Shadows under the moon

Lysandra Evernight

A young woman with silver hair that glimmers under the moonlight and piercing violet eyes. Known for her calm and elegant demeanor, she is mysterious and carries a past shrouded in sorrow. Lysandra belongs to the noble Evernight family, a line of moon-blessed protectors. Rumors say she can control shadows, though she’s never revealed her true powers to anyone. She wears a silver pendant—her only memory of her late mother—and carries a vow she’s yet to fulfill.

Alaric Thorne

A skilled warrior of humble origins who rose through the ranks due to his fierce loyalty and unmatched talent with the sword. Alaric has dark, tousled hair and a commanding presence that masks a tender heart. He is dedicated to serving the kingdom, but his past remains a secret even to his closest comrades. Haunted by an old prophecy that whispers of him as the "Dark Knight of the Moonlit Oath," Alaric harbors a forbidden love for Lysandra, whom he believes is destined to betray him.

King Cedric of Eldoria

The ruler of Eldoria, a cunning strategist who is willing to go to any lengths to secure his kingdom’s prosperity. He sees the potential of a moonlit vow between Lysandra and Alaric to strengthen the kingdom’s magic but cares little for the cost it may exact on the two souls involved.

Elara, the Oracle

An enigmatic seer who has predicted the fate of Eldoria and the role of the moonlit vow. She appears to guide Lysandra and Alaric in cryptic ways, never fully revealing the truth, but her words often carry a heavy weight. Her visions are revered but feared, as they are said to always come true.

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The moon hung low in the night sky, casting its silvery light over the darkened forest that surrounded the ancient castle of Eldoria. The breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of midnight flowers and the faint sound of footsteps on the forest floor.

Lysandra pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her eyes scanning the shadows as she made her way through the dense woods. Tonight, she felt the weight of the prophecy pressing down on her like never before. The closer she got to the castle, the stronger the pull became, as if some unseen force were guiding her every step.

She knew she was expected—by the king, and perhaps by someone else as well.

As she neared the castle gates, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall and dark-haired, with an intensity in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat, Alaric Thorne was as imposing as he was alluring. He stepped forward, the silver light illuminating his sharp features and the haunted look in his eyes.

"Lysandra," he said, his voice a low murmur that seemed to resonate with the night itself.

"Alaric," she replied, her voice steady but her pulse racing. She had known they would meet here tonight; the prophecy had promised as much. But seeing him standing before her, cloaked in mystery and moonlight, was something else entirely.

They stood in silence, the world around them fading into nothingness as they looked at each other. Lysandra could feel the magic between them—a connection forged not by choice but by fate. She felt it in the way her heart beat faster, in the way her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them at her sides.

"I came to speak with you," Alaric said, his gaze never leaving hers. "To understand this... vow the king intends for us to make."

"A vow that binds us," Lysandra whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and longing. "But are we ready to pay the price?"

Alaric's expression hardened. "Do we have a choice?"

The question lingered between them, unanswered. They both knew the answer, yet neither dared to voice it. This vow—this moonlit vow—was a bond forged by forces beyond their control, one that held the power to change their lives forever.

As they stood beneath the moonlight, with shadows dancing around them like silent witnesses, Lysandra felt a strange comfort in Alaric's presence. It was as if, despite the prophecy, despite the uncertainty, she could trust him.

For now, at least.

And perhaps, she thought as she met his gaze, that was enough.

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