Tides of the Moon

The first rays of sunlight broke through the crumbled spires of Moonshadow Haven, casting long shadows over the ruins. Divine stood at the edge of the city, the thread gifted by the Weaver now woven into her pendant. It pulsed faintly, a reminder of her renewed purpose.

Beside her, Caelan adjusted the straps of his gauntlets, his gaze scanning the horizon. "So, what's the plan?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.

Divine closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses. The thread within her resonated, tugging her attention toward the Earthly realm. She felt the turmoil brewing there—fractured alliances, despairing hearts, and the faintest glimmer of hope waiting to be nurtured.

"We go back," she said firmly. "To where it all began. The Earthly realm needs balance, and I'm going to restore it. Not as a goddess looking down on them, but as one of them."

Caelan tilted his head, his lips quirking into a small smile. "You're sure you can do this? The last time you were there"

"I ran," Divine interrupted, her voice steady. "I ran from my duty, from my power, from everything I was supposed to be. Not this time." She turned to face him, her silver eyes glowing faintly. "I need you with me, Caelan. This isn't something I can do alone."

He stepped closer, his dark eyes softening. "You never have to ask. Wherever you go, I'm right behind you."

For a moment, the weight of their mission faded. Divine looked up at him, her breath catching. The moonlight illuminated the sharp lines of his face, and she saw the unwavering loyalty in his eyes.

"Caelan," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I don't think I've ever told you how much you mean to me."

He raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing at his lips. "Is this your way of saying you'd miss me if I wasn't around?"

Her cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze. "You know what I mean."

The teasing faded from his expression, replaced by something deeper. He reached out, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "I know. And I mean it when I say I'm with you, no matter what happens. Always."

The air between them grew still, charged with an unspoken tension. Divine felt her heart race as he leaned in, his hand lingering against her cheek. She closed her eyes, letting herself be vulnerable, just this once.

His lips met hers, and the world seemed to dissolve around them. For a moment, there was no war, no broken Loom, no divine duty only the warmth of his touch and the steady beat of his heart.

When they pulled apart, Caelan's forehead rested against hers, a soft smile curving his lips. "I guess that settles it," he murmured.

Divine laughed softly, her fingers brushing against his. "It does."

The pendant around her neck glowed brighter, a reminder of the task ahead. She stepped back, her resolve hardening. "Let's go."

With a nod, she raised the pendant, focusing on the thread within. It responded to her will, weaving a portal of silver light. The air shimmered as the fabric of reality bent, revealing the Earthly realm on the other side.

The Earthly realm greeted them with chaos. They emerged in the middle of a crumbling city, the skies darkened with storm clouds and the streets filled with desperate cries. Divine's chest tightened at the sight.

"This is where it starts," she said, gripping the pendant tightly.

Caelan stepped beside her, his hand brushing against hers. "Then let's end it together."

As they ventured into the heart of the chaos, Divine felt the pull of her destiny stronger than ever. But this time, she wasn't alone.