MOONBOUND: THE CURSE OF BLACKWOOD

THE CHOICE

Maya stood at the broken window, staring into the forest.

Kael was gone.

But his words remained in her mind.

Let's see how long that lasts.

Ethan stood beside her.

"Are you okay?"

Maya nodded.

"I think so."

Daniel closed the cabin door.

"We can't stay here."

"Where are we going?" Maya asked.

Adrian looked toward the mountains.

"There is an old sanctuary beyond the forest. The Hunters don't know about it."

Maya looked at Ethan.

"Are you coming?"

Ethan smiled slightly.

"Wherever you go."

They left the cabin before sunrise.

For hours, they walked through the forest.

Maya noticed something strange.

The wolves weren't following them anymore.

Instead, they were watching from a distance.

"Why are they doing that?" she asked.

Adrian answered.

"They're waiting for your decision."

"What decision?"

"Whether you will accept the Moonborn."

Maya stopped.

"I don't even know what that means."

Adrian turned toward her.

"It means accepting the part of yourself you've been afraid of."

Maya looked at her hand.

The silver wolf-shaped mark was still there.

"What happens if I don't?"

Adrian's expression became serious.

"Kael will try to force the power out of you."

Ethan stepped closer.

"And he won't stop until he gets what he wants."

Maya looked around at everyone.

For the first time, she realized that nobody could make the decision for her.

It belonged to her.

They continued walking until they reached a huge stone archway hidden beneath the trees.

Beyond it stood an ancient castle.

Maya stared.

"What's that?"

Adrian looked at the castle.

"The first home of the Moonborn."

Suddenly, the silver mark on Maya's hand began glowing.

The castle gates slowly opened by themselves.

A voice echoed from inside.

"The heir has returned."

Maya stepped forward.

Ethan grabbed her hand.

"I'm coming with you."

Maya looked at him and smiled.

"Then let's find out who I really am."

They entered the castle.

Behind them, the gates slammed shut.

And high above the forest, two black eyes watched from the shadows.

Kael smiled.

"Let the game begin."

TO BE CONTINUED...