Luna’s eyes snapped open, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She sat up abruptly, her body tensed for a fight. The dimly lit chamber around her was unfamiliar—dark stone walls, velvet curtains, and an overwhelming scent of old blood and something else... something ancient.Her heart pounded as she tried to push herself off the bed, but a deep, amused chuckle made her freeze."Easy, little angel."She turned sharply to see a man lounging in a grand chair, one leg draped over the other. His long, dark coat had intricate gold embroidery, and his piercing eyes gleamed under the candlelight. There was a lazy smirk on his lips, a dangerous kind of arrogance that made her feel both wary and unsettled."Where am I?" she demanded, her voice firmer than she felt."My castle." he said smoothly. "You passed out in my arms. Quite the dramatic entrance, really."Luna bristled at his smug tone. "Who are you?""Valerius." He tilted his head, watching her like a predator would its prey. "Lord of this c

As they sat in the dimly lit chamber, the scent of freshly cooked meat and warm bread filled the air. Aldric had left them alone to eat, sensing that Noah wasn’t keen on his presence.Noah pushed his plate away, his appetite gone. "I can’t believe we’re trusting werewolves." His voice was low, but the bitterness was unmistakable. "You know what they did, Elion? You know what they did to my father?"Elion leaned forward, giving him a steady look. "Tell me."Noah took a shaky breath. "It was years ago. My father was traveling through the borderlands when a rogue werewolf—mindless, savage—attacked him. He didn’t even stand a chance. We never even found his body, just his blood-stained sword. That was all that was left of him." His hands clenched into fists. "And now you expect me to just sit here and trust them?"Elion sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Noah, I understand your hatred, but Aldric and his pack aren’t rogues. They have honor. They’re nothing like the beast that kille

The days in Mystoria passed slowly as Noah recovered. The pack house, though welcoming, was unfamiliar, and both Luna and Elion grew restless. One evening, as the sky burned with the golden hues of sunset, Aldric approached them with a smirk."You two look like caged birds." he said, crossing his arms. "How about a little action?"Elion arched an eyebrow. "What kind of action?"Aldric's smirk deepened. "A hunt."Luna frowned. "A hunt?"Aldric nodded. "We need to track down a rogue werewolf that’s been lurking near the borders. It’s been stealing from the pack’s food supply, and if we don’t deal with it soon, it'll get bolder."Elion glanced at Luna. "What do you think?"Luna hesitated, but the idea of running through the wilds of Mystoria, tracking a creature through the night, was tempting. "I say we go."Aldric grinned. "Good answer."×××××××A few hours later, they stood at the edge of the forest, the trees looming like ancient guardians under the full moon. Aldric knelt, running h

The river shimmered under the moonlight, its calm surface broken only by the gentle ripples of the current. Exhausted, the four of them settled down near the shore.Noah knelt beside Elion, carefully dressing a small wound on his arm.“For the love of god, keep your hand still.” Noah grumbled as he wrapped the bandage.Elion sighed, exasperated. “I am keeping it still.”“No, you’re not.”“You’re the one moving it!”Aldric, sitting on the grass and biting into an apple, smirked as he looked up at the sky. “You two bicker like an old married couple.”Luna giggled as she placed their belongings in a small boat by the river. “He’s just mad because Noah’s bossing him around for once.”Just as the laughter faded, a soft hum drifted through the air. A delicate, almost ethereal melody.Luna paused. “What is that?”Aldric turned his head slightly, listening. Then he smiled knowingly. “Water nymphs.”Elion’s brows lifted. “Nymphs?”“Specifically, Naiad Nymphs.” Aldric explained. “Spirits of fre

The morning light seeped through the cracks in the cave, casting a soft golden hue over the rough walls. Luna still felt sore, every muscle in her body protesting even the slightest movement. She hadn't left the cave last night—she hadn't had the energy to.Elion sat beside her, his fingers wrapped gently around hers as she sipped from a wooden flask. His warmth was reassuring, grounding her in this unfamiliar place."You should eat something." he murmured, his gaze filled with concern.Luna shook her head weakly. "I'm not hungry."Elion exhaled. "Luna, you need strength. The jump through the passage took a toll on you."She sighed, resting her head against the cool stone behind her. "I'll be fine. Just give me a little time."Aldric was outside, scouring the woods for herbs that could ease her pain. He had left at dawn, determined to find something useful.On the other side of the cave, Noah sat in a corner, methodically sharpening his dagger. The soft scraping of metal against stone