The Lunar Oath of Aster Vale

The fog rolled across Aster Vale like a living tide, swallowing every lantern glow and softening the cobblestone paths until they seemed to drift in and out of reality. The town lay quiet under the silver gleam of a full moon, its rooftops shimmering with dew as if dusted with powdered stars. To most, Aster Vale was a forgotten place, a speck of old myths tucked between the whispering forests. But to Elara Wyn, it was the place she had been forced to return to after twelve long years away.

Her boots tapped the ground rhythmically as she walked the path toward the abandoned Wyn Manor. The air felt charged, thick with the scent of pine and something else. Something electric. She paused, glancing toward the forest. The trees rustled even though there was no wind. A single shiver traveled down her spine.

This place feels alive she whispered.

It always has.

Elara turned sharply. A figure stepped from the shadows. Tall. Broad shouldered. Dressed in a dark coat that glowed faintly under the moonlight. His eyes were pale gold, piercing like a predator watching its prey. His hair was obsidian black, tousled by the night, and his expression carried a quiet intensity that made Elara stumble back.

Who are you she demanded, though her voice wavered.

The man tilted his head slightly, studying her. After a long moment he spoke, his voice deep and rhythmic like a heartbeat. You have returned at last.

Elara frowned. Do I know you

Not yet he replied. But you will. My name is Kael.

She stepped away from him cautiously, though something strange about him tugged at her memory, like a half remembered dream. Why are you on my family land

Kaels eyes flicked toward the forest. This land belongs to more than your bloodline. It belongs to the oath bearers. To those who guard the moonbound.

Elara shook her head. I do not understand. Look, I just came here to settle my parents estate. They died years ago. I do not know anything about oaths or guardians or whatever you are talking about.

Kael grimaced, his features tightening as if he was holding back a truth that pained him. Your parents knew. They tried to keep you away from this place. To keep you safe. But fate does not let go so easily.

The wind suddenly shifted. Leaves rustled violently. A howl echoed from deep within the forest. Not a wolf howl. Something deeper. Older. Hungry.

Kael stiffened. They are near.

Who Elara whispered.

The Hollowborn.

Elara backed away. I think you are insane.

Kael stepped toward her quickly, his movements graceful and almost inhuman. You need to come inside the manor. Now.

I am not going anywhere with you.

A shadow streaked across the treetops. A shriek tore through the air, sharp enough to make her ears ring.

Kael grabbed her wrist. Elara. Trust me.

The ground trembled as something enormous landed behind her. She turned slowly. A creature towered over her. Its body was twisted, skeletal, with limbs too long and a face that was more void than flesh. Its eyes glowed with a pale blue hunger. It took a step forward and the air around it froze.

Elara screamed.

Kael moved with impossible speed, pulling her behind him. Light burst from his skin. His silhouette shimmered as if the moon itself flowed through him. From his back unfurled wings of silver and shadow, stretching wide and bright.

Kael transformed.

Elara gasped. You are a Lunaris.

His eyes glowed brighter. Run.

She did not think. She just followed him as he soared above the ground, sweeping her into his arms. She clung to him as he leapt onto the manor balcony. He set her down gently, though his body trembled with restrained power.

Inside. Keep the door shut he ordered before turning to face the monster below.

But Elara grabbed his sleeve. Kael. Stop. You will get killed.

He stared at her, something fierce and gentle flickering in his eyes. I made an oath to your family long ago. To you. Protecting you is not just my duty. It is my purpose.

Elara froze, her breath catching. What are you talking about

Kael reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. Twelve years ago, on the night you fled this place, the forest swallowed you. The Hollowborn nearly claimed you. But the moon chose differently. It bound your soul to mine.

Bound My soul You are saying we are connected

Yes. A Lunar Oath. Ancient. Unbreakable.

I never agreed to that.

You were a child. The moon spoke. I answered.

Something in his voice tugged at the deepest parts of her heart.

Another monstrous shriek rose from the forest. Kael stepped back. I must hold them off.

He leapt from the balcony.

Elara ran to the railing. Kael fought with raw brilliance. His wings sliced through the air, sending shockwaves that rattled the trees. Silver light streamed from his hands as he battled the Hollowborn. Each blow lit up the night like lightning. But there were too many. Three more crawled from the shadows.

Kael cried out in pain as one of them slashed his shoulder. His wings flickered. He staggered.

Something inside Elara ignited. A memory surfaced. She had been running. Lost in the forest as a child. A monstrous shape closing in. And then a young man with silver wings had pulled her into safety. His face blurred by tears and fear. His voice promising he would come back for her.

Kael.

The bond between them pulsed like a heartbeat. She felt his pain as if it were her own.

Without thinking, she pushed open the balcony door and ran into the night.

Kael saw her and his eyes widened. Elara No Go back inside

But she ignored him.

The nearest Hollowborn turned toward her. It lunged with a distorted scream. Elara lifted her hands instinctively.

A burst of white lunar light erupted from her palms.

The creature flew backward, crashing into a tree and dissolving into ash.

Elara stared at her hands, trembling. What did I just do

Kael landed beside her, breathless and bleeding. The mark of the Lunar Oath awakened in you he said, his voice thick with both awe and fear. You carry my light. You are moon touched.

I do not want this she whispered.

Kael cupped her face in his hands. You may not want it, but it chose you. It chose us.

The remaining Hollowborn shrieked and rushed toward them. Kael spread his wings protectively, but Elara grabbed his arm. Let me help.

He hesitated. No. You are not trained.

You will die without me.

Their eyes met. His filled with conflict. Fear. And something deeper.

Finally he nodded.

Together then.

Elara stood beside him. Their energy intertwined. Light erupted from their bodies as if the moon herself were answering their call. The ground trembled beneath their feet as silver flames coiled around their hands.

The creatures lunged.

Elara and Kael unleashed everything.

Waves of celestial energy burst outward, ripping through the Hollowborn. The forest lit up in a brilliant flash. When the light faded, the creatures were gone. Ash drifted down like dark snow.

Silence settled over the vale.

Kael collapsed to one knee, exhausted. Elara rushed to him. You are hurt.

He let out a shaky breath. Only flesh wounds. They will heal.

She knelt in front of him, gently touching his wounded shoulder. You risked your life for me.

He met her gaze, his eyes softening. I always will.

Why she whispered.

Kaels voice trembled. Because the moment the moon bound us, my fate was sealed. I saw your soul. I felt your fear and your hope. And something inside me changed. I spent twelve years searching the skies for your light. Even when you were gone, I felt your heartbeat. I thought I was losing my mind. But now that you are here, I know it was real.

Elara felt tears rising. She looked away. I never asked for any of this. I just wanted a normal life.

You can still have one he said softly. But only if we face this together. The Hollowborn will return. The bond in you is strong. They will hunt you until it is mastered.

Elara stood slowly. She looked at the manor, the forest, the glowing moon. A life she thought she had left behind forever. A life filled with secrets she was only now learning.

And then she looked at Kael.

His wings flickered faintly behind him. His eyes reflected the moon in her direction. He looked both powerful and vulnerable. Terrifying and beautiful.

She realized she did not feel alone.

What happens now she whispered.

Kael stood and extended his hand. Now you choose. If you walk away, I will stay hidden and protect you from the shadows. But if you stay, I will teach you to use the power inside you. You will not run again. You will fight. With me.

Elara stared at his hand. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. A new fear rose inside her. Not of monsters. But of destiny. Of connection. Of a bond stronger than anything she had known.

She placed her hand into his.

I stay.

Kael exhaled in relief, his body relaxing. Thank you.

A soft hum filled the air. The moon overhead brightened. A silver ribbon of light wrapped around their hands, sealing their choice.

Kael pulled her gently into his arms. His voice was quiet and reverent. Together, Elara Wyn, we will face every shadow. This is our Lunar Oath.

She looked up at him, her breath catching as their foreheads touched.

Then let it begin she whispered.

Kael smiled softly.

It already has.

The moon shone brighter as they stood beneath its glow, two souls bound by ancient magic, by danger, and by a love that had waited twelve years to bloom. The night embraced them, and somewhere deep in the forest, the shadows retreated.

For now.

Together, they walked back into Wyn Manor, the beginning of a fate neither could escape and neither wished to.