Moonrise ✔ [Complete]

24 Rebels

Men and women dressed in ragged clothing created a hostile border around the forest glade. Maeyune calmly pushed her hands into the air in surrender. She cast her gaze across their faces, her mind connecting with theirs in seconds.

They were Nomenian.

She narrowed her eyes in consternation. How had she and the others managed to disappear and reappear hundreds of miles away in only a matter of seconds?

A thought occurred to her, and her eyes flitted to the heavens. It was simple. They all stood directly under the moon.

She was starting to understand now. Had Shivra somehow transported her to the only location in the moon's straight path?

Her attention returned to the Nomenians surrounding them. Fortunately - she discovered upon further inspection - they were not Iron Prophet.

Rather, they were the natives who rose up against them.

Perhaps her situation was less complicated than she thought. At least they fought on the same side.

She found the minds of her four allies behind her. Remain calm, she ordered. They're Nomenian rebels.

One of the rebels, a young man who appeared not much older than she was, stepped away from the others. He pointed his gun at her, deep-set eyes focused.

"Who are you?" he demanded. His voice carried a hint of a smooth accent. His face bore a trimmed, fair-colored beard, and stretched across his left eyebrow was a dark mark. A scar, she perceived.

"Maeyune Ereni of Suolan," she answered clearly. "Moon God incarnate."

She saw his eyes widen slightly, but he snorted. "Lie again, and they will be your last words."

By generating her moon energy, her eyes flashed silver. He and the Nomenians behind him flinched, gasps and murmurs navigating their heads.

Do you believe me now? she asked him telepathically. Or would you prefer another demonstration?

He froze, eyes wide enough to fall from their sockets. Eventually, he let out a quiet laugh.

"Unbelievable," he uttered.

His eyes never leaving her, he lowered his rifle and waved his hand in the air. He addressed the others in Nomenian, but she read the translation in their minds.

Lower your weapons, he had said.

They did as they were commanded, and he spoke over their incessant whispers.

"So the rumors are true," he affirmed. "The Moon dragon is a telepath." He thrust his chin at the sky. "Did you cause that light?"

"Yes."

He took a moment to frown at her. "May I ask why the Moon God incarnate is so far from home?" he continued. "And by home, I mean the Berans' heart of Bresnia. You are their new favorite toy, are you not?"