The Moonlit Veil

Aria Hale never liked the harbor at night but something about the moon that evening pulled her toward it like a quiet whisper. She walked along the pier with her coat wrapped tightly around her body as the wind skimmed across the water. The town of Greyshore had always felt heavy to her with its strange murmurs and unexplainable chills but that night the weight felt different almost as if the air itself was watching her. She stood at the edge letting the moonlight settle over her skin when a sudden disturbance prickled along the back of her neck.

Someone was watching.

Her pulse quickened. She turned slowly expecting to see nothing but the long empty stretch of pier. At first she did. Then her eyes adjusted and she saw him. A man cloaked in dark clothing standing motionless halfway down the pier. His outline was sharp yet his presence felt strangely muted like he was not entirely part of the world around him. She could not see his face clearly but something about him pulled her gaze so strongly that her heart tightened.

She blinked. He vanished.

The next morning she convinced herself she had imagined it. She had been exhausted and overwhelmed caring for her sick mother and working long shifts at the small bookstore in town. Imaginations could play cruel tricks. Yet the unease coiled inside her refused to fade. When she stepped out of her apartment and started walking toward the bookstore she felt it again that weight of unseen eyes on her. She shook it off.

But when she reached the shop her whole body froze. Across the narrow street leaning quietly against a lamppost was the same man. He did not move. Did not speak. Only watched her with an unreadable expression. Fear and curiosity twisted inside her. She hurried inside and tried to breathe normally as the door bell chimed overhead.

Her coworker Mira looked up from the counter. Rough morning

You have no idea Aria muttered and forced herself to unpack the new books though her hands trembled with every movement.

Throughout the day she caught glimpses of him through the window. Always there. Always silent. Never stepping forward. Never stepping away. It was as if he existed only to watch her. The thought should have terrified her but strangely it did not. Something in her chest tightened whenever she saw him as though her heart recognized something her mind could not.

When the shop closed Aria stepped outside bracing herself for another walk home filled with nerves. She expected to see him across the street again. What she did not expect was for him to stand only a few steps away from her. A jolt of fear rushed through her but he lifted his hands gently not threatening.

Aria Hale he said in a calm voice.

Her breath caught. How do you know my name

His eyes were silver. Not grey. Silver bright like moonlight reflecting off metal. They held centuries or perhaps she was imagining that too.

Because I have been searching for you he replied. My name is Lysander.

Searching for me Why

Lysander studied her for a moment before answering. Because your life is in danger. And because you are the only one who can stop what is coming.

Aria let out a short incredulous laugh. You do realize you sound insane right What exactly is coming

The veil he said simply. It is thinning. And something on the other side has sensed you. You are connected to the other realm even if you do not know it.

Aria shook her head. You are talking about ghosts

Not ghosts. Spirits. Beings that cross between worlds. Some peaceful. Some dangerous. One of them has marked you.

Aria stepped back. This is too much.

Lysander took a slow breath as if bracing for her reaction. I can prove it. If you let me.

She should have walked away. She should have run. Yet something in his voice softened her fear. Something inside her whispered trust him. It made no sense but the pull inside her was undeniable.

Show me she said quietly.

Lysander extended his hand toward her. His palm was steady. His expression gentle but urgent. After a moment of hesitation she placed her hand in his. The chill surprised her. Not the cold of winter air but something otherworldly. Something ancient.

The air shifted instantly. The world around them trembled as if pressed between unseen fingers. The street blurred becoming muted like the colors were draining out of it. Aria felt the ground hum beneath her feet. Shadows lengthened unnaturally twisting like ink spreading in water. She saw shapes flicker near the edges of her vision tall dark forms with indistinct faces their bodies wavering like torn fabric in the wind.

Aria gasped. What is happening

A glimpse Lysander said softly of the veil. Of what is coming. Of what is already reaching for you.

The world snapped back to normal. The streetlights glowed again. A car passed. A distant dog barked. Everything looked the same yet nothing felt the same. Aria staggered backward pulling her hand away.

That was real she whispered. That was real

Yes Lysander replied. And there is more you must know.

Aria swallowed the dryness in her throat. Why me

Because you are not just connected to the veil Aria. You were born from it.

Silence. Heavy. Cracking.

Born from it What does that even mean

Your mother knew the truth he said. She hid it to protect you. You are half human half spirit. The only one of your kind. And now something wants to claim you.

Aria stared at him gripping her arms as if holding herself together. Memories flashed though none made sense. Her mother’s warnings. The strange chills she had always felt. The feeling of never fully belonging. Was this the answer

Lysander stepped closer but his voice remained gentle. I am here to protect you Aria. I have been searching for you for a long time. Longer than you can imagine.

Her heart pounded. Why you

Because he breathed I have been bound to you since the moment you were born. My duty is to guard you but my heart he hesitated my heart chose to love you. Long before you ever knew my name.

Aria’s breath halted. Her world swayed.

The wind shifted carrying a cold whisper that made her shiver. She felt it again that eerie presence lurking at the edge of the world. Watching. Waiting.

Lysander looked toward the darkened alley beside them his expression sharpening. It is here.

Aria froze. Here What do you mean here

Do not be afraid he said stepping in front of her. Stay behind me.

The air dropped several degrees. The shadows on the ground twisted against the direction of the light. A crawling whisper echoed softly like a distant chorus of voices. Aria felt her skin prickle. Then a shape tore itself from the darkness.

It towered over them. A spirit but unlike the others she had glimpsed. This one had form. Purpose. Hunger. Its face was a void of swirling black mist its body rippling like fabric soaked in ink. It reached for her.

Lysander moved instantly. Silver light burst from his hands forming a barrier between the creature and Aria. She screamed as the creature struck the barrier sending shockwaves through the air.

Go Lysander shouted. Run

I am not leaving you Aria cried.

You must go Aria. You are the one it wants. I will hold it back.

The creature lunged again. The barrier cracked. Lysander’s knees buckled. Aria shook her head violently refusing to abandon him. Something inside her core stirred a warmth growing brighter and hotter until it pulsed beneath her skin.

She stepped forward. Lysander saw her and his eyes widened. Aria no

But it was too late. Power surged from her chest outward sending a wave of blinding white light through the street. The creature shrieked and dissolved like smoke torn apart by wind. The night fell silent.

Lysander collapsed to his knees breathing heavily. Aria stared at her hands trembling. What did I do

You awakened he whispered. Your spirit half is no longer dormant.

Aria felt the world tilt. Fear. Awe. Confusion. All swirling.

So what now she asked in a trembling voice.

Lysander rose slowly meeting her gaze with a mix of wonder and sorrow. Now he said softly everything changes. For you. For me. For the veil. And the world will come for you Aria. Both sides.

Aria swallowed hard. And you Will you stay

Lysander stepped closer and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Always. Not because I am bound to you. But because I choose you.

Aria exhaled a shaky breath feeling something inside her settle. Not peace exactly. But something fierce.

A beginning.

The wind shifted. The moonlight deepened. The veil pulsed faintly behind the night sky waiting. Watching.

Aria took Lysander’s hand. Then let the unknown future unfold before them.