Chapter 43: Entering The Moon Temple
The first rays of dawn bathed the landscape in a silvery blue as we approached the Moon Temple.
The air was crisp, tinged with mist, and I felt the weight of the world settle deeper on my shoulders with every step I took.
Lucas walked beside me, silent, his posture tense but respectful. Whatever unspoken emotions lingered between us from last night were pushed aside by the gravity of our mission.
The Moon Temple stood like a sentinel at the edge of a mountain ledge, partially hidden by overgrown vines and frost-kissed evergreens. Its structure was ancient, older than the capital itself. Moonstone inlays shimmered faintly on the stone walls, and crescent motifs adorned the towering doors. As we drew closer, the temple seemed to breathe. The air around it felt charged and alive.
"It’s reacting to our prescence," Lucas murmured, eyes narrowing as he watched the faint glow around the temple’s entrance.
I swallowed, my heartbeat thudding in my ears. I didn’t reply. I stepped forward, letting instinct guide me. As soon as I touched the large silver crescent etched into the door, warmth radiated through my fingertips.
The heavy doors groaned open on their own, releasing a rush of cool, perfumed air — frankincense, pine, and something strange that I couldn’t quite name.
Inside, the temple was dim, illuminated only by rows of floating orbs that cast a ghostly light across the polished obsidian floors. A massive mural stretched across the dome-shaped ceiling — the Moon Goddess depicted in radiant silver, her eyes closed in slumber, surrounded by wolves bowing in reverence.
I took slow steps forward, feeling something in the atmosphere shift,. For some reason, it felt like the temple was watching. Or listening.
Lucas remained a few paces behind me, letting me lead. I appreciated the space. The further I walked, the heavier my limbs felt, as though the temple recognized me and was testing me.
A sudden sound, a soft whisper brushed against my ears. I turned sharply.