The First Encounter
The forest opened into a clearing, where an ancient temple loomed, shrouded in mist. Its weathered stone walls were etched with intricate runes that pulsed with faint light, casting shifting patterns across the ground. A faint hum of magic filled the air, making Isla’s skin prickle.
“This is it,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her connection to the twins felt stronger here, a pull so visceral it made her legs tremble.
Draven’s claws flexed as he stepped beside her, his amber eyes scanning the temple’s entrance. “Stay close,” he said, his voice edged with protective determination. “We’re not taking any chances.”
Before they could move closer, a figure emerged from the shadows. A woman with glowing silver eyes and a crescent mark on her forehead stood before the temple, her presence unsettlingly calm. She raised a hand as if to stop them.
“You shouldn’t have come,” the woman said, her tone as serene as it was chilling.
Isla stepped forward, her silver eyes blazing. “Where are my children?” she demanded, her voice trembling with anger and desperation.
The woman tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. “They are safe. Safer than they would ever be with you.”
Draven’s snarl ripped through the clearing as he moved to lunge. “Get out of our way, or I’ll—”
The woman raised her other hand, and magic erupted from the ground. Shadowy tendrils coiled upward, forming a barrier of writhing energy that shimmered ominously. “You won’t touch me,” she said, her voice calm but laced with warning.
The air vibrated with power as the group braced themselves. Isla’s light flared instinctively, countering the oppressive darkness. The woman raised her hands again, and the ground shook violently, forcing the group to scatter.
Isla’s heart pounded as she rolled to her feet. Her focus locked on the woman, her grip on her connection to the Moon Goddess steadying her.
“You can’t stop me,” Isla said, her voice unwavering.
The woman smiled faintly, her rune marks glowing brighter. “We’ll see about that.”
________________
