Chapter 78: Journey to Lunaris

Morning dew sparkled on the leaves as sunlight filtered through the treetops. Birds chirped, and distant growls hinted at the dangers lurking deeper within the forest. Shisui tightened the straps on his travel pouch and looked toward the tent.

Irylia emerged wearing a light cloak he had crafted from scavenged cloth and fur. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, and her ears twitched as she sniffed the air.

"You slept well?" Shisui asked.

She nodded softly. "Better than I expected… after everything."

He gave her a small, comforting smile. "We'll reach the beastmen border in two days if we move quickly."

Their journey began quietly — traveling by treetops, riversides, and hidden paths. Irylia couldn't hide her amazement watching Shisui move. He was fast, precise, and utterly graceful, like a ghost that slipped between shadows and branches.

"How are you able to move like that?" she asked curiously.

"I trained all my life in a land far from here. I'm… not from this world," Shisui admitted.

Her silver eyes widened, but she smiled. "I guess fate brought you here for me."

That night, they camped beneath a starlit sky beside a creek. Shisui set up protective seals around the camp and started a small fire. Irylia sat close, hugging her knees.

"Tell me about your kingdom," he said.

Irylia's ears perked up slightly. "Lunaris is built into the cliffs overlooking the Moonstone Valley. Our people are proud, fierce… but peaceful. My father is the current king, a wise ruler. But…" Her eyes clouded. "There are tensions. Humans want our lands. They sent mercenaries before… but not like the ones who attacked me."

Shisui frowned, remembering the brutal scene. "You think this was political?"

"Maybe," she whispered. "If so… my life may be in more danger than I realized."

Shisui looked into the fire, his expression steely. "Then I'll protect you. No matter who comes."

She looked at him, ears low, touched. "Thank you, Shisui."

That night, the forest seemed calmer, as if the moon itself watched over them.