cold in the space. Three days later, as they got closer to the locations, Kira stood on the deck of a small boat, the wind tearing at her hair. Even though the new skipper was more than happy to take them, there was stress in his eyes as they sailed into the unknown. While Marcus and the other members of the team sorted equipment below deck, Kira remained on the top deck, gazing skyward. The sea roiled beneath them, untamed and restless, just like the tempest building inside her breast. The captain called, his voice barely audible above the wind, "Getting close." "After a few more miles, we ought to see it." Though discomfort was still present, Kira nodded. An hour earlier, the apparatus had begun to malfunction; radios were crackling with static and compasses were spinning. And there came the dreams after that. She had been having nightmares about old stone buildings, glittering woodlands, and howling distant cries ever since she got the email. She saw a glimmer of movement. With a frown, she gazed over the side of the boat. She briefly believed she saw something sinister moving beneath the waves. Before she could get a good look, though, it was gone. She gave a headshake. She assured herself it was just nerves. However, the feeling of being observed persisted. Kira felt her breath catch in her throat as the boat made its way closer to the island, rocking softly. Sharp cliffs and decaying buildings rose from the sea through the dense fog, resembling the bones of a long-dead giant. The remains seemed old but unaltered by time, with vines winding over the stones. Kira was the first to step ashore when they moored at a little cove. Upon her boots touching the sand, she experienced an unfamiliar feeling akin to the island's heartbeat. She shuddered and pulled her jacket closer about her while Marcus and the others unloaded their equipment in tow. With a quick glance around, Marcus mumbled, "This place is... eerie." "We don't feel like we belong here." Kira remained silent. Her gaze was fixed on the trail that led further into the forest. She sensed that something was waiting for her. With each step they took into the dense undergrowth, the ruins got closer. Kira felt a rising sense of familiarity as her heart raced. With their branches swinging strangely in the quiet air, the trees appeared to speak as they went by. Then, as they approached the first collapsing wall, Kira noticed a metallic gleam partially buried in the ground. She knelt and brushed away the dirt, revealing a little relic with odd markings carved on its surface. The ground shook beneath her feet the instant she touched it.