The forest was darker than before, the air heavy with the scent of rain. Storm clouds loomed overhead, and the faint rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. Despite the lingering exhaustion from the Veil, we pressed on, Grams leading the way with her staff glowing faintly to guide our path.
Aiden walked beside me, his hand brushing against mine occasionally as though to remind me he was there. His presence was a steadying force, but the weight of the Moonstone fragment in my pocket was heavier still—a constant reminder of the burden I now carried.
"We should stop for the night," Dad said, his voice cutting through the quiet. "The storm's rolling in fast."
Grams nodded reluctantly. "There's an old shelter not far from here. It should keep us dry for the night."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "An old shelter? Like, abandoned-old or creepy-old?"
Gregory snorted. "Does it matter? It beats getting drenched out here."
The path ahead was rough, the roots and uneven terrain forcing us to slow down. Every shadow seemed to move, every rustle of leaves setting my nerves on edge. The forest felt alive in a way it hadn't before—watchful, almost predatory.
When we reached the shelter, it was little more than a dilapidated cabin hidden among the trees. The walls leaned at odd angles, and the roof sagged precariously, but it was dry and sheltered from the wind.
"This looks safe," Amber said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"It'll do," Aiden said, pushing open the door with a creak. "We're not here for comfort."
Inside, the cabin was sparse, with a single long table and a few broken chairs. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, its hearth filled with ash.
"Lauren, see if you can find any dry wood," Dad said. "Amber, help her. The rest of us will clear a spot to sleep."
As everyone set to work, I found myself drawn to a small window at the back of the cabin. The forest outside was still, but the feeling of being watched hadn't left me.
"You okay?" Aiden's voice was soft, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder.
"Yeah," I said, though my voice didn't quite convince even me. "Just... uneasy."
He followed my gaze out the window, his brow furrowing. "You're not the only one. Something's off."
Before I could respond, a sudden howl pierced the air, chilling me to my core.
"The Lunae," Grams said, her voice tense. "They've found our trail."
The atmosphere in the cabin shifted immediately. Gregory moved to bar the door, while Dad and Aiden gathered what little furniture there was to reinforce the windows.
"We need a plan," I said, my heart racing.
"We hold them off until dawn," Grams said. "They're weaker in the daylight."
Amber snorted. "Weaker doesn't mean harmless. What's the point of holding out if we're sitting ducks in here?"
"She's right," Aiden said. "This place isn't defensible. We need to move."
"No," Grams said firmly. "If we run, they'll pick us off one by one. Here, we can funnel them. Control the fight."
The debate was cut short as another howl sounded, this one closer.
"Everyone, arm yourselves," Gregory said, handing me a blade.
I took it with shaking hands, the cold steel unfamiliar and heavy. Aiden noticed and placed his hand over mine. "You've got this," he said, his voice steady.
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Lunar Enchantment
خارق للطبيعةIn the mystical town of Silverwood, Aurora's life appears ordinary until she crosses paths with the enigmatic Aiden. His allure and cryptic demeanor set him apart, sparking an irresistible connection. Unraveling Aiden's secret reveals a hidden world...
