The Shadow Within
across the streets. The residents had retreated to their cozy homes, seeking refuge from
e wind rustled through the leaves, whispering secrets only she could hear. Emilia's
tell stories of their ancestral ties to the lunar cycle, of the ancient magic that coursed throu
ath her skin, like the quiet before a storm. Emilia's eyes
, with eyes that gleamed like stars in the dark. Kael, the mysterious stranger wh
lia?" Kael's deep voice se
he replied, her tone steady d
tensity that made her squirm. "I've been waiting for you,
warning, but her feet seem
atic line. "The darkness calls
w? The call of the night, the whispers in her mind
ia demanded, trying
ling like the surface of a pond. For an instant,
d, his voice low and husky. "About yourself, about
ty blurring. The moon above seemed to pulse, i
th?" she
owing light. "The truth about the darkness wit
leaving Emilia staring into the darkness, h
omes, seeking refuge from the chill of the autumn night. The moon, now a silver cresce
bed. Her dreams were filled with visions of the forest, its trees twisting and writhing like living sha
threw off the covers and rose from bed, her bare feet padding softly on the earthen floor
arkness. She chose a simple tunic and leggings, suitable for a hunt. Her long, ra
ar weight of the bow in her hand brought a measure of comfort. She had learned to hunt
as quiet, the only sound the distant howling of wolves. The moon's light cast an othe
the moon growing stronger, drawing her deeper into the trees. She walked swiftly, he
skeletal fingers. Lyra's heart pounded, but she pressed on, driven by a prima
drew her dagger, her senses on high alert. A figure emerged fro
rs, and she felt a jolt of recognition. This was no ordinary beast. Its ey
on the dagger relaxed, replaced by a sense of wonder. She felt the ca
's fur. A surge of energy coursed through her, and suddenly, she was flooded wit
kness. Lyra knew, in that moment, she was no longer alone. The sh