The morning mist clung to the hills as Luna and Adrian left the ruins behind. The world seemed quieter, but the silence was heavy—like a held breath.
Adrian glanced over his shoulder more than once. His crimson eyes narrowed. "We're being followed."
Luna tilted her head. "Hunters?"
"…No. Something else."
They pressed on, but the feeling only grew stronger. Luna clutched the small stone charm Seraphina had given her, its surface warm in her palm. Achradina… The name whispered inside her mind like a half-remembered song.
By midday, their unease was answered.
The hunters returned—this time more numerous, their banners darkened with soot and fire. Their chants rose like a storm, echoing across the valley. The leader pointed straight at Luna.
"The cursed child of death! This time she will not escape!"
Adrian drew his blade, fangs flashing. "Stay close, Luna."
The battle broke out in a thunder of fire and steel. Adrian cut through the first wave, but the priests pressed harder, weaving their chains of flame. Luna tried to fight, her small hands clawing with undead strength, but their holy fire seared her flesh, and she cried out.
The leader raised his staff high, a sphere of burning light forming above them. "End this abomination!"
And then the sky split open once more.
A brilliant spear pierced the orb of fire, shattering it into fragments of harmless sparks. From the light descended the tall figure of silver, her armor gleaming, her wings unfolding like a shield.
Achradina.
Her voice cut across the battlefield, clear and cold: "You will not touch her."
The hunters faltered, their chants stuttering. But their leader snarled, defiant. "Who are you to interfere with the will of the Light?"
Achradina's eyes narrowed, her spear gleaming like a star. "One who does not bow to your false fire."
With a sweep of her weapon, a wave of force scattered the riders, their torches extinguished, their banners torn from their hands. Cries of fear rang out as they fled once again into the wilderness.
When silence fell, Luna collapsed to her knees, smoke rising from her burned arm. Achradina knelt beside her, her touch cool and soothing as she placed a hand over the wound. The pain faded, leaving only faint scars.
Luna's cloudy eyes met hers. "…Why? Why do you help me?"
Achradina's expression softened, though her gaze was heavy with secrets. "Because your path matters, little one. More than you yet know."
Adrian stood at a distance, his crimson eyes never leaving the radiant figure. "You've saved her twice. Yet you still hide the truth of what you are. Why?"
Achradina's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Because some truths must wait. For now, it is enough that she is safe."
She stood, wings folding, her form fading into the mist once more.
Luna touched her chest where the burn had been, whispering softly: "Achradina…"
And though Adrian said nothing, his sharp gaze lingered long after the light was gone.