Chapter 15: Whispers Between the Walls
The temple walls never felt this tight before.
I had only been gone for a few hours… maybe less. But walking back through the marble archway felt like stepping into a completely different life. A heavier one.
I kept my head down as I slipped through the hallway, hoping to reach my room before anyone noticed.
No such luck.
"Where were you?"
The voice stopped me cold.
Louie.
He stood by the hallway pillar, arms crossed, eyes narrowed—not angry, just… confused. Worried. His tousled brown hair was messier than usual, like he'd been pacing all night. He stepped forward slowly.
"Luna, I woke up and you were gone. No note. No sound. Just… gone."
My throat felt dry. "I needed air."
"At midnight? In the middle of the forest?"
I bit my lip.
He wasn't yelling, but his voice held something heavier than anger—hurt.
"I had to see someone," I said quietly.
His expression shifted. "Who?"
I looked away. "I don't think you'd believe me."
He exhaled sharply. "Luna, I've seen you float in midair, talk to wolves, and literally breathe fire in your sleep. Try me."
I laughed softly, despite everything. That was Louie for you.
---
"I met someone," I said after a moment. "Her name's Solena. She's like me… or I'm like her, I don't even know anymore."
He leaned against the wall, listening.
"She said we're vessels. Chosen by something ancient. The Flamekeeper. There are others out there… people like us."
His brows furrowed. "That sounds—"
"Crazy?" I asked.
"I was gonna say dangerous."
He paused. "Did she hurt you?"
"No. But she scared me. Not because she threatened me. Because she… understood me."
---
There was a long silence.
"I didn't think anyone would," I whispered. "Not really. Not with what's inside me."
Louie moved closer.
"I don't care what's inside you, Luna," he said. "I care about you."
The words felt like balm.
Warm. Real.
---
We stood there in silence, side by side, until he said, "You're not alone. Even if you feel like it. I'll stand with you, whether you burn or rise."
I turned toward him. "Even if I lose control?"
He smiled softly. "Then I'll remind you who you are."
I didn't say anything. I just nodded, blinking back the sudden heat behind my eyes.
---
But even as we stood in quiet understanding… something stirred.
A soft knock echoed from the temple entrance.
Louie looked at me, confused. "It's past midnight."
We stepped together toward the grand door.
Another knock.
This time louder.
I reached for the handle, heart pounding.
And as the doors creaked open—revealing a cloaked figure drenched from head to toe—one word slipped from their lips:
"Help."
---
To be continued…