The sun rose pale and golden, casting soft light over the rolling hills that cradled the small village nestled beneath the monastery cliffs. For the first time in days, the forest no longer loomed with threat but opened into gentle fields, dotted with wildflowers swaying in the breeze.
Iris felt her chest loosen, as if each step away from the forest pulled the fear out of her lungs. She leaned into Luna's arm, smiling faintly. "It almost feels like we're just… travelers, doesn't it? Not fugitives running from shadows."
Luna's lips curved into a small smile. "I could almost believe it. But I won't let my guard down." Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her sword, even as her eyes softened when they landed on Iris.
Selene, walking a few paces ahead, said nothing. Her cloak hood was drawn low, but Iris caught the way her shoulders eased as they approached the village gates, as though even Selene could not deny the brief relief the sight offered.
The villagers looked up as they entered, eyes curious but not hostile. Children ran barefoot down the dirt paths, women carried baskets of herbs and bread, and the faint scent of grilled fish wafted from a nearby stall. Life here was simple—untainted by the shadows chasing them.
Iris's stomach rumbled audibly. Luna glanced down at her, amused. "Hungry?"
Her cheeks warmed. "Starving."
Luna chuckled softly. "Then let's find you something to eat."
They stopped at a small food stall by the square, where a kindly old woman served skewers of grilled meat and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Iris bit into hers eagerly, sighing at the burst of flavor. "Oh, this is heaven."
Luna leaned against the stall, watching her with open affection. "Seeing you smile like that… I'd fight a thousand shadows just to protect it."
Iris's heart skipped. She reached for Luna's hand, brushing her thumb against her knuckles. "You already have."
Selene approached with her own food, though she stood apart, eating in silence. Her eyes scanned the crowd constantly, always searching for threats.
Iris, emboldened by the rare calm, tugged on Luna's sleeve. "Let's walk? Just the two of us. Please."
Luna hesitated, glancing at Selene.
"I'll watch the square," Selene said without looking at them. "Go."
They wandered through the narrow cobbled lanes, weaving past stalls of trinkets, fruits, and colorful fabrics. Luna bought Iris a woven bracelet from a vendor, slipping it onto her wrist with surprising gentleness.
"It's simple," Luna said, "but strong. Like you."
Iris's throat tightened. She wrapped her arms around Luna impulsively, burying her face against her chest. "You always know what to say to make me feel safe."
Luna held her close, her hand stroking through Iris's hair. "I'll always protect you. That's my vow."
Their lips met, soft at first, then deeper, tasting of grilled rice and the quiet promise of stolen peace. People passed them in the street, but Iris didn't care. For the first time, she wanted the world to see that she loved Luna.
Later, they found themselves by the river running along the village edge. The water glimmered under the afternoon sun, and they sat on the grassy bank. Iris lay with her head on Luna's lap, watching the clouds drift.
"Do you ever wonder," Iris asked softly, "what life would be like if there were no shadows? If you weren't burdened with this… destiny?"
Luna looked down at her, her fingers trailing gently across Iris's cheek. "I'd still have found you. In this life, in any life. That much, I know."
Iris's eyes stung. She caught Luna's hand and kissed her palm, whispering, "Then I'll hold on to you, no matter what comes."
When they returned to the square at dusk, Selene was waiting. Her expression was unreadable as always, but something in her eyes flickered—longing, perhaps, or envy.
"Enjoy your walk?" she asked dryly.
"Yes," Iris answered boldly, slipping her hand into Luna's.
Selene looked away. "Good. Because peace never lasts long."
Luna frowned. "What do you mean?"
Selene's jaw tightened. She glanced around, then motioned for them to follow her behind a shuttered shop. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"The shadows don't wander without command. Someone is sending them—someone who has ties to your family, Luna."
Luna's blood ran cold. "Say it plainly."
Selene hesitated, then pulled a pendant from beneath her cloak. It was old, silver, etched with the same crest that adorned Luna's family seal.
Iris gasped. "That's—"
"My mother served your house," Selene said quietly. "But when envy grew among the rival clans, she was betrayed. The shadows are not just mindless creatures—they are born from human greed, from those who covet what your family protects."
Luna's hand tightened around her sword. "Why hide this until now?"
"Because trust is dangerous. And because if they knew I still carried this—" she touched the pendant—"I'd be hunted as you are."
For the first time, Luna saw not just mystery in Selene, but pain.
That night, they lodged in a villager's spare room. Iris curled against Luna on the straw bed, whispering, "Do you believe her?"
Luna wrapped her arms around her, staring into the shadows dancing on the wall. "I don't know. But whether she speaks truth or lies, the danger is real. And I'll keep you safe through it."
Their lips met again, deeper this time, urgency mingling with tenderness. Fingers tangled, breaths quickened. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was only them—their hearts, their promises, their love burning brighter than the darkness that chased them.
When at last Iris fell asleep in her arms, Luna remained awake, watching the window. Outside, the wind carried faint whispers again—unnatural, haunting.
She knew peace was only temporary.
At dawn, Selene shook them awake. Her face was pale. "They've found us."
Through the cracks in the shutters, Luna saw them—shadows gathering at the village edge, silent as smoke, waiting.
The brief breath of peace had ended. The storm was upon them again.