The faintest flicker of rest had barely touched Elaine's eyes when a sudden, piercing screech jolted her upright.
Luna again.
It hadn't stopped all night, but this cry was different. It wasn't from fear or confusion. It was raw. Elemental.
Then she heard it.
Crack.
Magic, her magic, splintering.
Elaine's breath caught as she scrambled toward the source. The barrier she'd so carefully constructed had fractured. If she didn't act quickly, it would shatter entirely.
But destiny, as always, had its own timing.
Luna's eyes flew open. The deep blue orbs she'd hidden for years now burned with a startling duality—fire and frost. The charm Elaine had placed to mask them had broken. Even the magical dye on her hair faded before her eyes, revealing brilliant, silver-white locks that glowed with ethereal life. It wasn't just the change in appearance—it was in her very presence. Luna looked…. Stronger. Calmer and more alive than ever
"Elaine?" she asked, voice husky from sleep. "What happened to you?"
Elaine blinked. She hadn't noticed it until then. She looked down at her hands—wrinkled, slightly more veined. Her magic had thinned. The strain of holding Luna back had come at a cost.
She became younger, and I look like I've aged a century. Lovely, Elaine mused dryly.
"Oh, nothing, love," she said, masking concern with her usual sarcasm. "Go wash up. I'll need to dye your hair again."
After their baths, Elaine tried to use magic to restore Luna's appearance, but something had shifted. No spell could cloak the subtle aura now clinging to the girl like a second skin—an aura that pulsed with dormant power— at the end, she was able to suppress it till no one but magic users could notice it.
Elaine exhaled, tension threading her voice. "Listen to me, Luna. I don't know what's going on with Draken and Chris lately, but stay away from them. Keep your head down. I can't get you out of your duties yet…But just hold on until after your twentieth birthday."
Luna's brows furrowed. She reached for Elaine's arm shakily.
"Don't you think I've been in the dark long enough?"
Elaine looked away. The guilt was a living thing in her chest.
"With time, love. Just bear with me a little longer."
But Luna wasn't done. Her voice grew strained, eyes brimming with emotion.
"Who's the man with silverish-white hair like mine? Why am I seeing memories that don't feel like dreams—ones that don't belong to me? He called me 'Moon' in a strange language, but I understood it. I saw my mother… She looked happier. And then, one night, people came, and he seemed to have to leave. Everything goes black after that."
Elaine flinched.
"I don't understand," she deflected. "Maybe it was just a dream."
But Luna wasn't convinced. Her voice cracked, desperation leaking through.
"I saw Zephyris. He looked my age—he was my age. He was watching the memories too. Crying. I was so happy to know he was alive, doing okay. But every time I reached for him, he slipped away. I know it was him. I know it. Elaine… please. I'm tired of feeling things I don't understand."
Tears welled in her eyes.
Elaine sighed, the weight of secrets too heavy to carry anymore. She had spent over a decade raising the girl and now she was seeing Kallias in her more and more every day. That same unmoving heart.
"Fine," Elaine relented softly. "But not now. Tonight. I promise."
Luna nodded, somewhat calmed, and left to finish her tasks.
Once she was alone, Elaine sank into the worn cushions and slipped into REM trance. The world slowed, time folding inward as she called for the familiar presence.
A soft rustle filled the air. Mist coiled like smoke, and from it emerged a golden eagle with eyes far too ancient for any mere bird.
Elaine offered a sheepish smile. "Sooo… no problem if I tell Luna about Kallias, Eldara, and, you know… everything?"
The eagle clicked his beak, unimpressed.
"I knew you'd fold eventually," he said coolly. "Kallias showed the twins the dream. It was meant for Zephyris, but Luna saw it too. That's why she's stirring now."
Elaine blinked. "Oh."
He ruffled his feathers. "I'll stick around till my nephew gets here for her twentieth. I may not be of much help cause I'm far from Kallias, but these are his orders."
Elaine arched a brow. "Wait… isn't it only an Aetherwing's direct descendant can serve the next gumiho in a bloodline. That means…"
Her face lit up with realization.
"Oh no way! You lonely bachelor" she burst out laughing.
The eagle, unamused, vanished in a huff of mist.
When Elaine returned her consciousness, her magic was back to normal and she retained her younger look.
Southern Region – Royal Library
Books flew off shelves in a blur as Zephyris rummaged through them like a man possessed.
"Zephyris, I don't think even the oldest books here hold the answers you're looking for." Rowan's voice was dry as ever. "You're chasing shadows. Dragons? Eldara? Ancient realms? They're myths. Dead and buried."
Zephyris didn't even look up. "You don't get it. That dream—it wasn't just a dream. My mother looked young. She was… happy. The man—he matches the descriptions my grandparents gave. And Luna—" He stopped himself. "If you're not going to help, at least don't talk me out of this."
Rowan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "If you want concrete records, you'll have to consult the Royal Witches Association. That's your best bet."
Zephyris paused—then grinned. "You're a genius!"
Before Rowan could protest, Zephyris hugged him then bolted out of the room.
Rowan shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.
And they say he's cold…
Silvermoon Pack
Lisa balanced a box of decorations as she caught up to Luna near the corridor. "Hey… I heard Elaine's leaving. Are you going with her?"
Luna hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I don't think I can stay here anymore."
Lisa's expression softened. "Promise to keep in touch?"
Luna smiled. "I will. I'll miss you, Lisa. You've been the only real friend I've had here."
Lisa laughed, a little shy. "The head maid will miss you too. Doesn't show it, but she likes you."
Luna blinked. "Really?"
Both girls laughed.
Lisa held up the candle box. "Tomorrow's the 25th. Come with me? Let's offer candles."
Luna nodded slowly. The dreams still lingered at the edge of her mind, whispering truths yet to come.
Something was coming.
She could feel it.
And everything was about to change.