The council chamber was filled with tension thick enough to choke. Moon-forged lanterns hung overhead, casting long shadows across the curved table.
Generals. Scholars. Strategists. Royal guards. All gathered because of her.
Alisha took a seat beside Rowan and the Emperor, palms sweating.
General Lyra was the first to speak. "The Shadow King wants the heir. We should relocate her immediately. A moving target is harder to hit."
Rowan shook his head firmly. "Removing her from the Moonstone's radius weakens her. He will sense the drop in power instantly."
Scholar Nerion leaned forward. "Each night, the shadows will strengthen. The King grows bolder with every rise of the moon."
The Emperor surveyed the room. "We cannot afford fear. We need strategy."
Alisha hesitated—then stood.Her voice trembled but didn't break.
"I'm not running. If I'm the one he wants, then hiding doesn't solve anything. I want to train. I want to protect this kingdom."
Some generals whispered disapproval.
"She's inexperienced."
"She's a child."
"She cannot face an ancient being—"
Alisha cut them off. "I didn't ask for this power. I didn't ask to be the heir. But I am. And I will not let the Shadow King destroy what my mother died protecting."
Silence.
Rowan's gaze softened—full of unspoken belief.
The Emperor finally spoke.
"Then the path is clear." He stepped forward. "Your training will move to the next stage.From Glimmer…to Radiance."
Alisha swallowed. "What's Radiance?"
Rowan answered quietly, "The second stage of Moonblood. Stronger. Harder to control. And far more dangerous."
Alisha lifted her chin. "I'm ready."
The Emperor sighed, and something sorrowful flashed in his eyes.
"Your mother said those words too," he said softly. "And she paid a terrible price."
Alisha didn't flinch.
"Then I'll finish what she couldn't."
Outside, the moon rose, its light slipping through the palace windows like an omen.
And far away, beyond the empire's borders, a rumble of ancient laughter stirred the shadows.
The world was shifting.
And Alisha had taken her first steps into a war older than her bloodline.