*Chapter Three* of *MOONLIT SHADOW
*Chapter Three: Echoes of the Past*
The road to *Wat Phra Singh* shimmered under the moonlight. The temple loomed ahead, ancient and solemn, its golden spires catching the faint glow. Mark's heart was racing—not just from the supernatural encounter, but from Jun's presence beside him.
Before they reached the temple gates, a figure stepped out from the shadows.
Tall. Calm. Dressed in traditional Thai robes with a modern edge.
"*Tawin*," Jun breathed, surprise in his voice.
Mark stiffened. "Friend of yours?"
Jun nodded slowly. "Tawin is... an old friend. He used to train with me—before he vanished two years ago."
Tawin's dark eyes flicked to Mark, then back to Jun. "I've been watching. The veil between worlds is thinning. You're in danger, Jun."
Before Jun could respond, another voice cut through the air—this one sharper, playful.
"I told you we shouldn't sneak ahead, *Khun Tawin*," a young man said, appearing beside him. He was lean, with mischievous eyes and a dagger tucked into his belt. "You never let me have fun."
"This is *Lek*," Tawin said, almost reluctantly. "He's... persistent."Lek winked at Mark. "Spirit hunter, huh? Nice jacket. Ever used it for more than protection?" he teased.
Mark rolled his eyes, but a slight blush crept up his neck.
The flirtation vanished quickly as the ground trembled.
A low groan echoed from the temple—ancient stones shifting.
"The wards are breaking," Jun whispered.
Tawin stepped forward. "We need to enter the inner sanctum. Now."
"No," Mark said firmly, stepping in front of Jun. "You disappeared for two years. Why should we trust you?"
"Because," Tawin replied, voice cold, "I've seen what's coming. And if we don't work together, none of us will survive it."
Jun placed a calming hand on Mark's arm. "We'll watch each other's backs."
Lek grinned. "Oh, I plan to. Especially yours."
As the four slipped inside the temple, the air grew colder. Deeper. More dangerous.
But something else stirred too—something between the stolen glances, the old wounds, and the unspoken feelings.
Love was blooming.
And so was the darkness's
Tb.