Celestial Bonds - Shattered Paths (Book 3)

Chapter 13: An Unexpected Ally

Kian

The forest loomed around us, dense and foreboding, its twisted branches stretching like skeletal fingers. The path ahead was barely discernible under the thick canopy of leaves. I moved cautiously, each step a reminder of how far we'd come—and how little we truly understood about the journey ahead. My heart felt as heavy as my armor, weighed down by the uncertainty that had settled over our group.

Lira walked beside me, her eyes scanning the woods for any signs of movement. She was quieter than usual, and I knew why. Ever since her vision in the forest—those haunting glimpses of the past wielders of the Crown—she'd been different. I could sense the burden of those memories hanging over her like a storm cloud. I wanted to reach out, to say something that might ease her mind, but what could I offer when I was just as lost in this labyrinth as she was?

Jax and Lyara trailed a few steps behind us, their murmured conversation barely audible over the rustle of leaves and the creak of branches. It pained me to see them together and how naturally they fell into step with each other. I tried to ignore the knot in my stomach, the jealousy that twisted and festered inside me. This wasn't the time for pettiness. We had a prophecy to confront, a destiny to shape.

Jax had confronted me last night after Lira shared her vision. His eyes had been ablaze with anger and fear, demanding to know why I thought we could control this prophecy. We'd argued, our words bitter and edged with the resentment building between us. He'd accused me of using Lira to manipulate events in my favor, of trying to force the Crown to bend to my will. I wanted to shout back, to tell him he was wrong and that I was just as terrified as he was. But I didn't. I couldn't.

Lira had watched us silently, her gaze piercing but unreadable. I knew she could see the fractures in our group, the tension threatening to tear us apart. And I feared that if we didn't find some common ground soon, we'd lose whatever slim chance we had of fulfilling the prophecy on our terms.

I glanced over at her now, at how she walked with her shoulders squared and jaw set. She was always so composed and confident in the face of uncertainty. But I knew there was more going on beneath that calm exterior. I'd seen the cracks, the moments of vulnerability when she thought no one was looking. I wanted to reach out, to tell her that she didn't have to bear this alone, but the words caught in my throat. What was I supposed to say? That I was scared, too? I didn't know if I could protect her or us.

Suddenly, Lira stopped, raising a hand for silence. I froze, my heart thudding as I scanned the forest. Jax and Lyara moved up beside us, their eyes wide with alarm.

"Do you hear that?" Lira whispered, her eyes narrowing as she peered into the shadows ahead.

I strained my ears, catching the faintest rustling sound. It was subtle, almost like a whisper on the wind, but it was there—an unnatural noise that set my nerves on edge. I drew my sword, the metal singing softly as it slid free from its sheath.

We moved forward cautiously, every muscle in my body coiled with tension. The rustling grew louder, coming from all directions now, surrounding us. I felt my pulse quicken, the anticipation rising in my chest. Were we walking into a trap?

And then, without warning, a figure stepped out from the shadows. I raised my sword instinctively, but something made me pause. The figure was cloaked, their face obscured by a hood, but there was an air about them—something familiar yet entirely foreign.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice echoing in the stillness of the forest. "Show yourself."

The figure slowly lowered its hood, revealing a face marked with age and wisdom. A pair of sharp and piercing eyes locked onto mine. "I am an ally," the stranger said calmly, their voice carrying a weight that sent a shiver down my spine. "Or at least, I can be."