The Inner Sanctum
The air inside the temple was thick with an unnatural stillness, as if the very stones were holding their breath. The group stepped cautiously through the glowing archway, the blue light from the runes on the walls casting eerie shadows that danced and flickered with every step. The hum of magic grew louder, vibrating through Isla’s chest as her connection to the Moon Goddess flared in response to the energy saturating the space.
“Stay close,” Draven said, his voice a low growl. His amber eyes flicked toward every shadow, every creak of stone, his body tense and ready for an attack. He walked slightly ahead of Isla, his protective instinct taking precedence despite her insistence that she could handle herself.
Alaric trailed just behind, his golden eyes narrowed. “This isn’t just a sanctum,” he murmured, his voice reverent yet wary. “It’s a living construct. The temple itself is responding to our presence.”
Jamie and the other warriors fanned out in pairs, their movements synchronized and cautious. Their breaths were shallow, their eyes scanning every corner of the massive structure as they descended deeper into its labyrinthine halls.
As they stepped into the central chamber, Isla’s breath hitched. The space opened into a vast dome, the ceiling so high it disappeared into shadow. The walls were lined with pulsing runes, their glow intensifying as the group moved closer to the center. There, in the middle of the chamber, stood Eira.
She was a vision of calm malevolence, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a river of light. Her crescent mark shone brightly against her pale skin, and her silver eyes held a serenity that only deepened the unease in Isla’s chest.
Behind her, suspended in a cradle of shimmering light, were the twins. Their tiny forms were wrapped in glowing cloth, their faint cries tugging at Isla’s very soul.
Isla’s steps quickened, but Draven’s hand shot out, gripping her arm firmly. “Not yet,” he said, his voice low.
Eira’s gaze lifted to meet Isla’s, a faint smile playing on her lips. “You’ve come so far,” she said, her voice smooth and unyielding. “But this is where it ends.”
Isla took another step forward, her silver eyes blazing with fury. “You’ve stolen my children,” she said, her voice trembling. “You have no right—”
“No right?” Eira interrupted, her tone gentle but cutting. “I have every right. I am their salvation. You are their ruin.”
Draven growled low in his throat, his claws flexing. “Enough of your games, Eira. Step aside, or I’ll make you.”
Eira’s calm demeanor didn’t falter. Instead, she raised her hands, her mark glowing brighter. The runes on the walls pulsed in response, filling the chamber with a blinding light. Isla shielded her eyes, her heart pounding as the magic surged.
