Tides of the Moon

The figures at the water's edge stood motionless, their presence commanding yet enigmatic. Moonlight gleamed off their cloaks, casting long shadows over the churning waves. Divine could feel the weight of their gaze, though their faces were obscured by the darkness.

Caelan stepped protectively in front of her, his blade drawn. "Stay behind me," he warned, his voice low but firm.

"No," Divine said, her voice steadier than she felt. "If they've come for me, I need to face them."

As if hearing her words, the figures began to move, their steps eerily synchronized as they approached. The air grew colder with each step they took, and the once-furious waves seemed to calm, as if bowing to their presence.

When they were close enough, Divine could see them more clearly. Two men and a woman, their features sharp and ethereal, their eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light. They looked otherworldly—like something out of the fragments of memories she couldn't quite piece together.

"Divine," the woman said, her voice melodic but tinged with an edge of authority. "It's been a long time."

"I don't know you," Divine said, though the words felt hollow. Deep down, something in her stirred—a faint recognition she couldn't explain.

The woman tilted her head, her gaze piercing. "Not yet. But you will."

Caelan stepped forward, his blade glinting in the moonlight. "Who are you, and what do you want with her?"

The taller of the two men smirked, his voice smooth as silk. "Still playing the loyal guardian, are we, Caelan? Some things never change."

Caelan's grip on his blade tightened. "You know me?"

The smirk widened. "Know you? I trained you."

Divine's eyes darted to Caelan, confusion clouding her thoughts. "What is he talking about?"

"It doesn't matter," Caelan said quickly, his tone hard. "You're not taking her."

The woman raised a hand, and the waves stilled completely, the ocean falling into an unnatural silence. "We didn't come to take her," she said, her voice calm but firm. "We came to warn her."

"Warn me about what?" Divine asked, her pulse quickening.

The woman's glowing eyes locked onto hers. "You are awakening, Divine. Your power is returning, piece by piece. But with it comes danger—both to you and to those around you."

"What kind of danger?"

The shorter man, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. His voice was softer, almost gentle. "The kind that will destroy you if you're not prepared. The balance you once maintained as the goddess of the moon and sea is fragile. If you cannot control your emotions, the consequences will be catastrophic."

Divine's mind raced. "I didn't ask for any of this. I don't even remember who I was."

"That's why we're here," the woman said. "To guide you. But the choice is yours, Divine. Will you accept our help, or will you let the past consume you?"

Caelan stepped between them, his expression fierce. "She doesn't need your help. She has me."

The taller man chuckled, his tone mocking. "And what exactly can you offer her, guardian? Your sword? Your loyalty? She needs more than that now."

Divine held up a hand, silencing them both. "Enough. I don't trust any of you. But if what you're saying is true, then I need answers. I'll hear you out—but only on my terms."

The woman nodded, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Very well. When you're ready, come to the Lunar Nexus. You'll find us there."

With that, the three figures turned and walked back toward the ocean. As they reached the water's edge, they seemed to dissolve into the waves, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.

Divine let out a shaky breath, her knees threatening to give way.

"Are you okay?" Caelan asked, his voice softer now.

She nodded, though she wasn't sure it was true. "I need to know the truth, Caelan. I can't keep running from this."

"You're not alone in this," he said, his eyes steady on hers. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

But as Divine looked out at the now-quiet ocean, she couldn't shake the feeling that the road ahead would test them both in ways they couldn't yet imagine.