Hour of the Moon

Chapter 31: Road to Destruction

Morning arrived, chasing away the shadows of the night, but the weight of my choices clung to me like a second skin.

As I prepared for work, I couldn't shake the voice that had invaded my thoughts: You are the descendant of the Moon Goddess. You will take Kamari's place soon. It was ancient, commanding, and inescapable.

At 9 a.m., Savannah was already outside, her usual composed demeanor masking the storm I suspected brewed beneath. The drive into town was quieter than usual. Cherokee still bore the marks of chaos—caution tape fluttering in the winter wind, shattered windows boarded up hastily—but its people were rebuilding. Life, no matter how fragile, went on.

The newsroom building stood untouched by the destruction, a stark contrast to the devastation surrounding it. As we approached, Savannah broke the silence.

"I called an emergency meeting," she said, her voice firm. "The team needs direction. We've been quiet for too long."

Inside, the familiar hum of the newsroom was replaced by a tense stillness. Faces that usually radiated energy were somber. Amanda and Connor stood by the window, their expressions a mix of relief and unease.

Amanda rushed toward me as soon as I stepped in, pulling me into a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay," she said, her voice tight with emotion.

"I'm glad you guys are safe too," I replied.

Connor gave me a nod. "The town's in shambles, but the news doesn't stop. We've got work to do."

Savannah wasted no time calling the meeting to order. "I'll be honest with you all," she began, her voice steady but grave. "Cherokee isn't just recovering—it's under a spotlight. Media outlets from across the country are descending on us. This story is only going to grow."

Her gaze swept the room, lingering on each of us. "I know this is hard. We don't know what caused these attacks, and the connection to the lake murders can't be ignored. But we have to tread carefully. The community needs us to report the truth, not fuel speculation. If anyone feels like they need time off, take it. Your mental health comes first."

Amanda shook her head. "We're staying. The people need us."

Connor nodded in agreement. "We'll do whatever we can."

The room filled with quiet affirmations, but I could barely focus. My mind was elsewhere—on Waya, on Nani, on the lies I'd told myself to justify the mess I had created. And then, that voice again, whispering in my subconscious like a haunting melody: You have broken something sacred.

I excused myself, mumbling something about needing the bathroom. Once inside, I locked the door and leaned against the sink, the cold porcelain grounding me.

The light of the moon calms my soul. It illuminates the darkness in my life. Misery, pain, and sadness lead to strife.

The mantra spilled from my lips like a prayer, my hand clutching the moonstone pendant around my neck. It glowed faintly, warming my skin, a reminder of the path I had yet to walk.

When I returned to my desk, I threw myself into work, editing articles and responding to emails. But my reprieve was short-lived. The phone on my desk rang, its shrill tone cutting through the quiet.

"Coast to Coast Daily, this is Keiran," I answered, trying to sound composed.

Nani's voice came through, sharp and unwavering. "Keiran. It's me."

I froze, the air seeming to thicken around me. "Nani, I—"

"Don't," she snapped. "Waya told me. About you and him."