The note stayed in her cloak pocket.
Aria hadn't told either of them what it truly said.
She let them read the blurred side, the one with half-washed words…
But the clearer part — the line about betrayal — she folded away.
And kept for herself.
---
That evening, she sat alone by the fire.
Lysander had gone to fetch water.
Rael leaned against a nearby tree, tossing a coin between his fingers.
Silence stretched between them.
I didn't expect you to remember me this fast,Rael said suddenly.
Aria didn't answer.
Back then, he continued, "you trusted too easily. You let people get close. Even when you knew they could break you.
She looked up. Are you saying I was foolish?
He met her gaze. No. I'm saying you were… brave.
---
A spark fluttered in her chest.
She didn't want it to. But it did.
Was that how I felt for him once?
Was that why someone betrayed me?
When she slept that night, the dreams came again.
---
💤 Flashback Dream 💤
The wind blew through a stone courtyard.
Rael stood across from her, holding out a small blade.
If anything happens to me, he said, don't forgive them too quickly.
She frowned. Them?
Rael hesitated. Some people stand beside you… only until it's time to choose.
She looked into his eyes.
You think someone close to me would turn?
He gave a sad smile.
I know someone already has.
---
🌙 Back to the present
Aria woke with a gasp, heart pounding.
She looked around.
The fire had burned low.
Lysander slept nearby.
Rael was gone.
---
She stood quietly, slipping into her cloak and stepping outside the chapel. The forest was quiet. Too quiet.
She followed the glow of her pendant through the trees.
And then she saw him.
Rael stood by a large stone, staring at something carved into it.
She crept closer, staying behind a tree.
On the stone were faint words… old, broken by time.
Moon shall fall. Light must be silenced.
Rael whispered something under his breath.
But Aria couldn't hear.
Then he placed his hand on the stone — and the symbol glowed red.
---
She stepped on a twig.
Rael turned sharply.
Their eyes met.
Neither of them spoke.
But in that moment, Aria saw something flicker in his expression.
Surprise.
Regret.
And something darker.
He knows more than he says.
---
She turned and ran back to the chapel.
The wind howled through the trees as if warning her.
When she reached the fire, Lysander was awake.
You went out alone?" he asked.
Aria just nodded, sitting down.
She clutched the note tighter in her hand, hidden in her sleeve.
One part of her wanted to trust them both.
The other part?
Didn't trust anyone at all.
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 13 brings more mystery and quiet heartbreak 🌘
Aria is remembering more… and learning that someone isn't telling the full truth.
💬 Question for you:
Should Aria confront Rael… or keep pretending she doesn't know?
📚 Add this story to your collection so you don't miss the next chapter my sweet reader 💟🌚