Echoes Of The Moonbound

Roxanne removed her cloak and gently draped it over the naked man suspended on the platform. His body was cold, motionless, his pale skin barely showing signs of life.

She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as she clenched her fingers into tight fists. The air thickened with energy as she began to sing—a haunting, ethereal melody that resonated through the frozen hall.

The ice trembled. Cracks formed along the walls, shimmering as they slowly melted, streams of water trickling down. The frost that bound his wrists and ankles dissolved, freeing his limbs.

But the spell didn't stop there.

The water level rose rapidly, pooling around her ankles, then her knees. Within moments, it had climbed to her waist. She tilted her head back, eyes glowing as she let out a piercing scream. A surge of energy crackled through the air like lightning—

And the chains shattered.

The man reacted instantly. With a sharp intake of breath, he propelled himself upward, grabbing onto the jagged opening in the ceiling. Using what little strength he had left, he hoisted himself onto the roof.

From above, he cast a glance downward.

The mysterious woman who had saved him was still below—water swallowing her inch by inch.

His brow furrowed. "Can't she teleport or something?"

He placed Roxanne beside him, his gaze drifting upward to the moon. Its silver glow bathed the ruins around them, casting long, eerie shadows.

"Ten years..." he murmured, his voice laced with something between nostalgia and dread. "And Cassius is back."

With a stretch, he turned to the unconscious figure beside him. His brows furrowed. "Can't she wake up already?" he muttered in frustration.

He reached out, pressing his fingers against her skin. A realization struck him—she had no power.

Minutes turned to hours, and still, she remained unresponsive. A sharp sigh escaped him before he clenched his jaw. Enough.

Letting out a low groan, he leaned over her, pressing his lips against hers. He forced air into her lungs, his hands steady even as his heart pounded.

For a moment, nothing.

Then—a violent gasp.

Roxanne lurched forward, coughing up the water that had flooded her lungs. She trembled, her breaths ragged as she fought to regain control.

He sat back, watching her with unreadable eyes. "Took you long enough "

Roxanne became aware of the weight pressing down on her, the warmth of another body so close. Strands of his damp hair clung to her skin, sending an unexpected shiver through her.

She swallowed, her pulse quickening as her gaze met his.

His striking features were even more intense up close—razor-sharp yet impossibly beautiful. But it was his eyes that held her captive. Mesmerizing. Hypnotic. A shade of crystal so piercing it felt as if they could see through her very soul.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as she suddenly became aware of her state—clad in nothing but soaked underwear, the fabric clinging to every curve.

Her breath hitched. She quickly averted her gaze. "Can you… please get off me?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.

Cassius smirked, amusement flickering across his face before he finally moved away, giving her space.

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice smooth but edged with curiosity .

"Roxanne," she murmured, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. Her body trembled violently, her teeth chattering as the cold gnawed at her. Her lips, once blood-red, had turned a deep shade of purple.

Before she could react, a sudden ring of fire flared to life around her, its warmth instantly seeping into her frozen skin.

Her breath hitched. Magic.

Cassius watched her, his expression unreadable. "What do you have to say?" he asked.

She exhaled shakily, the heat easing her shivers. "Thanks… for whatever you did for me." Her voice was still fragile but steady. Then she lifted her gaze to meet his. "Your twin is waiting at Silver Moon. We need to get there by tomorrow."

Cassius studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Stay and rest. You'll need your energy for tomorrow." His tone left no room for argument.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.

Vangelis snatched his watch the moment it beeped—an ominous signal of looming danger. His jaw tightened as he moved toward the door, muscles coiled in readiness.

Behind him, Fiona stirred. A faint crease formed between her brows as her eyes fluttered open.

"Vangy," she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep. Then, as her gaze sharpened, realization struck. "Where do you think you're going?"

He didn't turn. "A mission." The single-word answer was clipped, final.

Fiona sat up, her resolve hardening. "I'm coming with you."

Vangelis finally faced her, his expression unreadable—but his eyes, dark and stormy, told a different story. "No, Sapphire." His voice softened, but there was an undeniable edge of command. "I need you to stay safe."

She held his gaze, refusing to back down. "And what if you don't come back?"

He exhaled, tension radiating from his frame. "I will." A promise.

Fiona rose to her feet, her stance unwavering. "Do you really think I would let you go alone?" Her voice rang with authority, her piercing gaze locking onto his. "I command it—not just as your wife, but as the Queen of this land."

Vangelis exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. He had known she wouldn't back down, but hearing the weight of her title behind her words left him with no choice.

"Fine," he conceded. "But we're using portals. Stay alert—we could land somewhere dangerous."

A sudden shimmer split the air as a portal spiraled open beneath a gnarled, ancient tree. The bark was blackened, slick with something dark—something that smelled of blood.

Vangelis stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "He's ahead of us, Sapphire."

Fiona clenched her fists, determination burning in her veins. Then we catch him.

And with that, they stepped through.

Vangelis's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Take the other route. Save those in danger. I'll pursue him."

Fiona met his gaze, her red eyes flashing with determination. No hesitation. No fear.

Then, in a heartbeat, they shifted.

Bones cracked, muscles expanded, and thick fur erupted over their skin as they morphed into their true forms. A power red wolf stood where Vangelis had been, his golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Beside him, Fiona's sleek silver form trembled with raw energy, her speed unmatched.

Without a word, she launched forward, a streak of silver cutting through the dark. The wind howled past her ears, her paws barely touching the earth as her instincts pulled her toward those in need.

Vangelis watched for a brief second before turning the other way, his own hunt beginning.