Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 29: Rising Tensions

Aria cautiously leaned against the statue, pressing herself tightly against its wide robes, barely daring to breathe. She knew that if Alpha discovered they had sneaked into the Moon Tower, the consequences would be dire, and Neven would undoubtedly face severe punishment.

"Quinn, how's your eye?" Seraphina's voice echoed through the Moon Tower, tinged with concern.

"It still hurts, but it's not oozing anymore," a man replied, his voice low.

Aria stole a glance. Standing next to Seraphina was a tall, lean man with a single eye. Quinn wore a silver-gray robe, and a golden eyepatch covered one eye. He gently touched the eyepatch, looking very uncomfortable. Quinn bore a resemblance to Alpha but lacked Alpha's arrogance, his expression showing hints of pain and resignation.

Neven whispered silently in her ear, "Quinn is Lunarshade's Guard Mentor." He pointed to the cold, distant woman, adding, "That's the Lunar King."

The Lunar King slowly walked to the center of the hall. She wore a pale gold gown, the hem trailing on the floor and making a soft rustling sound as she moved. On her head was a crown set with a red Soul Stone that sparkled in the light. Her gaunt face was marked by the passage of time, deep wrinkles clearly visible. Her thin lips pressed into a tight line, and her cold gaze swept over everyone present. Her icy eyes radiated endless authority and a harsh scrutiny, as if she could see through everyone. Her presence made the entire hall feel even more solemn and imposing.

"I've called you to the Moon Tower today for a reason. This is an unofficial... top-secret meeting," the Lunar King said sternly, her voice cold as ice. "This matter must not be leaked."

"Of course not, Lunar King." Alpha replied proudly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "The Celestial Deer carcass in the forest has been burned. Only Neven and the girl he brought in know about it among the night patrols. I warned Neven not to spread any rumors."

Aria glanced at Neven, who shrugged helplessly.

Quinn adjusted his eyepatch and stepped forward, reminding them, "The demigod who came in will reveal himself sooner or later. Secrets will quickly turn into rumors."

"What if it's just baseless speculation? I think we're overreacting. Maybe there's no demigod at all, just a Celestial Deer wandering in." Seraphina interjected, her voice gentle yet filled with doubt.

"Celestial Deer would be hit by a magical shock entering the barrier; it wouldn't wander in by accident. Demigods have an ancient spell, only they can communicate with Celestial Deer and guide it into the barrier." The Lunar King's voice grew harsher, her gaze sweeping over the three Grand Mentors with obvious displeasure at the escaped demigod. "A demigod got in, and we failed to capture him."

Aria couldn't help but recall her experiences at the Celestial Sanctum. She thought Lunar King was right, a Celestial Deer wouldn't just wander in. She remembered Lucius, who had helped her escape from the Celestial Sanctum, mentioning that there were only three Celestial Deer in the Celestial Sanctum. One had died over two hundred years ago, and besides a naive fawn, this might be the last Celestial Deer.

So, who dared to enter the barrier?

Aria was horrified to think of one person—the only demigod who could wield such powerful magic, The Oracle—Adomoye. Perhaps it was Adomoye who had grabbed her neck that day. But why would she be with a long-missing Lunar Essence? Aria's heart pounded. She was supposed to be executed, but Lucius had saved her during the execution. She worried even more about Lucius; he might have been tortured for information. So, Adomoye might be looking for her personally.

But why take the heart of the Celestial Deer?

She suddenly looked up and met Neven's bright, wide eyes. Aria took a step back, her back hitting the statue. Neven was so close, nearly colliding with her face.