Morning dew clung to the grass as Aria stepped into the clearing.
Her boots sank into the soft earth, and her pendant glowed with a quiet hum. She breathed in deeply. The world felt calm.
But her heart wasn't.
Lysander stood at the center, waiting. His sword rested against a tree, forgotten for now. Today's training was not about fighting — it was about focus.
"Try again," he said. "Call the light without forcing it."
Aria nodded and closed her eyes.
She held the pendant gently.
> Breathe in.
Feel the warmth.
Think of a memory.
She thought of Mira's laugh… the way the moonlight fell across the chapel's altar…
And the light responded — rising from her skin in a soft glow.
---
"Better," Lysander said, stepping forward. "You're learning to guide it."
She opened her eyes and smiled, but it faded when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
> "Still glowing like a firefly, I see."
Rael.
Leaning against a tree, arms crossed, grin lazy — but his eyes sharp.
Aria's breath caught slightly.
Lysander's jaw tightened.
> "You weren't invited," he said flatly.
Rael shrugged. "Didn't realize she was yours to guard."
Aria stepped between them before the mood got worse.
> "It's fine," she said quickly. "He can stay… as long as he doesn't interrupt."
Rael raised a brow. "Interrupt? I'm here to help. Maybe show her a few things you forgot to teach."
---
Lysander stepped back but didn't look away from Rael.
Aria tried again — this time trying to shape the light into a blade.
The energy swirled but flickered, breaking apart mid-air.
She groaned. "It keeps falling apart."
"Because you're thinking too much," Rael said, walking closer. "Let it flow. Stop trying to control every piece."
Lysander said nothing — but his expression was cold.
Rael moved behind Aria, carefully guiding her hand.
"Don't force the shape. Let it come from the feeling."
His hand brushed hers, and a strange warmth spread through her.
> For a second, the light solidified — a faint arc like a moon-shaped blade.
Then it vanished.
She stepped away, breathing fast.
"See?" Rael smirked. "She remembers fire. Not rules."
---
"I remember… something," Aria whispered.
Rael turned serious. "Like what?"
She shook her head. "A feeling. Like standing between both of you. Like…"
> Like I couldn't choose.
---
Later that afternoon, as she picked up her cloak from the tree roots, something fell out of the pocket.
A torn piece of old parchment — one she didn't remember having.
Faded ink. Broken letters.
She frowned and held it up to the sunlight.
Only a few words could still be read:
> "…the one closest… betrayal comes from… moon must fall…"
Her hand trembled.
"What's that?" Lysander asked.
"I… I don't know."
Rael stepped closer. "Where did you find it?"
Aria looked between them — both watching her now.
"I think it was hidden in my cloak."
Lysander took the note, reading the words again.
> "The one closest…" he repeated under his breath.
Aria didn't say it out loud, but the thought screamed in her mind:
> Was the one who betrayed me someone I trusted?
And if so…
> Was it one of them?
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 12 brings new magic… and deeper tension 🌓
Aria's training grows stronger — but now, her heart is stuck between two men… and a mystery that's pulling her toward the truth.
💬 Question for you:
Who do you think the note is about — Rael, Lysander… or someone else we haven't met yet?
📌 Add this story to your collection if you want to see what happens next my feefle 💟😩