The Moonlit Mark Upon His Heart

The night breeze whispered softly through the long grass of the abandoned meadow as Selene Ward followed the winding path lit only by the glow of the rising moon. She had returned to the village of Hollowridge for the first time in seven years, and the air felt heavier than she remembered, thick with unspoken secrets that clung to the earth like fog. Her boots brushed through the overgrown path as old memories stirred in her mind, memories she had tried desperately to bury. She had not wanted to come back, yet something in her dreams kept calling her. A familiar voice she could not name. A presence she felt deep in her bones.

Selene paused in front of the ancient stone well at the center of the meadow. It stood cracked and weathered, its stones covered in moss. Her grandmother used to say the well marked a crossing place, where the world of spirits touched the mortal one. Selene had never believed those stories. Yet as she traced her fingers over the stones, a sudden chill ran down her spine.

Something moved behind her.

She spun around quickly, clutching the lantern in her hand. The flame flickered wildly as if reacting to an unseen force. The wind stopped completely. The night became too still. Selene felt her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She swallowed.

Who is there she called out, her voice trembling slightly. Show yourself.

A figure stepped from the shadows.

The lantern light caught the edge of a pale face, sharp and striking, with dark hair that looked like strands of night itself. His eyes glowed faintly silver, as if reflecting the moonlight even when he stood under the shade of the trees. He wore dark clothing that appeared woven from shadow and light, shifting softly as though alive. His presence radiated power, yet also a strange sorrow that tugged at Selene before she even understood why.

He spoke in a soft low voice. You returned at last.

Selene stared, her breath caught in her throat. She did not know him. Yet something about him felt familiar, like the lingering echo of a melody once cherished.

Who are you she asked cautiously.

His eyes softened. You knew me once. Long ago. Before you left this place and before fate tried to separate us for eternity.

Selene frowned. I think you are mistaking me for someone else. I have never met you.

The man stepped closer, his movements graceful, his aura shimmering faintly. He stopped a few feet away, giving her space. His voice held something fragile hidden beneath the calm surface. My name is Aric. And you may not remember me. But a part of you will.

She stared harder, trying to understand why her chest tightened at the sound of his name. She shook her head. I dont remember anyone by that name.

Aric looked down for a moment, his expression filled with quiet pain. Then he lifted his gaze again. It is not your fault. Your memory was taken from you the night everything changed. The night you were marked.

The word marked sent a rush of heat through Selene. She reached for her left shoulder instinctively, though it was covered by her cloak. Her heartbeat quickened.

Aric noticed. His voice softened. You still feel it, do you not The mark awakens because I am near.

Selene stepped back. Her mind felt like a storm of confusion. What mark What do you know about me

Aric took a slow breath. I will explain. But not here. The shadows move restlessly tonight. They are drawn to you. They sense your awakening.

Selene hesitated. Every instinct screamed for her to run. Yet she stayed. Something anchored her. Something she did not understand.

She lifted her chin, forcing strength into her voice. Tell me now. Tell me everything.

Aric held her gaze as though weighing her resolve. Then he spoke quietly, each word measured. Seven years ago, on a night like this, you found me dying near this very well. The Shadowborn had attacked me. Creatures born of darkness, feeding on life and memory. I would have perished, but you saved me by offering a part of your essence. A bond was created. A sacred vow between a mortal and a Moonbound guardian like myself. In saving me, you marked your soul with moonlight. And to protect you, I sealed away your memories of that night. Your mind was fragile. Your life was in danger.

Selene felt dizzy. Her breath turned unsteady. Why would I save you I dont even know you.

Aric smiled faintly, a sad gentle smile that carried centuries of longing. You knew me in ways deeper than memory. And you loved me even before you understood what love could cost.

Selene felt her heart twist painfully. The word love settled inside her like warm embers.

Aric continued. But the mark binds us. Through it, our souls are connected. I have felt your pain, your lonely nights, your unanswered questions. And now you are awakening, which means they will come for you again.

The ground trembled softly. A distant growl echoed through the woods. Selene froze.

What was that

Arics expression hardened. The Shadowborn. They sense your light. They will hunt it.

Selene backed away, panic rising. Why me Why are they after me

Because you carry moonfire within you, Aric said firmly. A power no mortal should bear. A power I gave you. And that power threatens the darkness.

Before Selene could respond, something large and monstrous lunged from the shadows. Its body looked like a twisted wolf made of smoke and hollow eyes, its claws long and glistening with dark energy. It snarled, its jaws dripping with black mist.

Selene screamed.

Aric reacted instantly. He moved faster than any human could. In one swift motion, he placed himself between Selene and the creature. A burst of bright silver light radiated from his hand, forming a protective barrier.

The creature shrieked as the light burned it. Aric did not waver.

Run Selene Now

Selene could not move. Fear rooted her in place. The creature lunged again, smashing against the barrier. Cracks formed in the shimmering shield.

Aric yelled louder. Selene Please

But she cried out instead. Aric

The moment she spoke his name, her left shoulder ignited with white hot light. She clutched it, gasping. Her skin glowed through her cloak.

The creature instantly turned its attention toward her, sensing the power awakening within her.

Aric shouted. No Not now

Silver light exploded from his body. He dashed forward and struck the creature with a surge of celestial energy. The Shadowborn disintegrated with a wailing howl, dissolving into smoke.

Selene dropped to her knees, trembling violently.

Aric rushed to her side, kneeling before her. He held her hands gently, his voice full of worry. Selene look at me. Are you hurt

She shook her head slowly. Her whole body tingled painfully. The light faded from her shoulder, leaving her breathless and overwhelmed.

What is happening to me she whispered.

Aric brushed his fingers softly against her cheek. His touch was warm, grounding. Your bond with me is waking. And with it, the moonfire within you.

Selene looked into his silver eyes, feeling a strange pull, deep and magnetic. Why does it feel like I know you why does it feel like losing you would break me even though I just met you

Arics expression softened with heartbreak and hope. Because our souls remember each other even when your mind cannot. Because love leaves a mark time cannot erase.

Selene felt tears slip down her face.

Aric spoke quietly. There is more you must know. And I fear it will hurt you.

Tell me she whispered.

Aric hesitated. The night your memories were sealed, another life was lost to save yours. Someone dear to you. Someone who made the choice willingly.

Selene felt the world tilt. Who

Aric looked pained. Your brother Rowan.

Selene gasped. She fell backward as the memory stabbed through her chest like a blade. Rowan. Her older brother. Her protector. Her only family left after their parents passed away. He had died mysteriously. No answers. No body found. Only rumors that he vanished in the forest.

Aric continued softly. The Shadowborn attacked both of you. Rowan fought to protect you but he was mortally wounded. You begged me to save him but his soul was fading. So I sealed his last memory into your mark to keep him from being lost completely. A fragment of his essence has lived within your soul ever since.

Selene sobbed. Why did you not tell me

Because knowing would have destroyed you before you were ready. And you were so young.

Selene grabbed his arm. Her voice broke. And now What do we do now

Aric gently wiped her tears. Now we face the truth. The Shadowborn will keep coming. Your awakening has already begun. And unless we restore the bond fully, you will not survive their next attack.

Selene swallowed hard. What does that mean Restore it how

Aric leaned close, his voice trembling slightly. Through the Rite of the Moonlit Heart. A vow that binds our souls completely. It is ancient. Powerful. And irreversible. If we complete it, I can protect you. But it also means our destinies will be tied forever. Your life. My life. Your light. My darkness. One cannot exist without the other.

Selene felt her chest tighten. And if we do not perform the rite

Aric hesitated. Then the Shadowborn will tear your soul apart to claim your power. And I will lose you twice in one lifetime.

She stared at him. The depth of his emotion stunned her. The pain in his voice felt real and raw, like a wound that never healed.

Selene whispered. Why do you care so much about me

Aric reached up and rested his hand on her heart. Because you are the one who saved me from an eternity of darkness. Because you gave me a reason to fight. Because I have loved you from the moment your soul touched mine.

She froze. Her breath caught. The words wrapped around her like warm silk.

Aric leaned closer, his forehead almost touching hers. Selene, I will not bind you if you do not choose it. Your freedom matters more to me than my own life. But know this. I cannot bear to lose you again.

Before she could answer, the earth shook violently. A chilling roar echoed across the meadow. Multiple Shadowborn emerged from the darkness, surrounding them. Their bodies writhed like dark mist, their eyes glowing crimson.

Selene grabbed Arics arm. There are too many

Aric stood in front of her protectively. Then we have no choice. Selene, say the words. Accept the rite. Bind your soul to mine. It is the only way.

The creatures lunged, shrieking.

Selene looked at Aric. She felt his fear. His hope. His love. Something deep inside her unlocked, pushing away fear. Her heart surged with a fierce unbreakable clarity.

She took his hand. Her voice steady. I choose you.

Arics breath caught.

Selene spoke louder, feeling warmth ignite in her chest. I accept the bond. I accept the rite. I bind my soul to yours.

A brilliant burst of moonlight exploded from their joined hands. Aric looked at her with awe and profound love.

It is done he whispered.

The light expanded outward in a wave, crashing into the Shadowborn. They screamed as their bodies dissolved into dust and vanished into the wind.

The meadow fell silent.

Selene collapsed forward, but Aric caught her, holding her tightly. Their hearts beat in sync, their souls glowing with the newly forged bond.

Aric whispered into her hair. You are safe now. I swear it on my life.

Selene rested her forehead against his chest. Will we face more darkness

Yes Aric said softly. But now we face it together.

She looked up at him. And what happens next

Aric smiled gently, his silver eyes glowing like moonlight on water. Next we learn who you are meant to become. Together.

Selene breathed deeply. For the first time in years, she felt whole. Protected. Connected. The bond pulsed warmly inside her like a second heartbeat.

She whispered. Then take me home Aric.

He pulled her close. Anywhere you go, I go.

And beneath the moonlit sky, bound by fate and love, they walked forward into a future neither had ever dared to dream.