Volume 2 — Chapter 5: The Council's Wrath
The forest no longer felt like a sanctuary. Though the Moonstone had accepted them, the air thrummed with tension. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig reminded Lyriana and Aryn that the council's forces were hunting them relentlessly.
"They know we've awakened the prophecy," Aryn said grimly, his sigil pulsing with restrained energy. "They'll throw everything they have at us. Scouts, magic, assassins… nothing will be held back."
Lyriana clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes. "Then we'll face it. We've survived worse already."
Selara stepped beside them, eyes narrowing. "Worse is coming. The council will not rest until the Shadowmarked is captured and the princess returned. And some factions may try to claim the Moonstone's power for themselves."
Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the forest. A squad of armored hunters emerged, torches raised, their eyes glowing with magical wards. "There!" one shouted. "The princess and the Shadowmarked! Don't let them escape!"
Aryn's sigil flared violently, illuminating the clearing. Lyriana felt a surge of courage as she stood beside him. "We fight together," she whispered, her hand brushing his.
The hunters advanced, their blades swinging, spells igniting in bursts of green and gold. Lyriana summoned her newfound magic, the Moonstone's energy responding to her heartbeat. Aryn unleashed a pulse of force, knocking several attackers off their feet.
They moved as one—magic and courage intertwined, hearts synced in defiance of both fate and the council's tyranny.
But just as the battle seemed to turn in their favor, a shadow fell across the clearing. A figure stepped forward—one they had hoped would never confront them again.
"Princess Lyriana… Aryn…" Marovain's voice was cold, sharp, and filled with authority. "You've awakened what should have remained buried. The empire will not allow this defiance. Surrender, or face annihilation."
Lyriana met his gaze, refusing to back down. "We will not surrender. The prophecy, the Moonstone, and the fate of Arvandor are not yours to control."
Aryn's hand found hers, squeezing it tightly. "Whatever happens," he murmured, "we face it together."
Marovain's eyes narrowed. "Then prepare yourselves," he said, raising his hands to channel a devastating spell. The forest around them shimmered with tension and magic, as if holding its breath.
Lyriana drew on every ounce of courage and the bond she shared with Aryn. The Moonstone's energy surged through her, responding to their unity.
They had faced betrayal, trials, and deadly creatures, but now—against the full wrath of the council—they would discover just how powerful their love and destiny truly were.