Chapter 25: Whispers of the Key

Ravenna awoke to the first light of dawn creeping through the trees. The cool morning air kissed her skin, and for a brief moment, she felt at peace. Then the memories of their journey came rushing back, and her hand instinctively reached for the pouch where the key rested.

The fire had burned down to embers, and Damien was nowhere in sight. Panic bubbled in her chest, but before it could take hold, she caught the scent of something cooking—something rich and savory.

Following the smell, she found Damien a short distance away, crouched over a small fire. Skewers of meat and mushrooms sizzled on a makeshift grill, and a pot of steaming broth sat beside him. The aroma made her stomach rumble loudly, and she flushed in embarrassment.

Damien glanced up, smirking. "Good morning. Hungry, I take it?"

Ravenna crossed her arms, trying to feign nonchalance. "I suppose I could eat," she said, but her growling stomach betrayed her.

He chuckled, handing her a skewer. "Rabbit stew is off the menu today. I caught a few pheasants near the stream. Figured we could use a change."

Ravenna took the skewer, biting into the tender meat. The flavor was incredible, seasoned with herbs Damien must have foraged. She let out an involuntary sigh of satisfaction.

"This is… really good," she admitted between bites.

Damien raised an eyebrow. "Surprised?"

"A little," she teased. "Who knew you could cook?"

"I've had to fend for myself most of my life," he said, his tone casual, but there was an undercurrent of sadness. "You learn quickly when there's no one else to do it for you."

Ravenna's teasing smile faded. She wanted to say something comforting, but Damien's walls were as sturdy as ever. Instead, she focused on her food, savoring the rare moment of calm.

As they ate, the key in her pouch began to hum faintly, a soft vibration that made her pause mid-bite. She pulled it out, holding it up to the light. The intricate carvings on its surface seemed to shimmer, as though alive.

"What's wrong?" Damien asked, noticing her expression.

"The key," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's… reacting to something."

Damien leaned closer, studying the glowing artifact. "That's new."

Before they could say more, a low rumble echoed through the forest. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, and the air grew thick with an almost tangible energy.

Ravenna stood, clutching the key tightly. "What's happening?"

Damien grabbed his blade, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "I don't know. Stay close to me."

The rumbling grew louder, and the trees around them seemed to shift, their branches creaking as if in pain. A burst of light erupted from the key, and Ravenna felt a pull in her chest, as though it was guiding her somewhere.

"It's leading us," she said, her voice trembling.

Damien hesitated but nodded. "Then we follow. But stay alert."

They packed their belongings quickly, and Ravenna clutched the glowing key as they ventured deeper into the forest. The pull grew stronger with each step, and she felt as though an invisible thread was drawing her forward.

After what felt like hours, they emerged into a clearing. At its center stood a massive stone archway, covered in ancient runes that glowed faintly. The key's light intensified, pulsing in rhythm with the runes.

"What is this place?" Ravenna asked, awe and fear mingling in her voice.

Damien approached the archway cautiously, running his fingers over the carvings. "It's old. Very old. These runes… they're protective wards. Whoever built this didn't want just anyone walking through."

Ravenna stepped closer, the key trembling in her hand. "Do you think this is what the vision was leading us to?"

"Only one way to find out," Damien said, stepping back. "Try the key."

Her heart pounded as she approached the archway. The key seemed to hum with anticipation, and when she inserted it into the small, hidden slot in the stone, it fit perfectly.

A low rumble shook the ground as the runes flared to life. The air around them shimmered, and the archway filled with a swirling, golden light.

Damien stepped protectively in front of Ravenna, his blade drawn. "Stay behind me."

But Ravenna couldn't look away. The light seemed to call to her, beckoning her forward. Before she realized what she was doing, she stepped through the archway.

"Ravenna!" Damien's voice was distant, but she barely heard it.

The world around her dissolved into a blinding white light, and for a moment, she felt as though she was floating. Then, just as suddenly, the light faded, and she found herself standing in a vast, crumbling hall.

The air was thick with dust, and sunlight streamed through broken windows. At the far end of the hall stood a massive throne, its surface encrusted with jewels that sparkled faintly in the dim light.

Damien appeared beside her, his expression a mix of relief and exasperation. "What were you thinking?" he demanded.

"I… I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "But this place… it feels familiar."

As she stepped closer to the throne, a faint voice echoed through the hall, soft and melodic.

"Welcome, child of the moon."