Page 123 of Moonlit Fate

“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her voice quivered just slightly.

The air was heavy with unspoken fears, and Aria’s persistent denial only sharpened my worry.

“You’re not fine,” I said softly. I knew, because I wasn’t either. “Can we talk?” I asked Ilaric, tilting my head toward the door.

“Of course.”

We stepped out of the chamber into the silence of the library.

“Something’s not right with her. It’s more than just the markings.” My words tumbled out in a rush.

Ilaric was unnervingly serene, although the lines around his eyes betrayed his stress. “I have some ideas about what might be happening to Aria, but they’re only theories at this point.”

“Then why are you so damn calm?” I demanded.

“Because panicking helps no one.” He pulled a dusty book from a shelf. “I’ve found writings that could shed light on those markings.”

“I don’t know why I dragged you out here,” I admitted, my frustration ebbing away into confusion.

“Sometimes, you just need to hear that someone else shares your concerns,” Ilaric said, placing a hand on my back. “You wanted reassurance that she’s looked after because you love her. So do I.”

I said nothing as Ilaric returned to the chamber. Ilaric’s perceptiveness shouldn’t have surprised me. Like Mia, he’d seen my true feelings despite my attempts to keep them hidden. I prayed he’d keep his cards close to his chest and wouldn’t tell her.

“Show us your marks again, please,” Ilaric said once I rejoined the group. Aria and I revealed the dark lines that seemed alive on our skin, while Eldan busied himself pouring drinks at a bar cart.

“Let’s see what the ancients had to say about these,” Ilaric murmured, opening the book and adjusting his glasses.

Eldan slid a glass across the bar cart toward Aria, and something in my chest twisted tight. My mind raced with thoughts I didn’t want—images of him touching her, holding her. I knew it was over between us, that I had no right to feel this jealousy, but it clawed at me all the same.

“Are you all right?” Seren asked.

“Yeah,” I managed, forcing my attention back to the group. “Just thinking about the marks.”

The markings were more than just skin; they felt alive, part of us. Mine snaked around my hip, dark shapes that moved like smoke when I wasn’t looking directly at them. Aria’s were elegant lines and curves that whispered of storms and tides. Both sets wrapped around our crescent birthmarks, unique yet complementary.

“Does anyone remember these symbols from that night of the ritual?” I asked, hoping for some clarity.

Eldan shook his head. “I only remember bits and pieces of the ritual, like trying to recall a dream after waking.”

“Same here,” Seren added. “It’s all too fragmented.”

“Maybe being close to each other makes them... resonate,” Aria suggested, her voice hesitant.

“Could be,” I agreed, the warmth emanating from where her skin nearly touched mine. The glow from our markings seemed to pulsate—hers with a soft silver-blue light, mine with deep purples and blacks.

“Look at the way they shine,” Ilaric said, peering closely. “They’re responding to each other.”

“Or warning us,” I muttered. These symbols were a sign of power, a connection, and a role we had yet to fully understand.

“Get closer,” Seren said, excitement lacing her voice. “See what happens.”

I didn’t hesitate. I pulled Aria toward me until our bodies were almost touching. Instantly, energy pricked my skin, making every hair stand on end.

“Can you feel that?” I whispered.

“Yeah,” Aria breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

I closed my eyes, fighting the current of emotion. The intensity was overwhelming.

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