Reign of the Forsaken Moon - Chapter 31: Chapter 31

It began with a scream.
A sharp, desperate cry that pierced the early morning mist rolling over Windrest Keep. Birds scattered from the trees. Wolves raised their heads from slumber, muscles coiled. And in the central courtyard, the guards were already running.
By the time Seraphina reached the eastern ward spire, Mira was crouched beside a bleeding sentry, her hands pressed over his chest. The young wolf’s breathing was ragged, eyes wide with disbelief and pain.
“He survived?” Seraphina asked, dropping to her knees.
“Just barely,” Mira said. “But someone wanted him dead. And they didn’t use claws.”
Seraphina examined the wound—thin, precise, and laced with a shimmering residue of moon-blight. A blade strike. Magic-infused.
This was no enemy assault.
This was sabotage. Again.
But this time... it was someone from within.
The Shattered Ward
The eastern spire housed one of the last untouched warding stones—until now. The ancient crystal embedded in the tower’s floor flickered with weak, broken light. Its song—usually a gentle hum—was silent.
Kael knelt near the base of the pedestal, a silver dagger in his hand. The runes on its surface were smeared with blood.
“Sabotage confirmed,” he said grimly. “The same kind of blade used before. Same ritual marks. This wasn’t just sabotage—it was an attempt to sever the last protective link around Windrest.”
“Which means someone inside still wants the wards down,” Seraphina murmured, eyes cold.
Mira’s expression darkened. “They want to make you vulnerable. To weaken the realm before the Gate fully awakens.”
“We don’t have time for subtlety anymore,” Seraphina said. “We find the traitor—now.”
A Familiar Face
As if summoned, Darian appeared at the base of the tower. His aura was taut with fury, his eyes scanning the ruined ward site with military precision.
“Status?” he barked.
Kael answered. “Another internal strike. Someone used moon-blight. A dagger again. That makes three failed protections in a week.”
Darian turned to Seraphina. “This has gone beyond treachery. It’s warfare.”
Seraphina nodded, her jaw clenched. “And it ends today.”
Mira looked between them. “You’re both thinking it.”
Kael confirmed, “It has to be someone from the court. With full access.”
Darian’s voice dropped low. “Then it’s time we bait them out.”
Setting the Trap
That evening, Seraphina stood before the entire High Council in the central war chamber. The air was tense. No one trusted anyone anymore.
“Windrest is under siege,” she declared. “Not by an enemy at the gate—but by a coward in our midst.”
Murmurs rippled through the room.
“We will restore the wards. We will seal the Gate. And we will root out the traitor who has betrayed this kingdom, this bloodline, and this pack.”
Her gaze swept across the faces: Lord Brannick, who had always resented her return; Elder Mora, whose loyalty to tradition often bordered on fanaticism; and Wren, a quiet advisor who rarely spoke but watched everything.
Lucien stood at the far end of the room, half in shadow. His silver eyes didn’t flinch from hers.
Darian stepped forward and dropped a sealed decree on the table.
“Every council member will submit to magical truth-binding tomorrow at dawn. No exceptions.”
Outrage erupted immediately.
“That’s an insult—”
“We have served this realm for decades—”
“You’re accusing us all?!”
“No,” Seraphina said. “I’m giving you a chance to prove your loyalty. Refuse, and you’ll be exiled—or worse.”
The room fell silent.
The Knife in the Dark
That night, Seraphina couldn’t sleep.
She wandered the high halls of the Keep, shadows trailing her like memories. In her hand, she carried both obsidian shards—the black one pulsing steadily, the red one now dull, dormant. The Gate was quiet. Too quiet.
And that’s when she heard the click behind her.
A breath. Too close.
Instinct roared through her.
She spun—just in time to deflect a silver blade aimed at her throat.
The traitor was cloaked, masked, fast.
But Seraphina was faster.
Their blades clashed in a dance of sparks and steel. Magic flared as she unleashed a wave of fire, forcing the attacker back. They hissed, shielding their face—but for a moment, just long enough, the moonlight caught a glimpse of their eyes.
Gold. Cold. Familiar.
Wren.
The quiet, unassuming advisor with soft footsteps and soft smiles.
Seraphina’s heart pounded. “You?”
Wren straightened, mask falling to the floor. Her expression was calm—too calm.
“You were always too merciful, Luna. That will be your undoing.”
Seraphina growled, magic crackling in her palms. “Why, Wren? Why betray the court?”
Wren’s lips curled. “Because the Gate speaks truth. The Unnamed will free us from your blood-bound lies. From your destiny.”
“You don’t even know what’s coming!”
“I don’t care. The world needs to burn before it can be remade.”
Wren lunged again, but this time Seraphina didn’t hesitate.
She struck with fire and steel, disarming Wren and slamming her into the stone wall.
When Darian arrived moments later, Wren was already bound in enchanted chains, snarling like a rabid wolf.
The Aftermath
At dawn, the council assembled again.
This time, they came in silence.
Wren was dragged before them, her betrayal undeniable. The mood shifted—some wept, others trembled, and a few bowed their heads in shame.
Seraphina stood tall.
“This is what unchecked fear becomes,” she said. “It festers. It consumes. And it betrays everything we stand for.”
She looked at each of them.
“But we will rise. Again. Stronger.”
And in that moment, even those who had doubted her could not look away.
A Quiet Moment
That night, as the storm finally passed, Darian stood with Seraphina on the tower balcony. Below, Windrest glowed softly with torchlight, its people slowly returning to a sense of safety.
“You were magnificent,” he said.
She turned to him, smiling faintly. “I was furious.”
“Same thing, sometimes.”
She laughed, the sound soft and rare.
He stepped closer. “You made them believe again. Even after everything.”
“They’ll forget, eventually. Doubt always returns.”
“Then we’ll remind them again.”
Seraphina’s expression turned serious. “There’s still the Gate. And Lucien.”
“I know. But for tonight... just breathe.”
She let him wrap his arms around her.
And for a fleeting moment, the Twice-Born Luna allowed herself to rest.