CHAPTER 18 – Clamor in the Silence

That day, the sky over Lycanthra was overcast. Gray clouds rolled above the castle towers, blocking the sunlight that never even had a chance to warm the earth. The wind blew softly but bitingly cold, as if reading the unease of everyone within these walls.

I stood on the eastern wing balcony, watching the courtyard below. The guards moved back and forth, preparing weapons, checking food supplies, even establishing new patrol routes. The clanging of swords against iron plates made everything feel all too real.

Lucan emerged through the wooden door, striding steadily toward me. His gaze was firm, but there was something behind his eyes — weariness, perhaps, or a burden he had yet to share.

"Are the preparations underway?" I asked, trying to hide my worry.

Lucan nodded."Most are ready. But some of our allied clans still hesitate."

I held my breath."Do they doubt you, or me?"

Lucan looked at me deeply."You."

His answer didn't make me angry — it cut me even deeper.

We walked side by side through the long corridor toward the main hall. The shadows of the torches danced across the stone pillars, as if accompanying our heavy steps.

I tried to steady my breathing. My whole body still felt exhausted, especially after the journey to the Black Lake and the inner battle with my own reflection.

Every time I faltered, I remembered my mother's words: You must not fear your own shadow.

Lucan suddenly took my hand. His warm touch steadied me a little."You don't have to face them alone," he said softly.

I turned to him, searching his eyes, then nodded.

The main hall was already filled with elders from various clans. All of them stood, forming a half-circle facing the throne where Lucan usually sat. Their gazes held disbelief, suspicion, even fear.

I stood by Lucan's side, trying to look strong even though my stomach churned with nerves.

One gray-haired elder stepped forward."Luna heir," he called flatly."What guarantee do we have that your blood will not summon disaster?"

I swallowed, holding his gaze firmly."My only guarantee is this: I will not surrender to my own blood."

Whispers filled the hall. Some sneered, while others seemed to hold back a hint of admiration.

Another elder spoke, his voice sharp."The Gate has begun to tremble, Elara. Do you know what that means?"

I drew a deep breath."I know. And I will make sure no one exploits it."

Lucan added in a cold tone,"No one is allowed to touch the Gate, except by Luna's blessing."

Several elders exchanged glances, then lowered their heads. Whether they agreed or were simply afraid of Lucan's authority, I couldn't tell.

After a long discussion, some agreements were reached — fragile, but enough to delay a larger conflict.

I walked out of the hall with heavy steps. My breath felt tight, as if the weight of the entire kingdom was pressing on my chest.

Lucan followed, walking beside me."You did it," he said.

I turned, frowning."Did it? They still look at me like an enemy."

Lucan placed his hand on my shoulder, staring into me."But they listened. That is the first step."

We made our way to my private chambers. My whole body ached, as if the long journey and my inner battles had not been punishment enough.

When I arrived, Yana was already waiting. Her small, sincere smile welcomed me, calming me like it always did.

"How was it in the hall?" she asked cautiously.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, slowly taking off my shoes."A mess… but it didn't explode."

Yana let out a small laugh."That's good enough."

I looked at her, then reached for her hand."Yana, what if this all fails? What if I'm not strong enough?"

She looked at me gently, without the slightest hint of doubt."You are strong enough, Elara. Because your heart is bigger than your fear."

My tears almost fell, but I held them back.

**

Night fell slowly over the castle. Torchlight burned along the fortress walls, creating a sense of calm even though the storm of threats still raged outside.

I stood by the window, gazing at the stars faintly visible behind the clouds.

Mother, look at me now.I will try, again and again.

And inside my heart, the fear slowly turned into determination — imperfect, but real.

Tomorrow, I would have to begin preparing to face the Hollowtooth Clan, whether with words… or with a blade.

I could not fail.

The night grew thicker, bringing cold winds that sank into my bones. I sat by the fireplace in my room, staring at the dancing flames, trying to soothe my still-irregular heartbeat.

Thoughts of Hollowtooth made sleep impossible. They were not here just to challenge me — they wanted to conquer this entire territory, to extinguish what remained of Luna's blood.

Yana sat in the chair next to me, preparing a warm herbal brew."Drink a little," she said gently.

I took the cup, feeling the warmth of the steam touch my face."Thank you, Yana."

She nodded."You need to keep your strength up, if you truly have to face the Hollowtooth envoys again tomorrow."

I took a long breath, staring into the fire."They won't stop, will they?"

Yana lowered her head."No. They've already sensed Luna's blood has risen again."

I closed my eyes. Images of the faces in the hall earlier flashed through my mind — the eyes of the elders, uncertain, afraid, and full of prejudice. As if I brought calamity simply by breathing.

Was it really my fault?

**

Suddenly, there was a quick knock at the door. I flinched and turned. Yana stood quickly and opened it slowly.

A guard entered, his face pale."Your Majesty, there is an urgent message."

I tried to stand, fighting off my fatigue and drowsiness."What message?"

"The Hollowtooth envoys request an audience before dawn," he answered."They refuse to wait."

My heart sank."Before dawn?"

The guard nodded anxiously."They say it concerns the future of our territory."

Lucan appeared suddenly at the doorway, as if he could sense any commotion no matter how small. His eyes were sharp."Let them come. But we will set the rules."

I looked at him, swallowing hard."Lucan, if they force their way… are we ready to fight?"

Lucan looked deep into my eyes."I have been ready since the moment you arrived here."

Soon after, the room turned into a command center. Guards lined up at the door, fully armed. Yana fussed over making sure my clothes were neat, while Lucan spoke quickly with Aleron about security strategies.

I smoothed down my hair, even though my hands were trembling."I don't want to look afraid," I whispered softly to Yana.

She patted my shoulder gently."You are Luna, Elara. Your fear will never be greater than your courage."

I drew a long breath, trying to draw strength from her words.

As dawn began to streak across the window's edge, the Hollowtooth envoys arrived. They rode large black horses, wearing thick leather cloaks bearing the silver fang emblem. Their faces were hard, their eyes filled with suspicion.

I stood by Lucan's side in the hall. It felt as if every second held its breath.

"So this is her," one of the envoys said, looking me over from head to toe, as if weighing the value of my life."The human who claims to be Luna."

I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze without flinching."I do not merely claim it. I inherit her blood."

The man let out a short, bitter laugh."You think Luna's blood gives you the right to lead us? You were not even born on this land."

I felt my anger flare."This land accepts my blood. And my blood did not choose where it was born."

Lucan patted my shoulder lightly, giving me strength."Say what they need to hear," he whispered.

I swallowed, then spoke out clearly."I will not allow anyone to tarnish Luna's legacy. If Hollowtooth intends to destroy the balance, then you will face me directly."

The hall instantly erupted in murmurs. Several guards tensed, their hands gripping sword hilts.

The Hollowtooth envoy stared at me for a long time, then narrowed his eyes."Do not threaten us, Luna heir. Your blood is still fresh — easily broken."

I held my anger, forcing myself to stay calm."I am not threatening. I am warning."

After a long, tense pause, the envoy finally gave a small nod — not respect, but a faint sign of acknowledgment."We will take your message to our leader," he said at last."But do not expect mercy if you fail."

I simply nodded, locking my gaze on his without blinking.

Once they were gone, it felt like all the air in the hall had been released. I collapsed into a chair, breathing heavily.

Lucan stepped closer, looking at me gently."You were incredible."

I turned to him, still shaking."I feel like I want to vomit," I admitted honestly.

Lucan gave a small, sympathetic smile."That means you are still human."

In my heart, the fear had not completely left. But something else had started to grow — a respect for myself.

I stood.

I spoke.

And I refused to bow.

Maybe, that was the true beginning of being Luna.