chapter 7 bound by moonlight
Bound by Moonlight;
The kiss lingered, soft and powerful, as if the universe itself held its breath. Lyria's fingers curled around Elias's, her body pressed close, her warmth sinking into him like moonlight on cold skin.
But as their lips parted, reality crashed down upon them.
The mark on Elias's arm pulsed, sending a strange sensation through his veins. He felt stronger, yet tethered—like something ancient had bound itself to his very soul.
Lyria pulled back, her golden eyes flickering with both awe and fear. "Elias…"
Before she could say more, the air shifted. A gust of wind howled through the ruins, carrying whispers that sent a shiver down Elias's spine.
They weren't alone.
---
The Return of the Hunters
From the shadows beyond the temple, torches flared to life. Figures emerged—tall, armored, and armed with silver weapons that glowed eerily under the moon.
Hunters.
Elias recognized the man at the front immediately—Commander Aldric, the one who had nearly killed him. His steel eyes locked onto Elias with cold determination.
"So, it's true," Aldric said. "You bear the mark."
Elias stepped protectively in front of Lyria, his body tense. "What do you want?"
Aldric raised his sword, its silver blade shimmering with runes. "You."
Lyria's power flared, silver flames crackling at her fingertips. "You'll have to kill me first."
Aldric smirked. "Oh, I intend to."
The hunters attacked.
---
A Fight for Love and Destiny
Blades clashed against claws as wolves erupted from the forest, joining the battle. Lyria danced through the chaos, her flames lighting up the night, while Elias fought beside her, shifting between human and wolf as instinct took over.
But something was different.
Each time Elias struck, the mark on his arm glowed, sending waves of raw power through his body. He moved faster, struck harder—almost as if the Moon itself was guiding his every move.
Aldric noticed.
"You don't even know what you are, do you?" the commander taunted, dodging a strike.
Elias growled. "Then why don't you tell me?"
Aldric's lips curled into a smirk. "You're not just bonded to the Moon's Devotion. You are the Devotion."
Elias hesitated, and that moment of distraction cost him.
A blade sliced through his side. Pain seared through him, and he staggered, gasping.
"Elias!" Lyria's cry cut through the battle. She turned toward him, but Aldric was faster.
The hunter lunged at her—sword aimed straight for her heart.
Elias didn't think.
A burst of light exploded from his body, knocking Aldric backward. The runes on the hunter's blade fizzled out as if the weapon itself had lost its strength.
Silence fell over the battlefield.
Everyone stared at Elias.
Aldric's face twisted in shock. "That's… impossible."
Elias panted, his vision swimming. His hands were glowing, his veins pulsing with silver light.
And then he collapsed.
---
A New Realm
When Elias opened his eyes, he wasn't in the temple anymore.
He stood beneath an endless sky filled with swirling constellations. The ground beneath him wasn't solid—just a shimmering pool of moonlight.
A voice echoed through the space.
"Elias…"
He turned. A woman stood before him, her silver hair flowing like the tides, her eyes like twin stars. She radiated power, ancient and overwhelming.
The Moon Goddess.
Elias knelt instinctively.
She smiled. "You are not meant to kneel, my child. You are meant to stand."
Elias rose slowly. "What's happening to me?"
The Goddess stepped forward, placing a hand over his heart. A warmth spread through him, soothing yet powerful.
"You are the vessel of my devotion," she said. "The balance between man and wolf, love and war. Your choice will determine the fate of both worlds."
Elias swallowed. "What choice?"
The Goddess's eyes softened. "Love or power."
Selene's words echoed in his mind. The Moon does not grant both.
His chest tightened. "And if I choose love?"
The Goddess's expression remained unreadable. "Then the world will fall."
Elias's breath caught.
Before he could speak, the vision shattered.
---
Awakening
Elias jolted awake, gasping.
Lyria was beside him, her hand pressed against his cheek. Relief flooded her golden eyes. "You're alive."
He sat up, his body still tingling with residual energy. The battle was over. The hunters had retreated.
But nothing felt victorious.
Lyria studied his face. "What did you see?"
Elias hesitated, his mind replaying the Goddess's words.
Love or power.
His eyes met Lyria's. He knew what his heart wanted. But could he afford to choose it?
Lyria's fingers brushed against his. "Whatever it is… we'll face it together."
Elias exhaled.
No matter the cost, he couldn't lose her.
Even if it meant defying the Moon itself.