Interlude – The Bond of Twins
The forest had always been kind to them.
Moonlight sifted through the canopy, dappling the clearing in silver light. The night wind carried the cool scent of moss and pine, brushing against antlers that gleamed like ivory crowns. A small hunting party moved silent through the Wildreach—four young bucks, lean and alert, and at their heart, the twins.
Elai led at the front, his steps careful, his ears sharp. Behind him, always just within reach, was Serenya. Her pale fur caught the moonlight like frost, her golden eyes following every move he made. She mirrored his gait without thought, her breath syncing with his own.
It wasn't practice. It was instinct. Bond.
They were twins—born of the same womb, rare as stars in daylight. Among the deerkin, it was no small thing. Once in a generation, the gods blessed their people with such a pair. Brother and sister, yet more than siblings. Fated mates. A bond that ran deeper than blood, deeper than flesh.
Their union, when it came, would not be scandal. It would be sacred.
From their offspring would come strength unmatched, a child destined to carry the spirit of the forest itself. Every tale told it so. Every elder had whispered it when the twins were born.
And they believed it.
Elai glanced back once, his gaze softening. His hand brushed Serenya's as they walked, and the small touch made her cheeks warm. He didn't need to speak. His eyes carried the promise: You are mine, and I am yours. Always.
Serenya lowered her gaze, shy smile tugging at her lips. She was proud, nervous, overwhelmed all at once. The elders expected greatness from them, the clan whispered of destiny. But to her, it wasn't duty that made her chest flutter. It was him. Her brother. Her other half.
The bucks traveling with them gave distance, silent in respect. They too knew. None would interfere. None would dare.
For the bond of twins was divine.
The clearing opened before them, wide and bathed in silver. Serenya exhaled, relief spilling over her tongue. The forest was alive with song—owls calling, leaves rustling, the night peaceful. Safe.
Until the sound came.
A rustle. Heavy, wrong.
Elai stiffened, ears flicking back, nostrils flaring. The others froze, hands to spears, eyes sharp. Serenya felt it a breath later—the scent riding the wind. Not predator. Not prey. Something fouler.
Musk. Sweat. Blood.
It stung her nose, sharp and acrid, carrying the weight of violence.
Elai stepped in front of her, shoulders squared, voice steady but low. "Stay behind me."
Her heart pounded. The air grew heavy, too thick to breathe. The forest, once kind, seemed to hush, holding its breath.
Serenya clutched her brother's arm, not out of fear—though it was there, hot in her chest—but out of need. She couldn't bear to be apart from him. Not even for a step.
The trees shivered. The wrongness drew closer.
And though Serenya pressed against Elai, clinging to the bond the gods themselves had given them, some part of her knew.
Something had come to break it.