Griffith hesitated for a moment longer, but in the end, he left as scheduled. Just before departing, he turned back to me, almost uncertain. “You’ll wait for me, won’t you?”
I smiled. “Travel safely.”
The moment he was gone, I shut myself in my room. Packing was quick and methodical. No one saw me leave.
Curled up in the belly of a ship, I cast the spell. The crystal sphere flickered to life, revealing the scene at the ceremonial grounds. The priests stood in a circle, their voices weaving the ancient spells, summoning the Moon Goddess.
Griffith was there, but he looked different—restless, distracted. He muttered under his breath, a quiet spell meant for me. But the transmitter remained silent.
Frowning, he tried another spell, this time searching for the transmitter’s location. A moment later, the magic confirmed it—still in the castle. A breath of relief left his lips.
I understood. He assumed I had taken it with me. He believed that, no matter where I went, I would always cherish his gifts.
Under the moon’s glow, the Moon Goddess appeared. Her voice rang through the ceremony, ancient words filling the space like mist.
“Place your hands upon the Stone of Oaths, and the bond will be sealed.”
Giselle moved at once, eager, pressing her hand against the smooth surface of the stone. She turned to Griffith, expectant.
But Griffith hesitated.
The crowd murmured. Someone urged him forward.
He did not move.
And then, all at once, he turned, shoving past the onlookers, ignoring their protests. He ran.
His breath came in ragged gasps as he stormed back into the castle. “Where’s Luna Ellia?” he demanded.
A servant bowed, answering dutifully, “Luna is resting in her chambers.”
Griffith paused, straightening his disheveled clothing. He reached for the door, pulse pounding.
He pushed it open.
The room was empty.
