Page 50 of The Moon's Daughter

Layna took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Soraya and I found texts about the prophecy and the Medjai. Tell me why you’re here and my role in all of this,” she pleaded, hating the vulnerability in her voice. “Just tell me the truth.”

Zarian looked into her eyes, his own swirling with regret, affection, and perhaps, a sliver of hope.

In a quiet whisper, he said, “The prophecy warns of an era marked by turmoil—a time when the very fabric of our kingdoms will be tested. The Daughter of the Moon is the key.”

Layna felt a chill run down her spine. “And you’re saying that…Iam this Daughter? How do you know for sure?”

“Your birth coincided with a rare celestial alignment, deeply connected to the lunar cycle. This event was prophesized to mark the arrival of the Daughter of the Moon. It happens only once in centuries.”

Layna shook her head. “That could just be a coincidence.”

Zarian leaned closer. “Tell me, Layna, do you not feel an intrinsic connection to the moon? Has it not been a source of peace and strength for you? Does it not call to you through your dreams?”

Layna absorbed his words in disbelief, realization washing over her in a frigid wave.

She had never told him about her nightmares.

“The eclipse,” she said. “When is it supposed to occur? What will happen to me?”

Zarian sighed and shook his head. “The elders believe it will occur soon. But the texts don’t specify exactly what will happen, only that it’s the final event in the prophecy’s fulfillment. They think you’ll receive powers of some kind, but I don’t know for sure.”

Layna felt a haunting chill settle into her bones. She gazed at the moon, steadfast in the sky, its pale light casting a glow over them.

After a moment of silence, Layna turned back to Zarian. “We found a sketch, some type of orb. I felt…strange when I saw it. Do you know about it?”

A flicker of recognition crossed Zarian’s features. “Yes. The Orb of Al’Qamzain. Medjai legends say it emerged from the sacred springs of the Oasis under the darkness of an eclipse, imbued with powers from the moon itself. It was hidden by the first generation of Medjai to protect it from those who would misuse its power.”

Zarian hesitated before adding, “Our intelligence suggests someone is trying to locate the orb. More alarmingly, it might already be in the wrong hands.” He drew in a slow, deliberate breath. “The orb has significant power over the Daughter of the Moon. Whoever possesses it likely has ill intentions toward you.”

Layna’s expression clouded with worry, the crease between her brows deepening. “Does my father know about the prophecy?” she finally asked.

“Yes,” Zarian nodded. “Years ago, an envoy from the Medjai came to Alzahra. He shared our belief that you fit the criteria.” He paused, closing his eyes and tightly pinching the bridge of his nose. “I only learned of this months ago, before I was tasked with coming here. The elders had kept your identity a closely guarded secret before then.”

Layna’s eyes widened, a memory flickering to life. “That’s what Soraya and I overheard about the Medjai and a prophecy when we were children. We were eavesdropping from behind a tapestry in Baba’s office.”

“Your father has known of your destiny for years,” Zarian explained. “I imagine it’s why he’s insisted on rigorous training. He wanted you to be prepared, even if the full scope of the prophecy was unclear.”

Layna absorbed this new piece of her history. Her father had been preparing her for this role her entire life, without her ever realizing the true reason.

Another question occurred to her. “Why are there ancient Medjai texts here in Alzahra? Shouldn’t they be safeguarded in the Oasis?”

“The first generation of Medjai were guardians not only of the Oasis, but of sacred knowledge as well,” he replied, his fingers tracing idle patterns on the cool terrace floor. “They believed it was too risky to keep all their ancient texts and artifacts in one place. The danger of such treasures being discovered and misused was too great. So, they spread the artifacts and texts about prophecies across the realm. They aren’t just within Alzahra, but hidden in many different locations.”

“Prophecies?” Layna asked incredulously. “There’s more than one?”

Zarian forced a strained smile and said, “Yes, there are several prophecies—and supposedly a handsome Medjai guarding each one.” Layna remained stone-faced, and his smile slowly faded. He sighed, glancing away. “Truthfully, even I don’t know how many prophecies there are. The Medjai cherish their secrets, even from their own.”

“And what is your role in all of this? Are you even a prince?” she questioned, tightly hugging her knees to her chest.

Zarian straightened. “Yes. My lineage as a prince and my role as a Medjai are deeply intertwined. My father is also a Medjai. He instilled in me the understanding that our royal duty extends beyond the throne—it’s a commitment to the balance.”

Layna was silent, processing the new information Zarian had revealed.

Shifting his eyes to his lap, Zarian took a deep, steadying breath. His face contorted, as if it pained him to utter his next words.

“Layna, there’s one thing your father doesn’t know. The elders fear the unknown. We don’t know what will happen during the eclipse, but if you threaten the balance in any way…I’m supposed to stop you. By any means necessary.”

Layna gasped sharply, her eyes widening as his confession stole the breath from her lungs. The blood drained from her face, and she recoiled from him as if he had slapped her, her body instinctively putting distance between them.

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