Selina’s POV

Nestled between old forests and lost myths, Elderglen had long been a peaceful community. But as though the trees themselves were holding their breath, there was a palpable sense of expectancy in the air today.

With her pulse thumping in time with the distant hoofbeats coming, Selina stood at the edge of the village square. With their eyes focused on the horizon, the villagers gathered and whispered to one another.

The evening sun outlined the silhouette of a lone rider who appeared from the forest trail. Selina's breath froze in her throat as he approached.

He was the one.

Keane.

The one she had dreamed about, the one whose presence made her soul ache.

With a beautiful dismount, he looked around the audience with his bright gaze before meeting hers. As though time itself paused to recognize their link, a shock of recognition swept between them.

Fearful of the intruder, the people murmured. Selina, however, was unable to turn away.

Beside her, a voice said, "Who is he?"

"I don't know," said Selina, in an almost audible voice. "But I feel like I've known him forever."

Keane came closer, his eyes fixed on hers. He said, "Selina," in a voice that sounded like a lost tune.

With her heart pounding, she inquired, "How do you know my name?"

His response was, "I've always known," "Just as you've always known me."

Curiosity and confusion fought inside her. "What do you mean?"

Before he could respond, there was a ruckus near the square's edge. A cloaked stranger was challenged by a group of peasants who accused him of stealing.

Keane's gaze grew strained. "Stay here," he said, advancing quickly on the commotion.

His presence demanded respect, and Selina stared as he stepped in. The villagers scattered, whispering to one another as the situation swiftly deescalated.

His face unreadable, he went back to her side. His words, "This village holds secrets," "And so do you."

Selina scowled. "What are you talking about?"

He pulled a pendant from inside his coat, its silver surface engraved with complex figures. Placing it in her hand, he said, "This belonged to you,"

Memories of a previous existence, of conflicts fought and vows made, filled her thoughts as her fingers wrapped around it.

"I remember," she muttered, her eyes brimming with tears.

Keane gave a nod. "Your journey is just beginning."

A sharp scream abruptly broke the silence. Smoke billowed into the sky as the peasants turned for the forest.

Keane and Selina looked at each other. They sprinted in the direction of the commotion without saying a word.

When they arrived at the village's outskirts, they noticed a cottage on fire. Outside, a woman stood with a distressed expression on her face.

Wept, "My daughter!" "She's still inside!"

Keane rushed headlong into the flaming structure. Selina trailed, her skin burning from the heat.

Inside, the walls were seared by flames and the air was heavy with smoke. They discovered the girl sobbing and wheezing while hunched in a corner.

Keane took her in his arms and covered her with his cloak. Together, they made their way through the fire and came out as the roof fell away from them.

As they hurried to save the woman and her child, the locals rejoiced.

With a flush of appreciation, Selina turned to Keane. "You saved her."

He gave a headshake. "We saved her."

A stranger emerged from the crowd, a man with icy eyes and a ravaged face.

"You're not welcome here," he snarled over Keane. "We don't trust outsiders."

Keane looked him in the eye equally. "I'm not here to cause trouble."

The man scoffed. "Trouble has a way of finding you."

Selina moved in front of them. "He prevented the death of a youngster. That ought to be significant.

The man mumbled something under his breath and scoffed before leaving.

Keane let out a sigh. "This village is on edge."

Selina gave a nod. "There's fear in the air."

His face was solemn as he gazed at her. "We must speak. You need to know a lot of things."

Together, they strolled to the village's edge, where the forest stood watch like a sentinel.

Keane looked over at her. "Selina, you belong to something old. a legacy that endures for generations.

She scowled. "What do you mean?"

He indicated the pendant. "The connection between our spirits is symbolized by the emblem. Through the ages, fate has brought us together.

Selina's thoughts whirled. "Why me?"

"Because you're the key," the man stated. "The one who can restore balance."

A howl rang out across the trees before she could answer, a familiar yet eerie sound.

Keane's gaze expanded. "They're coming."

"Who?" With a hint of anxiety in her voice, Selina inquired.

"The Shadowbound," was his response. "We must depart. "Now."

A figure with a smile that chilled Selina's spine and eyes like molten gold appeared out of the darkness as they turned to go.

Purring, "Going somewhere?"

Keane took a defensive stride in front of Selina. "Stay back."

The female chuckled. "Oh, I don't think so."

Darkness rushed toward them as she held up her hand.

The pendant glowed brightly as Selina felt a surge of strength within herself.

Instinctively she stretched out, and a flash of light exploded from her hand, striking the darkness and scattering it.

The woman stumbled and her face grew angry. "You will regret that."

Keane took Selina's hand in his. "We have to go!"

The noises of chase followed them as they dashed into the woodland.

Keane stopped suddenly as they came to a clearing.

Selina gasped as she followed his eyes.

A huge stone archway covered with old runes stood in front of them.

"This is it," informed Keane. "The gateway to the Temple of the Moon."

The archway suddenly glowed and the ground shook.

The woman with the golden eyes emerged from the shadows, accompanied by dark monsters.

Sneering, "You're too late," she said. "The ritual has begun."

The pendant pulsed against Selina's chest.

Keane turned toward her, urgency shining in his eyes. "You must pass through the entrance. The only way to stop them is to do this.

She said, "What about you?"

His words were, "I'll hold them off," "Now go!"

Selina took one more look before passing through the archway, the light streaming in.

She heard Keane's voice one last time as the world dimmed.

"Selina, discover the truth. It's the sole option.