Chapter 9: The Forbidden Forest
They entered the forest before sunrise.
Kael insisted on coming.
Liora didn’t argue.
The deeper they traveled, the colder it became.
Eventually they reached a clearing.
In the center stood a stone arch covered in ancient symbols.
Liora touched it.
The stones began glowing.
Kael whispered:
“It’s here.”
“What?”
“The Moonborn temple.”
The arch opened.
Inside was a massive underground chamber.
At its center stood a stone throne.
Above it floated a silver crystal.
Liora stepped toward it.
Kael grabbed her arm.
“Don’t.”
“Why?”
“Because your mother sat there.”
Liora looked at the throne.
A memory appeared.
Her mother.
Holding her as a child.
“You will someday have to choose.”
“Choose what?”
“Power or love.”
The vision disappeared.
Liora cried silently.
Kael stood beside her.
“I should have told you.”
“Yes.”
“I was afraid.”
“Of me?”
“Of losing you.”
She looked at him.
“You already lost me.”
Kael’s eyes filled with regret.
“I know.”
The crystal suddenly shattered.
A voice filled the chamber.
The Moonborn has awakened.
Kael immediately shifted.
Liora’s body began glowing.
A black wolf emerged from the shadows.
Darius.
He smiled.
“Hello, little Moon.”
Liora stared at him.
“You killed my mother.”
“No.”
Darius shook his head.
“I tried to save her.”
“Then who killed her?”
His smile vanished.
“Your own people.”
He looked at Kael.
“Ask your Alpha what happened that night.”
Then he disappeared.
Liora turned slowly toward Kael.
“What does he mean?”
Kael lowered his eyes.
“I was there.”
Her heart sank.
