Page 183 of Moonlit Fate

I looked up at Philesia. “Where do you come from? How can you move between the realm of the gods and here?”

Philesia’s smile held secrets older than the hills surrounding us. “I come from a place where time and space weave togetherdifferently than they do here. A realm where the gods watch over the tapestry of life, intervening only when the balance is threatened.”

“Sounds... intense,” I managed, straightening up slightly, trying to grasp the enormity of her words. I brushed my damp hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. “But why me? What’s your stake in helping me?”

“Your realm and mine are more connected than you know.” She paced slowly around me, barely disturbing the air. “The balance here affects the balance there. Your struggle, your growth,” she continued, stopping to face me, “sends ripples through the realms. I am here because you are a pivotal point in this delicate balance.”

Her head tilted, her gaze locked onto mine with an unexpected intensity, and the gravity of her words pulled me deeper into something vast and unknown.

“Your success or failure holds the potential to shift the scales in ways that would resonate beyond your comprehension. You cannot see it yet, but your actions weave into the fabric of realities far wider than the lands you walk.”

I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. Philesia’s revelations about the realms and my place within them settled heavily on my chest.

“Okay,” I said at last. “What now? What do I need to do?”

“Embrace your role,” Philesia answered. “Harness your powers, refine them. You’ve seen what you’re capable of.”

I thought of the battlegrounds, the destruction I could wield, but also the control I’d started to grasp.

“It’s a lot,” I admitted, “all this balance stuff.”

“Yes, it is.” Philesia’s face softened just a touch. “You are not alone.”

“Feels like it sometimes,” I muttered, mostly to myself.

“Strength comes from within, but remember, those who care for you are near even when you can’t see them.” She looked up for a split second, and I knew she meant Atticus, even though she didn’t say his name.

“Right.” My resolve hardened. I had a purpose, one that reached beyond what I’d ever imagined. “I’ll train harder. I’ll be ready.”

Philesia nodded approvingly. “That’s the spirit.”

“Then let’s get back to it,” I said, stepping forward with newfound determination. “Show me the next challenge.”

An hour later, I stood still, letting the last traces of wind slip through my fingers. My body was tired, but I was completely alive, every cell buzzing from the day’s intense training. I had pushed past what I once thought were limits, calling on the storm and bending it to my will. The power was exhilarating, the control over the elements a sign of my growth. Yet with Philesia’s teachings came the constant reminder that this power wasn’t just mine to command, it was a responsibility, a duty to wield it wisely.

“Good work today,” Philesia said. “Remember, your strength lies not only in commanding the storms but in knowing when they should be calmed.”

I nodded, understanding the double meaning behind her words. Before I could reflect further, the peace of my solitude shattered.

Miren, Corin and Branan—my father’s elders—appeared at the edge of the clearing, their faces stone carvings of disappointment. They moved with purpose, closing the distance with each heavy step. I straightened, trying to shake off the weariness clinging to my limbs. I didn’t need enhanced senses to feel the tension rolling off them in waves.

“Aria,” Miren called out, his voice formal yet tinged with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. Regret, maybe? It was hard to tellwith him. “We must convene in the manor. There are matters that require your immediate attention.”

My heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t normal. Their faces told me all I needed to know. This was serious. I swallowed, suddenly aware of the dryness in my throat.

“All right,” I answered, keeping my voice steady. “Let’s go.”

They turned on their heels, and I followed, every aching muscle protesting.

The walk to the manor was short, but with each step, the knot in my stomach tightened. My mind raced through possibilities, each more unsettling than the last.

We reached the meeting room, and the chill in the air seemed to seep into my bones. The three men had already taken their places around the long, oak table, their faces grim masks of authority. I took my seat, steeling myself for what was to come.

Miren cleared his throat. “Let’s get straight to the point.”

The others nodded, their eyes fixed on me. Whatever this was about, they were united. This couldn’t be good.

Miren’s intense focus remained fixed on me, never wavering. “The council has deliberated extensively, and it is with heavy hearts that we convey our decision.”

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