Chapter 8: When Light Breaks
Morning came, but it didn't feel like it.
The sun rose just the same, but in my heart, it was still night — that in-between feeling when you've seen something you can't unsee, and spoken words that change everything.
Kael and I hadn't said much after last night. Just a quiet walk back to our chambers, side by side. Close, but not touching. Like the kind of closeness that says: I understand you. Even in silence.
But the temple… it felt different now.
Colder.
And eyes followed us more than usual.
"Luna," whispered Sister Yva as I entered the prayer hall. "The Elders have summoned you. Immediately."
I blinked. "What for?"
She didn't answer. Just gave me that look — the one people give before something bad happens but they don't want to say it aloud.
I found myself in the Hall of Judgment.
The room with the stained-glass windows that made even sunlight look cruel.
Elder Maron stood in the center, flanked by the others. His face was carved in stone — emotionless, unreadable. But his eyes… sharp and disappointed.
"You accessed the Chamber of Records," he said flatly.
I didn't deny it.
"Yes."
"You read forbidden texts. You brought an outsider into sacred ground. And worse…" He stepped closer, his voice low, "...you've grown attached to him."
My fists clenched.
"I'm not apologizing," I said.
"You are the Divine Thread's chosen. You cannot afford distraction—"
"Maybe I don't want to be chosen," I snapped, the words leaving before I could stop them. "Maybe I'm tired of being a puppet to prophecies written before I was even born!"
The moment I said it, the air shifted.
The windows began to tremble.
Then came the light.
It burst from me — sudden, wild, angry. A blinding white wave that cracked the floor beneath my feet and sent scrolls flying from shelves.
The Elders gasped, shielding themselves.
One of them screamed.
I couldn't control it. The energy surged from deep inside — not summoned, not guided, just… released. Like a dam finally breaking.
My heartbeat thundered in my ears.
And then — silence.
The light faded.
Dust hung in the air.
Elder Maron stared at me, eyes wide. Not with anger this time… but fear.
"You've awakened it," he whispered. "The Unbound Flame…"
The room spun.
I stumbled back, my legs weak, vision swimming. Sister Yva rushed in, catching me before I fell.
"Take her to her chamber," Maron barked. "She is not to leave until we understand what this means."
I barely registered the words.
Not until I felt Kael's hand in mine later that night, after sneaking in.
"I felt it," he murmured. "That power. It was like the stars screaming."
I looked at him, eyes full of panic. "I didn't mean to…"
"I know," he said, brushing my hair back gently. "But maybe it's time we stop being afraid of what's inside you. Or me."
I didn't answer.
I just leaned against him, quietly.
And in the dark, under the moonlight streaming through my window, we sat together. Two misfits against destiny.
And for the first time…
I wasn't afraid of who I was becoming.
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To be continued…