Chapter 6: A Silent Agreement
Aria's POV
Roman's frightened words echoed chillingly through the rage of the storm. Once again, there was a deep, resonating rumbling in the earth that sent shivers through my bones.
With my pulse racing, I turned to face the cave's entrance. What was going on?
Darius had left and was looking for anything to rescue my mother.
However, the storm continued to roar and the darkness was deep. I was in this cave by myself with a dying lady I hardly knew.
Then a glimmer of light broke through the shadows.
Something hotter and brighter, not the slight glow of my flesh. A fire-like crimson light.
It twisted and swirled, becoming bigger as it got closer to the cave's entrance. Roman's screams of fear became more intense.
My legs trembled as I stood, but I had to see. I needed to know what was going to happen.
With every step I took, the red light became stronger as I made my way to the door. The air became heavy and dense with an odd, smoldering smell.
Then I noticed it. A monster composed of darkness and fire. Its body twisted and changed, its eyes burning like scorching flames.
Roman flinched against the cave wall as it towered above him.
The earth under my feet trembled as it spoke with a deep, rumbling growl. "Give what's rightfully mine."
Roman's eyes were wide with fear as he sobbed. "I have nothing at all!"
The sound of the creature's hiss was like wood burning. "The Blessed Moon." I own her.
My throat tightened each breath. It made me happy. However, why?
Darius emerged before I could respond, his figure a black silhouette against the crimson light.
With his sword out, he stepped between Roman and the beast.
His voice was firm and powerful as he muttered, "She's not yours."
The sound of the creature's laughter chilled my blood. "A stupid wolf. I am her fire, and she is a moon kid. We are obligated.
"Constrained by what?" Darius's voice was harsh as he asked.
"By blood," the beast growled. "By old-fashioned magic." By a deal you don't comprehend.
With his blade gleaming in the crimson light, Darius attacked.
The beast growled as it twisted and moved to dodge the hit.
The roar of the beast and the clang of steel reverberated throughout the cave as the combat waged.
My heart was racing as I watched, and my head was spinning. What was this animal? What was it looking for in me?
Then the air was torn with a startling, harsh shriek. Mom.
My eyes widened in terror as I turned. Her respiration was faint, her complexion was pale, and she lay still.
"No!" My voice broke as I sobbed.
I fell to my knees as I hurried to her side. Her glance was feeble as her eyes flitted open.
"Aria," she said in a scarcely discernible whisper. "You have to go. You have to flee.
"No," I murmured, my voice wavering. "I won't abandon you."
She continued, her voice trailing off, "You must." "The beast... It's too powerful. The Moon Severance is something you must locate.
She stopped breathing and closed her eyes. She had left.
My cheeks started to well up with tears. She was gone from me. Everything was gone from me.
Then my shoulder was touched by a hand.
Darius.
With anguish in his eyes, he knelt next to me. "I apologize, Aria," he muttered.
Unable to speak, I shook my head. It hurt too much.
The voice of the beast then reverberated throughout the cavern. "Enough! I own her!
With a stern look, Darius stood. "Not as I take a breath."
His eyes searched mine as he turned to face me. "Ariana, go. Run. Find the Severance of the Moon. I'll wait.
"No," I murmured, my voice wavering. "I won't abandon you."
"You must," he replied in a pressing tone. "It is too risky. Now go!
With his sword lifted, he faced the beast once again. After hesitating, I got up. I was unable to abandon him. However, I was also unable to remain.
Leaving the struggle and the beast behind, I turned and went further into the cave.
I ran till my legs gave out and I collapsed against a wet, chilly wall. My body trembled with dread and sadness as the tears came freely.
Everything was gone from me. My mom, my house, my history. I was also losing Darius now.
And then I had an idea. Severance of the Moon. I kept thinking about what my mother had said.
"The Moon Severance must be found."
Where, though? What would shatter old magic, and where might I discover it?
My legs were trembling as I stood, but my will was unwavering. I wouldn't give up. I wouldn't allow the beast to prevail.
The Moon Severance had to be located. Darius needed to be saved.
I turned and sprinted further into the cave, looking for any hint or indication.
Hours went by. The cave was a labyrinth of passageways and rooms. I looked in every nook and cranny.
Then I noticed it. A dim light, coming from a little room concealed by a rock structure.
With my pulse racing, I walked in its direction. As the light intensified, a little altar made of silver stone was seen.
There was just one thing on the altar. A blade, crafted from unadulterated moonlight. Severance of the Moon.
My fingers were shaking as I grabbed it. The blade was strong, slick, and cold.
Then a voice, old and strong, reverberated in my mind. "You want to sever the connection?"
My hand was hovering above the knife when I froze. "Who are you?" I muttered.
The voice said, "I am the Moon Goddess." "I am also aware of your heart."
I trembled as I said, "I have to break the bond." "I want me, the creature."
The Goddess declared, "The creature is a part of you." "A part that you can't ignore."
But it's risky," I said in a beseeching tone. "People are dying from it."
"You possess it," the Goddess declared. "A force you have to manage. Not ruined.
"However?" With a voice full of despair, I asked.
The Goddess remarked, "You have to learn to trust." "You, not just other people."
"Belief?" I whispered, my voice filled with confusion.
"Trust Darius," the Goddess replied. "He will help you."
"But… he's a wolf," I said, my voice shaking. "He's dangerous."
"He is also your mate," the Goddess said. "And he loves you."
My throat tightened each breath. My friend. Love.
"Go to him, Aria," the Goddess said. "He needs you. You also require him.
The voice faded, leaving me alone in the chamber. I looked at the knife, then back at the tunnel leading to the cave entrance.
I had a choice. Trust Darius, and confront the beast. Or run, and lose everything.
I took a deep breath, my resolve firm. I wouldn't run. I wouldn't hide.
I turned and ran, back towards the cave entrance, back towards Darius.
As I approached the battle, I saw Darius, his body battered and bleeding, but still standing. The creature towered over him, its form shifting and twisting.
Then, I saw Roman. He lay on the ground, his eyes wide with terror, a dark, smoking wound on his chest.
The creature turned, its fiery eyes fixed on me. "You're too late," it hissed. "He is mine."
And then, it lunged. A wave of fire washed over Darius, and he fell to the ground, his body still.
"No!" I screamed, my voice filled with rage and despair.
I raised the Moon Severance, my hand shaking, but my eyes fixed on the creature. "You won't have him," I growled. "Not now. Not ever."
And then, I plunged the knife into my own chest.