The Burning Flame

That night was so silent, as if the whole world was holding its breath. The fire in the great hall had begun to fade, leaving only a dim light dancing across the stone walls. The wind outside sounded eerie, creeping through the cracks in the tower, carrying the scent of snow and fear.

I sat in a chair near the hearth, staring at the dwindling flames. In my mind, Hollowtooth's words kept echoing: Luna's blood is a curse.

My hands clenched in my lap.

No. It is not a curse.

I had already proven that this blood was a strength, even though part of me was still trembling.

Lucan approached, his steps quiet, watching me carefully.

"You haven't slept?"

I shook my head.

"How could I sleep, when everything might change by morning?"

Lucan sat beside me.

"Tomorrow, we'll face it together."

I took a deep breath.

"What if they attack in the middle of the night?"

"We are ready," he answered firmly.

There was calm in his voice, and somehow, it settled into me a little too.

Soon after, Yana arrived, carrying a tray with hot soup.

"You must eat," she said gently.

I shook my head again.

"I can't."

Yana looked at me firmly.

"Elara, your body will not withstand the battle if you don't give it strength."

In the end, I obeyed, taking the spoon even though it felt like swallowing sand.

While I ate, Lucan watched me for a long time.

"Do you remember when you first came here?" he asked suddenly.

I gave a small smile.

"Of course. I didn't even know how to stand on this land."

Lucan let out a soft laugh, then his voice softened.

"Look at you now. You've made the whole kingdom turn their eyes to you."

I lowered my head, embarrassed yet afraid.

"Sometimes it feels too heavy."

Lucan stroked the back of my hand.

"I will not let you bear it alone."

The wind howled louder, shaking the old glass window. In the distance, the howl of wolves made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

I shivered.

"They're starting to draw near," I whispered.

Lucan nodded slowly.

"That's a sign they are preparing."

Yana looked at the two of us.

"If they truly break through, do you have a backup plan?"

Lucan answered firmly,

"If the gates fall, we retreat to the inner hall. Protect the people first."

I held my breath.

"And after that?"

Lucan looked into my eyes.

"After that, we hold on until our last breath."

Those words struck my heart hard, making my blood burn with both fear and courage.

As midnight approached, several scouts returned to the castle, their faces tense.

"Your Majesty," one of the soldiers panted,

"Hollowtooth's army has been sighted in the northern valley. Their numbers… are massive."

My heart seemed to drop to the pit of my stomach.

Lucan stood up quickly.

"How far are they?"

"Less than half a day's march," the scout replied.

I stood, straightening my shoulders.

"Gather all the commanders. We'll prepare the fortress."

Lucan looked at me with pride.

"You truly are ready to lead."

I wasn't sure I was ready.

But I knew I could not back down.

Soon, the hall was full again. Commanders, elders, and even some common folk came to hear my orders.

I stood before them, trying to steady the shaking in my knees.

"Tonight we do not sleep. We guard the gates, strengthen the defenses, and ensure all families are sheltered in the inner hall."

Some looked panicked, but Lucan helped calm them down.

"We will not surrender," I said firmly, my voice nearly breaking,

"Because this land does not belong to Hollowtooth. This is our home."

The atmosphere changed in an instant. Their eyes began to light up — fear slowly replaced by hope.

After the meeting, I stood again in the castle yard. The night air was cruelly cold, as if it wanted to shatter my resolve.

Lucan stood beside me, staring at the dark valley in the distance.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered.

I gave a faint smile.

"I'm just afraid, Lucan. So afraid."

"That's alright," he replied.

"Fear means you're still alive."

I nodded, staring at the faint stars behind the clouds.

Mother, tomorrow I will fight.

For you, for your blood, for everyone here.

And in my chest, a small flame began to burn —

a flame that would not be extinguished no matter what storm came.

I returned to my room after that gathering, feeling as if my entire body had been drained into emptiness. It was terrifying to know that hundreds of people were now waiting on my decisions — me, someone who once didn't even know this world existed.

I stood before the mirror, staring at my reflection. There, I saw a girl with long brown hair, eyes red from exhaustion, but there was something else in them — a small flame I had never seen before.

Is this what you meant, Mother?

Luna's strength is not just about blood, but about the heart.

I took a deep breath, then patted my cheeks.

I could not look weak tomorrow.

Yana knocked softly at the door.

"May I come in?"

I nodded.

She stepped inside, carrying a bundle of cloth.

"I've prepared your battle attire," she said quietly.

I took the cloth, feeling its texture in my hands.

"This… is Luna's garment?"

Yana bowed her head respectfully.

"Your mother wore it when she fought."

Tears nearly spilled as I saw the silver moon embroidered on the chest, with the pattern of a black wolf on the shoulders.

"Do I deserve to wear it?" I asked softly, almost a whisper.

Yana smiled with deep affection.

"You are her heir. If not you, then who?"

After changing into the garment, I stood in front of the mirror again. The clothes felt heavy, as if carrying the weight of history with me. But they also gave me strength.

Lucan came in a moment later, his eyes widening when he saw me.

"Luna," he breathed, voice trembling,

"You look like a true queen."

I laughed a little, awkwardly.

"I feel like a child wearing grown-up clothes."

Lucan stepped closer, looking at me proudly.

"You are no child anymore, Elara. You are Luna."

We walked together to the inner hall, where many people had already gathered. They were crowded together, children crying, mothers holding them tightly.

My heart clenched at the fear on their faces.

I climbed the small steps in front of the hall, taking a deep breath, then began to speak.

"Listen, everyone," I said, trying to keep my voice from shaking,

"I know tonight is frightening. I know you all feel alone."

Several pairs of eyes looked at me, tears flowing.

"But you are not alone," I continued, steadier now.

"I am here with you. And I swear I will not let them take our home."

The sounds of crying began to fade, replaced by hushed whispers that slowly turned to hope.

"I promise," I called out strongly,

"I will not abandon you. I stand here, as your Luna."

Soft cheers began to rise, spreading little by little through the crowd.

Lucan stood beside me, and for the first time, I felt the people looking at us not as strangers, but as their protectors.

After calming everyone, I returned to the outer yard, trying to steady my breathing. The wind bit deep, carrying the scent of pine and snow.

Lucan came close, looking into my eyes.

"You made them believe," he praised.

I lowered my head.

"I only spoke from my heart."

"That's what matters most," he replied.

As dawn neared, scouts returned with new reports.

"Your Majesty, the Hollowtooth ranks have begun to move. They may arrive before sunrise."

My heart pounded hard.

"How many?"

"More than before. Two thousand strong, maybe more," he answered grimly.

I drew a deep breath.

"Ready all forces on the west wall. I want double the guards at the gates."

Lucan quickly answered,

"I will lead the front line. You should stay in the inner hall."

I looked at him, refusing.

"No. I will be with you."

Lucan fell silent, watching me with worry.

"Elara, you are their last hope. Don't take the risk."

I shook my head sharply.

"I will not hide, Lucan. If they see me standing at the front, they will grow even stronger."

Lucan looked at me for a long time, then finally relented.

"Alright. But stay close to me."

We walked to the western gate, where the soldiers were busy reinforcing the defenses, stacking sandbags, sharpening spears, and checking bows and arrows.

Their eyes were different now from the day before — there was determination, the sense that they had something worth fighting for.

I walked among them, patting the shoulders of some young soldiers.

"Thank you for your bravery," I told them.

They bowed with respect, eyes shining with tears.

And as the sky began to pale, signaling the coming dawn, the sound of war drums echoed in the distance — rhythmic, haunting, making the air vibrate.

Lucan turned to me.

"It's time."

I straightened my back, gripping the sword Yana had prepared.

"I am ready," I said firmly.

And in my chest, the flame I had found the night before now burned even bigger —

a flame that would not die, even if the whole world tried to extinguish it.