Chapter 187: Guardian's Words

Brenda’s POV

As soon as I entered the cave, the darkness engulfed me. The air smelled of earth and something older than time itself, and it was cold and damp. I gripped the Moonstone hard, even though it was no longer glowing, and my fingers touched the wall as I moved.

"Light," I said in a tremulous murmur. However, the stone remained lifeless.

Be careful, my inner wolf whispered.

Each stride reverberated, and then Something sounded to me. A sigh. Strong, deep, and steady.

I went cold. "Who is present?"

A deep, old voice rolled through the cave. "Child, you shouldn't have come here."

My heart struck my ribs hard. The darkness in front of them shifted, then took the form of something enormous—a monster, tall and stooped, with eyes like molten gold. Despite having a body composed of roots and stone, it moved as though it were living.

An old guardian.

With trepidation, I inhaled. "I'm trying to find someone." Damian.

The guardian's eyes glowed more intensely. It thundered, "Damian," the name resonating like thunder. His path is one of shadow and blood. A route that cannot be reversed.

"What do you mean?" Desperation tugged at my chest as I took a step closer. "Where is he?"

With roots that twisted like veins, the creature cocked its head. You will save him if you go to him right now, but you will end up dead. You might save the world if you wait, but you might lose him forever.

The words hit me like a hurricane. "No," I said in a whisper while shaking my head. "There must be an alternative."

The guardian stated, "There is always a price." Like a wind sighing over ancient trees, its sound grew softer. "The key is in the moonstone, but it won't shine again until your heart decides to follow the truth."

I gripped the dead stone and said quietly, "My heart already knows." "I can't abandon him. I won't.

The guardian approached, engulfing me in its shadow. Then keep this in mind, Moonchild: The prophecy mentions two heroes, not just one. One must rise while the other falls, or everything will burn.

I took a deep breath. "I don't get it."

"You'll."

The cave rocked abruptly. Rocks fell from the roof. At my feet, the ground split.

"What's going on?" I staggered back and yelled.

The guardian yelled, "The enemy is aware of your presence." "Before you get to him, they'll try to break you."

"I don't give a damn!" My voice was raw as I yelled. "I won't let anything stop me."

The guardian's golden eyes were now more radiant and nearly warm. Then leave, Brenda. But keep in mind that you are getting closer to death the closer you are to him.

The earth beneath me shifted before I could say anything more, and I fell into the dark while yelling his name.

Pain. The first thing was that. My bones, chest, and brain hurt.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that I was lying on a chilly floor with chains chomping at my wrists. Long, ruthless shadows were produced by the flickering torches on the walls.

"Where am I?" I sounded like I was broken.

The memories arrived in fragments: a voice calling my name, warm brown eyes, and fleeting smiles.

Brenda.

I tightened my jaw. "I need to locate her."

The door opened with a squeak. Hooded figures with their faces veiled came in. Blades gleamed like black glass in their hands.

One growled, "You cannot get away from who you are."

My heart was racing as I looked at them. "Who am I?"

Their laughter sounded like the cracking of dried bones. "You are infused with the Blood of the Moon." You are responsible for the prophecy's survival.

"No," I said. "I'm not interested in your prophecy. I simply need her.

Warm and dazzling, her face drew me out of the shadows and seared in my head.

The leader's blade came up. "You'll work for the shadow."

Anger erupted within me. I tugged the chains with a shout, and I'm not sure if it was metal or bone that cracked. My might exploded, unrestrained and savage.

I sprang at them, tearing the first one's blade and cutting through his cloak. He screamed as he fell. I moved more quickly than the others, with each blow being guided by instinct.

"Where is she?" I threw one against the wall and roared.

The leader smiled behind his hood and rasped, "She comes." "She arrives... to die."

I went cold. "What were you saying?"

"She'll fall when she finds you."

"No!" I crushed his weapon under my boot, and my shout shook the walls.

Then the ache returned, burning in my veins like a fire. I fell to my knees and gripped my head as I was struck by visions:

Tears stained Brenda's face. My name was whispered in her voice. She reached for me with her hand, then spilt blood.

"Stop!" With the vision burning behind my eyes, I let out a scream.

"You are powerless to stop it," the leader yelled. "The conclusion has been written."

I stumbled to my feet, panting and trembling. "I'll then rip the prophecy to shreds."

I ran with everything I had left. Through the winding corridors and out into the chilly darkness outside the chamber.

But I froze as I got to the open ground.

There was a figure waiting. Taller than any man, clad in silver, with eyes that gleam like a dying star.

"You," I inhaled.

It cocked its head. Damian, you defy fate. However, fate always prevails.

I snarled and raised the pilfered sword, saying, "Not this time."

"Brenda walks into her grave as we speak," the figure said in a gentle yet lethal voice.

My blood became icy. "If you come in contact with her—"

But the ground gave way beneath me before I could finish. Like real hands, the shadows rose and dragged me into the darkness.

The figure's whisper, "When the moon bleeds, love dies," was the last thing I heard.