The Return of the Unchosen Luna

I awoke to my tiny chamber's windows letting in a gentle radiance from the moon. Over the years, I had become accustomed to seeing this scene. However, I was unable to get rid of the sense of emptiness that seemed to follow me around while I lay there. The Lunarians consider me to be a nobody, and my name is Leandra. Despite having a special magical aura from birth, I was not considered worthy of the coveted title of Luna, the one selected to use the moon's power. Despite the passing of years, the rejection still hurt. After removing the blankets, I padded gently to the window and got out of bed. The city had an ethereal glow because the moon was full. The soft light of the moon danced across the roofs, and I felt a twinge of longing in my chest. It was a beauty I could never really have. A gentle knock on the door interrupted the stillness as I stood there, deep in contemplation. My maid, Elara, came to assist me with getting ready for the day. To cover up the chaos that was roiling inside of me, I forced a grin onto my face. Elara curtsied a little as she walked into the room and said, "Good morning, milady," "Shall I help you with your hair?" I sat down at the vanity and nodded while Elara started to comb out my long, dark hair. My thoughts kept returning to the moon while we idlely discussed the newest rumors circulating the city. I was unable to adequately describe the strong connection I had with it. I caught a peek of myself in the mirror as Elara was finishing up my hair. I could no longer see the spark in my eyes that I had once noticed in the other Lunarians' reflections. My actual potential seemed to be concealed and only waiting to be realized. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footfall outside my door. My brother Arin arrived to take me to breakfast. Elara handed me a lovely silver necklace and I straightened my dress before getting up. "Leandra, you look beautiful today," Arin replied, extending his arm to me. "Shall we go?" I gripped him by the arm, feeling thankful for my brother. Even when it looked like everyone else was out to get me, he had always been there for me. I kept thinking about the day's plans as we made our way to the dining hall. Will I continue to feel like an outsider, or will anything change? I was determined to learn the truth even though I didn't. The smell of boiling coffee and freshly baked bread filled the air as we walked into the dining hall. The aroma was familiar to me from my childhood. In Lunarian society, my family was revered even though they were not members of the governing class. Both my mother and father were gifted healers and diplomats, respectively. Our parents arrived soon after Arin and I sat down at the table. The topic of conversation was the approaching Harvest Festival, and it was light and enjoyable. I listened carefully, attempting to add something to the conversation, but my thoughts kept straying. Having to go to the library, I excused myself after breakfast. Arin offered to go with me, and my parents gave me an understanding nod. I refused, wanting a little privacy. With its old books and dusty scrolls, the library was a haven for me. I read books about mythology, magic, and history for hours. I was looking for information about the moon's mystical force and its relationship to the Lunarians today. While perusing the bookshelves, my fingers tracing the spines, I came across a battered leather book. The title was "The Ancient Prophecies," and the lettering was embossed in gold. There was a flurry of dust in the air as I opened the book. The writing on the yellowed sheets was in an antiquated language. However, I was drawn to one passage: Unselected but predestined, a moonlit girl will possess the lunar trinity's power. Her journey will be paved with conflict and peril, but Aethereia's destiny rests on her life's balance." Reading the words sent a chill down my spine. Is this a prophecy concerning me? Even though I knew I wasn't the chosen Luna, the reference to a "moonlit maiden" struck a deep chord with me. I felt a presence behind me, and the air appeared to suddenly get colder. I looked back and saw a shadowy figure standing just past the bookcase rows. "Who are you?" My voice was hardly more than a whisper when I asked. The tall, sullen man with the piercing gaze emerged as the figure moved forward. He said, "I am Xenon," in a deep, enigmatic voice. "And you, Leandra, are far more than you seem." Xenon's remarks lingered in my mind, causing me to feel both curious and uneasy. More than I appeared to have? What was the meaning of that? It was like attempting to solve a jigsaw as I examined his face and tried to read his expression. "Who are you?" With a little louder voice, I repeated my question. The corners of Xenon's eyes wrinkled as he grinned. Someone who has been keeping an eye on you, Leandra. A person who is aware of your potential. It sent a chill down my back. "What potential?" He stepped forward, his motions smooth and deliberate. "The possibility of altering the history of Aethereia. the ability to use the moon's power in ways that no one else is able to. I tried to sound contemptuous as I chuckled. "You mean, like being the chosen Luna?" The expression on Xenon's face darkened. "No, Leandra. There is much more to it than that. Beyond the conventional bounds of magic, you possess a special connection to the energy of the moon. A glimmer of curiosity ignited inside me. "How do you know this?" Xenon's smile came back, although it had a faint melancholy in it. "Leandra, I've been here for a while, let's just say that. enough to witness the emergence and decline of civilizations and to be able to spot the telltale indications of grandeur when I see them." I arched a doubtful eyebrow. "And what makes you think I'm great?" The moment Xenon's gaze met mine, I experienced a shock of electricity. Because you have an unquenchable fire inside of you, Leandra. "A fire that is so bright that it can illuminate even the darkest areas of Aethereia." My breath caught in my throat, and I could feel my heart pounding. I had never heard somebody speak to me in such a manner. I had never looked like that to anyone before. I was stunned as I stood there, and then Xenon grabbed my hand. His touch sent chills down my spine like a lightning strike. "Come with me, Leandra," he murmured in a low, anxious voice. "Let me show you the true extent of your power." I paused, uncertain of what to do. A part of me was captivated by Xenon's words because they promised exploration and excitement. I also had a cautious side, feeling uncertain and in danger. My heart skipped a beat, though, as I noticed something in Xenon's eyes. Despite all of my misgivings, there was something that convinced me to trust him. Xenon smiled again, wider this time, when I nodded. "Then, Leandra, let's get started" . Allow us to reveal your destiny's mysteries. I was getting more and more excited as we left the library. Although I had no idea what was ahead, I was prepared to meet it head-on. I am prepared to learn the truth about the enigmatic powers that appeared to be at work in Aethereia, as well as about myself. The city was bathed in a golden radiance as the sun began to set. I felt full of curiosity, lively, and bright. Furthermore, I was aware that nothing would ever be the same.