Chapter 29: The Awakening
The ground beneath Luna’s feet trembled like a living thing, deep and rhythmic, as if the mountain itself were waking from a long, forgotten slumber. The energy around her thickened, darkened, an oppressive weight pressing down on her chest. The air smelled like ancient earth and blood—both familiar and foreign, as if the very soil carried the history of countless wars fought and lost.
Her heart raced as her eyes locked onto Lucien, his figure standing in the shadows, holding the vial of her blood like a prize. The glowing liquid inside swirled, alive with its own dark magic. His smile twisted, smug and self-assured, as if he were already certain of his victory.
“You still don’t understand, do you, Luna?” Lucien’s voice was smooth, like silk wrapped around a bl
