Page 69 of When the Moon Met the Sun

She suddenly looked sheepish as she stepped into the circle the Valwain had loosely made around the room. We’d all been too anxious to sit down.

Margo pulled the pouch on her hip open and walked up to each and every one of us that were leaving, even Laurence and I, handing us identical, small charms that she’d obviously crafted herself. The gems and beads were different shades of green, her family’s color, and had a small clasp at the end of them so they could be hooked onto clothing or such.

I didn’t let it go unnoticed how she didn’t allow her gloved hands to make contact with anybody else’s skin. I might’ve asked about it before now, but it seemed like something the Thorntier siblings specifically didn't talk about, so I hadn’t pushed.

Once she handed them all out, she stood close to Byn, handing him his last. Ezra placed a hand on her shoulder, and they shared a loving look full of soft smiles. Ezra and Margo were the only two not to have received one—likely because they were staying behind. Plus, Margo already had beads hanging from various places on her person.

“They’re good luck charms,” she said quietly. “So that you all come back.”

I could feel a sharp pang of sadness strike through my chest, and I knew it wasn't only Byn’s emotions, but my own.

Margo had experienced so much more than any eight-year-old should have to shoulder. Tears threatened to well in my eyes at the simple thought.

Everybody gave her their sincere thanks, hooking the charms onto different pieces of clothing or on an earring. I made sure to secure mine onto the lobe of my left ear so it dangledfreely.

Byn straightened, clearing his throat, then turned to address Drayven.

“We’re going to need backup,” Byn said to him, some silent understanding passing between the two of them. “Do you think you can get them to come to our aid?” he asked.

Rayven nodded, placing his fist over his heart as he said sternly, “Leave it to me.”

Byn nodded, then said, “Take Willow, my mother’s Titan Wolf. She’ll get you there faster than any other mode of transportation.”

Rayven’s eyes softened just slightly, but it was there.

Next, Byn turned to me, to my surprise.

“Aviva,” he said my name fondly, “I know you haven’t known us all that long, but if you’ll take on the task, I’d appreciate your help near the front lines. You know your father and brother best, what moves they’re most likely to make. Will you help us?” he asked.

I nodded as I responded, “I will. And I know I haven’t trained long, but I want to fight, if there’s no greater need for me. It’s time I faced my father.”

Byn looked pleasantly stunned at my words, but didn’t object, despite the anxiety I could feel radiating off of him at the thought.

I placed my fist over my heart.

Byn turned to Laurence next, then looked back at me. He nodded slightly, giving me the encouragement I needed to address him.

“Laurence,” I said, turning to the older male, our eyes locking as I spoke. “I have a special request of you. But you can say no or back out at any time, without any judgement from any of us, alright?”

Laurence nodded once. “I will accept any and all tasks you ask of me, Your Majesty.”

He placed a fist over his heart, and I mimicked him once again.

Teagan followed suit, then Quinn, and soon every member in the room had their hand over their heart, even Margo—a silent agreement, a promise, a vow.

We all took a moment to look around the room, all of us quietly acknowledging that this could be our last time all together if things went wrong. I didn’t miss the longing look Ezra and Quinn shared as their fingertips brushed, or the terrified look Margo cast Teagan and Byn.

Byn dismissed everybody, each person scrambling to get their affairs in order, knowing we had no time to waste. But before I could exit the room, a large, calloused hand lightly gripped my arm and pulled me to the side.

Turning on my heel, I came face to face with Rayven.

His face betrayed no emotions, and I wondered if he was the first person I hadn’t been able to read.

“We never had a chance to practice your shadow wielding,” he stated, his voice rough. He placed a small, black leather journal into my hands. “I’ve written down everything you need to know about the zirilium itself, and how basic maneuvers work. Take the time to read them. Shadows can be life-saving,” he said firmly, and I knew he meant every word.

I nodded, taking the journal from him and slipping it into one of my many pockets.

“Thank you. I wish we could have had time to practice, but I’ll make sure to go over this as many times as I can before the battle,” I said, my voice sincere.

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