Echoes under the Moonlight

Ava stood at the top of the hill, frozen in place as her heart pounded. Down below, wolves attacked Lucien, growling and lunging at him. Lucien moved quickly, his dagger flashing in the moonlight as he took down the first wolf.

"Lucien!" Ava shouted, her voice filled with panic.

"Keep going!" he yelled back, his voice gritted with effort as he knocked another wolf aside. "I'll catch up!"

Ava's breath hitched. If she left, if she ran, Lucien might not survive. More wolves emerged from the trees, their growls echoing through the night, circling him from all sides. Ava could feel the weight of the decision in her chest. Lucien needed help—and she couldn't stand by and do nothing.

"No!" Ava cried out, her voice shaking. She could feel the pulse of power stirring within her, the mark on her wrist beginning to glow, warming her skin. The energy coursed through her veins like wildfire, urging her to act.

Lucien swung his dagger again, knocking another wolf to the ground, but his eyes flickered toward her. "Don't—"

But it was already too late. Ava couldn't stop it. The power exploded from her, wild and untamed, flooding the clearing with golden light. Her hands shot out in front of her, and with a flash, the light hit the wolves. They were thrown back with an earsplitting howl, retreating into the darkness.

Ava stood panting, her legs trembling as she tried to steady herself. The last of the wolves disappeared into the trees, their growls fading into the night. The clearing fell silent, and for a brief moment, Ava thought they might be safe.

But then her strength faltered, and she collapsed to her knees, her hands losing their glow as exhaustion washed over her. She could barely keep her eyes open. The energy she'd used had drained her completely.

Lucien staggered over to her, blood dripping from a gash on his arm. His clothes were torn, his face streaked with dirt and sweat, but his eyes—his eyes were focused entirely on her.

"Ava," he whispered, his voice a mixture of awe and concern. "What did you do?"

"I couldn't leave you," she managed to say, her voice weak.

He knelt beside her, his hands gently gripping her shoulders. "You're reckless," he muttered, though his tone was softer than she expected. "You could have been hurt."

But it wasn't anger she saw in his eyes. It was fear. Fear for her.

"I couldn't let them take you," she whispered, her words barely audible. "I couldn't lose you."

Lucien's gaze softened for a moment, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. He seemed torn, unsure of what to say. Then, without warning, he lifted her into his arms, his grip firm but careful.

"You're not walking another step," he said, his voice low. "I'll carry you."

Ava's breath caught in her throat as she was pulled against him. The sensation of his heartbeat under her cheek grounded her, and she felt a strange sense of safety. But even in the comfort of his arms, the reality of the situation sank in.

The wolves were still out there, and they wouldn't stop until they had her.

"Thank you," she murmured, her eyes fluttering closed as the exhaustion began to overtake her.

Lucien's voice was soft but resolute. "Don't thank me yet. We're not safe."

His words hung in the air as he moved swiftly through the forest, his pace quick but calculated. Ava could hear the sound of her own breathing, shallow and labored, but she fought to stay awake. She had to stay alert. Lucien needed her to be strong.

But her mind was heavy with thoughts of the power she had unleashed—of the sacrifice she'd made. She hadn't hesitated. In that moment, when Lucien's life had been at risk, something inside her had snapped. The fear of losing him had been too much to bear. And so, she had used everything she had, regardless of the cost.

"Why did I do it?" she wondered silently, her body growing colder as Lucien carried her deeper into the woods.

Soon, they reached a small cave nestled in the rocky hill. Lucien ducked inside, laying Ava gently on the cold stone floor. He stood over her, his face tense as he examined the surroundings.

"We'll be safe for now," he said, though his voice carried an edge of uncertainty.

Ava's eyelids fluttered open. "Lucien…" She reached out, her hand weak but insistent. "You're hurt."

He glanced down at his arm, where blood had begun to stain the sleeve of his shirt. "It's just a scratch," he muttered, brushing it off, but Ava could see the pain in his eyes.

"No," she whispered, trying to sit up. "Let me help."

Lucien hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering between the wound and her face. But he eventually relented, allowing her to carefully roll back the fabric of his sleeve. The cut was deep, jagged, and still bleeding. Ava winced.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "This is my fault. If I hadn't—"

Lucien took her hand, cutting her off gently. "This isn't your fault," he said, his voice surprisingly soft. "You did what you had to. You saved me."

Her eyes filled with tears, though she fought to hold them back. She couldn't afford to break down. Not now. They weren't safe yet.

She looked around the cave and found a strip of cloth in the corner. Her hands shook as she tore it and wrapped it around Lucien's wound. Her heart pounded in her chest as she concentrated, trying to keep her composure. She couldn't allow herself to falter—not when Lucien needed her.

"There," she said quietly, finally securing the makeshift bandage. "It's not perfect, but it'll help."

Lucien flexed his arm, testing the pressure. He gave her a small smile. "You did great," he said, though his voice was strained.

Ava nodded, relieved, but exhaustion crept over her once more. "I don't understand," she murmured. "Why… Why are you helping me?"

Lucien's eyes softened. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched her, as if seeing her for the first time. He stepped closer, lowering himself beside her.

"You don't understand because you didn't ask for any of this," he said softly. "But I'm not going to let you face this alone. You've already made the ultimate sacrifice for me. I owe you my life."

Ava blinked up at him, her heart swelling with emotions she couldn't quite explain. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time, she felt like maybe she wasn't fighting alone after all.

But just as she thought they might have a moment of peace, a distant howl broke the silence, and Ava's breath caught in her throat.

"They're still out there," she said, her voice trembling.

Lucien's expression hardened, his jaw clenched. "They won't stop until they get what they want."

Ava's throat tightened. "And what do they want?"

Lucien looked at her, his eyes dark with a mixture of fear and resolve. "You."