Aria's POV
The miles stretch behind us like a lifeline I'm afraid to break. Every step takes us further from the Moon Goddess's temple, but the weight in my chest tells me we haven't gone far enough. We may never go far enough.
Victor moves with purpose through the darkness, his hand wrapped around mine like an anchor. I don't question our destination. As long as he's beside me, I can face whatever waits ahead.
His fingers squeeze mine, drawing me back to the present. "Almost there," he murmurs.
Before I can ask where exactly we're going, the answer reveals itself through the trees. An ancient sanctuary emerges from the shadows, its stone walls choked with vines and forgotten by time. Moonbeams slice through gaps in the crumbling roof, casting ethereal light across broken pillars. The world may have abandoned this sacred place, but something in my soul recognizes it. This is where our story truly begins.
