Daughter of the Veil

Chapter 8: The Night They Chose Each Other

Lila

She didn’t remember falling asleep—only the feel of Sky’s body curled around hers like armor, the scent of pine and fire on his skin, and the crackle of something ancient beneath her ribs.

It was nearly dawn when her eyes opened.

The forest was silent in a reverent way, as though nature itself had paused to witness what had happened between them. Her cheek pressed against Sky’s chest. His heartbeat was a drum, steady and sure. Safe.

But something had changed.

Her fingers brushed the edge of her gold locket. It pulsed faintly. Alive.

She sat up, heart racing. “Sky,” she whispered. “It’s… glowing.”

He stirred beside her, his hand finding her hip with practiced ease. His voice was husky. “What is?”

“The locket. It’s never done this before.” Her thumb grazed the metal, and a flicker of warmth surged up her arm, settling behind her eyes.

She gasped.

A vision—not a memory—rushed into her mind. A field of stars. A throne carved from moonlight. A woman, tall and radiant, with hair like a midnight sky and eyes that glowed violet. The woman reached for Lila with hands of light and said one word: Daughter.

Then everything went white.

When her vision cleared, Sky was holding her tightly, murmuring her name.

“What did you see?” he asked.

“I think…” Her voice trembled. “I saw my mother.”

Sky’s brows drew together. “Your real mother?”

Lila nodded slowly. “She wasn’t human. Or witch. She was… something else.” Her voice caught. “She called me ‘daughter’ and she wore stars on her skin.”

Sky’s expression shifted. Not surprised. Not exactly. “Then it’s true,” he murmured. “You’re more than what they told you.”

Lila looked down at the locket. “I think it’s waking up… and me with it.”

Sky cupped her jaw, eyes searching hers. “Whatever you are, whatever you become—I’m not going anywhere.”

The certainty in his voice shattered something in her.

She launched forward, capturing his mouth in a kiss that held fire and fear and everything in between. He answered without hesitation, lifting her effortlessly into his lap, and the world burned again around them.

But just as quickly, it cooled. A strange stillness settled over the forest. The kind that comes before a storm.

Sky pulled back, every muscle tense. “We’re being watched.”

Gabriel’s deep growl rippled through the bond. Not enemy. Not yet. But old.

Then a whisper—not a voice, but a feeling—brushed against Lila’s mind.

You are not ready… but you are chosen.