The old library smelled of dust and forgotten stories.
Nyra ran her fingers along the spines of ancient tomes, searching for something she couldn't quite name.
Her grandmother's journal was there — worn, bound in faded leather with a silver crescent moon embossed on the cover.
She opened it carefully.
The Secret Revealed
Her grandmother's handwriting was delicate but firm:
"The Moon Vessel is a mantle, passed down through the bloodline of those chosen to hold the tides. It is a burden and a blessing. The moon does not create power — it reflects the sun's fury and tempers the chaos."
Nyra's eyes widened.
"Long ago, an ancestor sacrificed herself to calm a rising sun vessel — her sacrifice etched the balance we now hold. To bear the mantle is to live with the echo of that sacrifice."
Memory's Call
Images flashed in Nyra's mind — a woman standing under a full moon, tears streaming, reaching out to a burning sky.
"The moon is both shield and mirror, guardian and guide. Without it, the sun's rage would consume all."
Nyra closed the journal.
A chill ran down her spine.
Back in Reality
The moon outside was full, its light cool and steady.
She thought about Kael — the sun vessel — and the destruction he'd unleashed.
And Aarav — the star vessel — still struggling to grasp his power.
Nyra whispered:
"I'm not just fighting for myself.I'm fighting for everyone who came before me… and everyone who will come after."
A Quiet Resolve
She rose, determination burning in her eyes.
The tides were rising.
And she would be their keeper.