Moonbound and Undying

Chapter 6 : Family and Duty

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow over the village. Amaris stood at the edge of the clearing, watching as the first light of dawn filtered through the trees. The memory of last night lingered in her thoughts—Michael's kiss, the warmth of his touch, and the intensity of the connection they shared. It felt like a dream, too good to be real. But the reality of the situation pressed down on her, heavy and unavoidable.

Footsteps crunched softly on the forest floor behind her, and she turned to see Liora, Eli's wife, approaching with a gentle smile. Liora's presence was always calming, her demeanor as quiet as the breeze that swayed the branches overhead. Though her power was subtle, Amaris had always felt a deep, almost mysterious strength in her—a strength that came from something ancient, though it was never openly discussed.

"Amaris," Liora greeted warmly, her dark hair catching the light as she approached. "You've been spending a lot of time out here."

Amaris gave a small smile, though her heart felt heavy. "It helps clear my head," she replied, though they both knew there was more to it.

Liora stepped closer, her soft brown eyes filled with understanding. "Something's weighing on you, isn't it? Eli senses it too."

Amaris' stomach tightened at the mention of her brother. She had hoped to keep her encounters with Michael to herself, but it was clear that her family had noticed the changes in her. "I didn't mean to worry him," she admitted softly. "Or you."

Liora tilted her head slightly, her gaze knowing but patient. "You've always carried more weight on your shoulders than you needed to. But this time, it's different. I can feel it."

Amaris hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Liora had always been more attuned to the energies around them, more perceptive in ways that made Amaris both curious and cautious. There was a quiet magic in Liora—something ancient, passed down from a lineage that even Liora didn't fully understand. It was likely why she could sense the subtle shifts in Amaris' energy so easily.

"I've met someone," Amaris finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Someone... celestial."

Liora's eyes widened, but she didn't seem surprised. Instead, there was a quiet understanding in her gaze. "An angel?"

Amaris nodded, her heart pounding. "His name is Michael."

Liora remained silent for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "And you're worried about what Eli will say."

Amaris sighed, her shoulders slumping. "He's already noticed something is off. But how can I explain this to him? He'll think I'm in danger."

Liora's gaze softened, and she stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Amaris' arm. "You know Eli only wants to protect you. But I understand why you're drawn to him. There's something... deeper in you, something that calls to the celestial. Maybe it's because of our ties to the Sun and Moon, or maybe it's something more."

Amaris looked up at her, searching her face. "Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

Liora's smile was kind but enigmatic. "I can't say whether it's a mistake or not. But I do know that love, even forbidden love, is a powerful force. It can heal or destroy, depending on how it's nurtured."

Amaris felt a flicker of hope, though uncertainty still gnawed at her. Liora's words were comforting, but they didn't ease the conflict that roiled inside her. Michael was different, and she knew that her bond with him was real. But the risks... they were undeniable.

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Later that morning, Amaris sat with Eli and Liora in the village square. The atmosphere was quieter than usual, a tension hanging in the air. Eli, who had been watching her carefully for days, finally broke the silence.