The Moonstone did not glow that night.
Alisha stood before it long after the council had dispersed, the chamber silent except for her breathing. The crystal hovered above its pedestal, dull and pale, as if drained of its usual brilliance.
She had never seen it like this.
"You're afraid," she whispered.
The Moonstone did not respond.
Her fingers curled slowly into fists.
For as long as she could remember—longer than memory itself—the moon had been her guide, her anchor, her proof that destiny was not a lie whispered to frightened children. And yet now, when she needed it most, its presence felt distant. Watchful. Reserved.
Testing her.
Alisha turned away sharply.
If the moon could doubt her, then she would stop waiting for its approval.
The doors opened softly behind her.
Rowan entered, his expression unreadable. "You shouldn't be alone tonight."
"I'm not," she replied. "I have myself."
He studied her for a long moment. "You've crossed into dangerous territory."
"I know."
"Your mother crossed it too."
Alisha faced him fully. "And she paid the price so I wouldn't have to. But the world has changed."
Rowan's voice softened. "So have you."
She lowered her gaze. "He's not like the Shadow King."
"No," Rowan agreed. "That's why he's more dangerous. He doesn't want to destroy you."
She whispered the truth she hadn't dared say aloud."He wants me to choose."
Rowan nodded once. "And the moon is no longer the only voice whispering in your ear."
Silence stretched between them.
Outside, clouds slid slowly across the sky, obscuring the moon completely.