The group moved cautiously through the dense forest, the air growing colder and heavier with every step. The Moon Goddess Stone was close—Lyra could feel its pull, a faint hum in her chest that grew stronger the nearer they came.
Cassian led the way, his movements confident but wary, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.
Suddenly, the air shifted, a chill sweeping through the trees that set every nerve on edge. From the darkness, two figures emerged, their steps eerily silent. Seraphine and Eira.
Seraphine’s silver eyes gleamed as she stepped into the moonlight, her presence commanding.
“So predictable,” she said, her voice calm but laced with menace. “Did you really think we’d let you reach the Stone unchallenged?”
Cassian growled low in his throat, stepping protectively in front of Lyra. “You’ll have to go through me,” he snarled, his claws extending.
Eira smirked, her crimson gaze flicking over him with mocking disdain. “That’s the idea,” she said, her tone dripping with contempt.
Lyra’s heart pounded as she gripped the hilt of her blade. She could feel the tension in the air, a coiled spring ready to snap.
“What do you want from us?” she demanded, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her.
Seraphine tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. “This isn’t about you, Lyra. Not entirely.” Her gaze shifted to Eryon, her tone softening ever so slightly. “It’s about him.”
Eryon stiffened, his crimson eyes narrowing as he stepped forward.
“What do you want from me?” he asked, his voice cold.
Seraphine took a step closer, her movements slow and deliberate. “Your loyalty,” she said simply. “You were meant for so much more, Eryon. Help us finish this. Prove that you’re still one of us.”
Eryon’s jaw clenched, and he glanced at Lyra, then back at Seraphine. “I’m not yours anymore,” he said, his voice firm. “Whatever you’re planning, leave me out of it.”
Eira laughed, the sound sharp and cruel. “You think you can just walk away? You’re tied to us, Eryon. To me. You always will be.”
Cassian growled again, his stance shifting as he prepared to attack. “If you think we’re going to let you take him, you’re more delusional than I thought.”
Seraphine’s eyes flicked to Cassian, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Oh, I don’t need to take him,” she said smoothly. “He’ll come back to us willingly.”