The Last Moon Child

. She studied the man's face, searching for clues. His features

Ember demanded,

ed. "My name is Ryker. I'v

sm flared. "Prot

hed. "The ones wh

y kind?" she repeated, her

rs. "You're a Moonchild, Em

oonchild? What did it mean? Her mind reeled, m

s, "You're special,

e careful, kiddo. There a

humming noise, the visions

g anchor. Ryker's words had awak

'hunt'?" Ember aske

eek to exploit your power. You're th

Magic? She felt like a pawn in

pped toward the trees. "We

ened. The night air v

res obscured by a hood. Ryker positioned

ow," Ryk

sitated, then vanish

"We must leave. Your

creamed caution. Co

ere with you," Ember

ed. "You don't unde

countered. "Tell me the tru

"You're awakening, Ember. Y

ounded. "What d

You're becoming what you were born to

er, stirring a deep recogni

trees seemed taller, their branches etched wit

opened her eyes, Ryker stood befo

Ember," h

d a beat. Could she

et seemed rooted to the spot. She searched the

anded, her voice firm de

ed. "My name is Ryker. I'v

nd reeled with questions, but Ryke

ressed, her hand on the ben

and deliberate. "Your family's secrets have

ts, her heart racing with fear. "What

ing over. "Your family's legacy, Emb

er's confusion deepene

darkness, his presence commanding attention.

k of tension igniting between them. "

yes flashing with warning.

conflict brewing. Ryker's presence seemed to stir somethin

n't understand the danger lurking in the sh

ker's urgency and Liam's calm re

ndecision. "Don't go with him,

darkening. "You don't know what

hanging low in the sky like a specter. Em

decision. "I won't go anywhere with eithe

expression softened. "I'll give you answers, E

wayed by empty promises or veiled threats.

a whisper. "Your family's secrets are tied to the mo

seemed rooted to the spot. The man's piercing eyes

demanded, trying to k

vered. "My name is Ryker. I'

was immediate. "Pro

tarters. They're not the only ones hunting you, Ember. Y

ad shown up earlier, was just the beginning? What secrets co

liberate. "Your mother, Astrid, was involved in some

the strange occurrences, and now this – i

" Ember asked, her voic

ep sadness. "Astrid was part of a group sworn to protec

tirring memories of her mother's whispered tales.

Ember's spine. "

key to unlocking an ancient power. One that

Ryker's words. She was a target, a prize to be won, a

y with an unseen presence. Ember sens

yker urged, his voice

tween fear and curiosity

the distance made her decision

ing her toward the shadows. "Co

nded. Could she t

g low in the sky, Em