Tides of the Moon

The radiant path beneath their feet stretched far into the horizon, leading toward the heart of the Loom. Divine and Caelan moved cautiously, the lingering presence of the Warden's test weighing on them both.

"You're stronger than I thought," Caelan said, his voice breaking the silence. "Facing yourself like that… not everyone can do it."

Divine glanced at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I had to. If I can't face my own darkness, how can I hope to mend what I've broken?"

As they pressed forward, the landscape around them began to shift. The threads of the Loom glimmered like stars, and faint whispers filled the air. They were soft at first, like the rustling of leaves, but grew louder with each step.

"What is that?" Caelan asked, gripping his blade tightly.

Divine paused, her gaze narrowing. The whispers seemed to be calling her name, weaving into an eerie melody that sent chills down her spine.

"It's the echoes," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "Memories tied to the threads I've mended. They're… reaching out to me."

The whispers coalesced into a single, haunting voice—a woman's voice, filled with sorrow.

"Divine… why did you leave us?"

Divine froze, her heart pounding. The voice was achingly familiar, dredging up memories she had long buried.

The threads ahead unraveled, forming a shimmering portal. From within it emerged a figure—a woman with silver hair that flowed like liquid moonlight, her eyes luminous with an otherworldly glow. She was draped in robes of starlight, her presence both ethereal and commanding.

"Mother," Divine whispered, her voice breaking.

Caelan's eyes widened in shock, but he stayed silent, watching the scene unfold.

The woman stepped forward, her expression a mixture of grief and anger. "You abandoned us, Divine. You abandoned your people, your duty, your family. And for what? To live among mortals?"

Divine's throat tightened, guilt washing over her. "I didn't abandon you," she said softly. "I… I made mistakes. I thought I was protecting everyone by stepping away."

"Protecting?" Her mother's voice rose, sharp and accusing. "The tides faltered, the moon's light dimmed, and the city fell into ruin. All because of your selfishness."

Tears welled in Divine's eyes, but she held her ground. "I didn't know how to fix it then. I thought stepping away would stop the chaos I caused. I was wrong, but I'm trying to make it right now."

Her mother's gaze softened slightly, though the pain in her eyes remained. "The Loom has granted you a second chance, but the echoes of your choices linger. Do you truly believe you can mend what you've broken?"

"I have to try," Divine said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. "I can't undo the past, but I can shape the future. I won't run from my mistakes anymore."

The silver-haired woman studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. If you are truly committed to this path, you must face the heart of the Loom. It holds the answers you seek—but also the greatest dangers."

She reached out, placing a hand on Divine's pendant. The light within it flared, and a wave of energy surged through Divine, filling her with warmth and strength.

"This will guide you," her mother said. "But beware—the heart of the Loom is guarded by the Weaver of Eternity. They will test not only your resolve but your very soul."

The shimmering portal behind her began to fade, and her mother's form grew translucent.

"Wait!" Divine called, reaching out. "Will I see you again?"

Her mother's lips curved into a sad smile. "Perhaps. If you succeed."

With that, she vanished, leaving Divine and Caelan standing in silence.

Caelan placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip steady. "Are you okay?"

Divine nodded, though her heart felt heavy. "I don't know what's waiting for us at the heart of the Loom, but I have to face it. For my people. For myself."

Caelan's expression hardened with determination. "Then we'll face it together."

As they continued down the glowing path, the whispers grew fainter, replaced by an ominous hum that seemed to vibrate through the very threads of the Loom. The heart of the Loom awaited—and with it, the Weaver of Eternity.