Rain dripped through the cracks of the wooden roof.
Liora sat beside the sleeping Crown Prince, the candlelight flickering over his pale features.
Three days had passed since he'd spoken her name — her real name — and every second since then had been agony.
She'd tried convincing herself it was coincidence.
But the moonlight that burned against her skin said otherwise.
When she lifted her sleeve, a faint mark shimmered near her wrist — a silver crescent glowing softly beneath her veins.
The same mark that had appeared on her wedding night, moments before her death.
"No one can see this," she whispered. "Not again."
But the harder she tried to suppress it, the brighter it pulsed, like it had a heartbeat of its own.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the hut.
Her apprentice, a timid boy named Finn, peeked inside.
"Miss Elara… the Royal Mage has arrived. He wishes to see the patient."
Liora's breath hitched. Royal Mage?
If anyone could sense her aura, it was him.
"Tell him His Highness needs rest," she said firmly.
But before the boy could reply, the door opened on its own — the hinges creaking under invisible pressure.
A tall man stepped in, his robes deep blue, embroidered with glowing runes. His eyes glowed faintly — silver, like mercury.
"I'll decide what His Highness needs," the mage said coldly. "Step aside."
His gaze swept the room, landing on her.
Liora's heart stuttered — she could feel him scanning her magic.
For a second, she swore the moonlight around her flickered in response.
"You…" he murmured, narrowing his eyes. "There's something ancient about your energy."
Liora forced a calm smile. "Merely healer's fatigue, Master Mage. I've worked without rest."
He walked closer, unblinking. "No. This is something else. Something cursed."
Kael stirred faintly behind her, his voice hoarse.
"Leave her… alone."
The mage straightened immediately. "Your Highness, she—"
"I said leave," Kael snapped, his tone low, commanding — almost protective.
The mage hesitated, then bowed stiffly. "As you wish, Your Highness. But mark my words — the moon does not forgive secrets."
When he left, silence returned.
Liora turned back toward Kael. His eyes were still closed, but his breathing was steady.
She exhaled slowly — relief mixing with unease.
"Why are you defending me?" she whispered. "You once killed me."
But Kael's lips curved faintly in his sleep — a ghost of a smile.
"Because this time," he murmured faintly, half-asleep, "I intend to protect you."
Her blood ran cold.
How could he speak as if he remembered everything?
Outside, the clouds parted.
A beam of moonlight slipped through the window and fell on her face — and for the first time, she saw her reflection in the glass.
Her eyes glowed faintly silver — just like his.