The Festival of Moons had always been Everhart's pride. Every decade, when the twin moons crossed paths in the night sky, the city transformed into a living hymn of silver and gold. Lanterns floated across the rivers, prayers whispered beneath marble arches, and music rang out from towers until even the stones seemed to sing. It was said that when the moons touched, blessings fell upon Everhart, marking it as the city of light.
For Andy, it felt like standing in a dream. Silver banners rippled from the spires, reflecting torchlight. Fireworks cracked in bursts of white and blue, raining sparks over laughing children. Nobles in gowns of silver-thread paraded past, their jewels glimmering like captive starlight.
But beneath it all, a current of unease tugged at him. Every smile looked too eager. Every cheer seemed too desperate. And at the heart of it, glowing brighter than all—Kayla.
She stood on the grand dais, framed by Lord Everhart's cold presence. Her gown tonight was plain, golden silk without embroidery, yet it outshone every noble jewel. In her hands, she cradled a bowl filled with water that shimmered unnaturally, reflecting not lantern light, but some deeper glow.
"She's weaving again," Nia whispered, her staff trembling faintly in her hand. Her silver eyes narrowed, Arcane Detection sparking. Andy saw her flinch, jaw tightening. "The corruption… it's not just stronger tonight. It's feeding on the moons."
Andy's gut twisted. His dragonblood pulsed hot, uneasy, as though recoiling from Kayla's light. "She's turning the festival into her stage."
Kayla raised her hand. A hush fell instantly, thick and reverent. Her voice rang soft but sure.
"People of Everhart. Tonight, we stand beneath the twin moons. Their light has guided us for centuries, blessing our city, binding us together. But in times of doubt, we must not only celebrate—we must seek truth. Let the moons themselves decide who carries their blessing."
The words landed like sacred decree. Nobles leaned forward, commoners gasped, guards shifted uneasily.
Nia stiffened. "She's going to call a ritual."
And Kayla did.
She lifted the bowl high, golden aura flaring brighter than the torches. "Let us hold the Blessing of the Twin Moons. A simple rite: whoever is chosen by their light will be revealed as Everhart's true protector."
The crowd erupted in applause.
Andy swore under his breath. "This is a trap."
"It's worse," Nia whispered. Her knuckles whitened on her staff. "It's corruption dressed as worship."
The ritual began. Kayla's golden aura bled into the bowl, light rippling across the plaza. Threads seeped outward, delicate as cobwebs, weaving into hearts and minds. Andy staggered as heat slammed into him, his dragonblood roaring awake.
The dragon's voice clawed at his skull. Burn. Release. Show them what you are.
Scales prickled along his arms, crimson fire searing through his veins. He gasped, clutching his blades.
Screams tore the silence.
"He's changing!"
"Dragonblood—!"
"Monster!"
"No!" Nia's voice split the night. She dropped to Andy's side, staff blazing silver. "He's being forced!"
Kayla lowered the bowl slowly, golden eyes glowing—too bright, too perfect. And then Andy saw it.
For one heartbeat, her skin cracked like glass, golden fissures glowing beneath. Her pupils elongated, divine light spilling outward, corrupted threads writhing through. Not human. Not noble. Something else, imprisoned in flesh.
Nia's detection screamed through her mind. She's not mortal. She's a goddess—and she's corrupted.
Kayla pressed a hand to her chest, feigning sorrow. "Look!" she cried. "See how the fire breaks free! See how even she cannot contain him! Is this Everhart's protector—or Everhart's doom?"
The crowd reeled. Nobles whispered, commoners wailed, children hid behind mothers. Guards lowered their spears toward Andy, trembling.
Andy roared, fire bursting from his body, flames spiraling uncontrolled. He fell to one knee, vision blurred crimson. The dragon inside howled, demanding release. They hate you. Burn them all. Burn her too.
Nia seized his face, forcing his eyes to hers. "Andy! Look at me!"
He trembled, sweat and fire burning him alive. "I… can't… I'll kill them—"
"You won't." Her voice cracked with fury, tears brimming but unyielding. "Because you are not alone. You never will be."
The System ignited in their minds.
System Warning: Foreign Ritual Interference detected.
Counter-Resonance recommended.
Initiating link…
Their hands locked. Silver surged from her, crimson roared from him. Fire and light collided, not to destroy, but to weave. The moons blazed above, their glow drawn into the vortex forming around them. The sigil of their bond seared across the sky—a spiral of flame and silver light entwined, radiant and undeniable.
The crowd gasped, dropping to knees, shielding eyes. The warmth washed over them—real, tangible, not illusion.
Kayla staggered. Her golden mask faltered, cracks spreading faintly across her skin, divine corruption writhing beneath. Gasps rippled:
"Her face—"
"She's… breaking…"
"Not human…"
She quickly lowered her head, smile too sharp, too quick. "What a dazzling display," she said, voice trembling despite her mask. "But even moons wane. Even bonds break."
The System thundered:
System Notice: Counter-Resonance Successful.
Public Alignment – shifting.
Bond Progression: Star 2 – 40%.
Andy collapsed to one knee, panting, fire dimming but steady. Nia dropped beside him, hand over his chest, steadying his breath. "You're not a monster," she whispered fiercely. "You're mine."
His eyes burned crimson and silver, tears cutting through soot. "And you're the only thing keeping me human."
The crowd erupted—not in fear, but in awe. The moons still glowed, their light falling like a vow.
Kayla stepped back into shadow, her smile thin, her eyes burning. "We shall see if you endure the next dawn."
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