The moon had never abandoned Alisha before.
Not once—not during training, not during fear, not even when doubt gnawed at her heart. Its presence had always been there, steady and watchful, like a quiet promise.
Until tonight.
She felt the absence the moment she stepped into the palace gardens.
The fountains shimmered unnaturally still, moonlight frozen across their surfaces. The air felt wrong—thin, hollow, as if something vital had been removed.
Alisha slowed her pace.
Her heartbeat echoed too loudly in her ears.
"This isn't funny," she said softly, fingers brushing the pendant at her throat.
No response.
She reached instinctively for her power.
Nothing answered.
A chill crept up her spine.
"That's impossible…"
A figure emerged from the shadow of the cypress trees.
Tall. Calm. Watching her as though she were the intruder.
He wore dark travel-worn clothes, unadorned by rank or sigil. His presence bent the air subtly, like a gravity she couldn't resist. His eyes were sharp, unreadable—and utterly untouched by moonlight.
For the first time since her awakening, Alisha felt exposed.
"Who are you?" she demanded, forcing strength into her voice.
He studied her glowless form with quiet interest."So the moon really chose you."
Her breath caught. "You know who I am."
A faint smile curved his lips—not warm, not mocking. Curious.
"Everyone who matters does."
She tried again to summon Radiance.
Nothing.
Her composure cracked. "What did you do to me?"
He took a step closer. The garden lights dimmed further.
"I didn't take your power," he said gently. "The moon simply refuses to answer when I'm near."
Her pulse thundered.
"No one can block the moon."
His gaze softened, just a fraction."Then perhaps I'm not no one."
Footsteps echoed from the palace corridor.
The man stepped back into shadow.
"We'll meet again, Alisha," he said quietly. "And when we do, you'll have to decide whether you fear me… or trust me."
Then he was gone.
The moonlight rushed back all at once.
Alisha staggered, breath shaking.
Whatever he was—
He had changed everything.