Selene

It didn’t take us very long to get through the forest and I enjoyed the peaceful walk with Kyran, the calm quietness a reprieve from the exhaustive turmoil of today. We break through the tree line into a gorgeous grassy opening with a sparkling pool at the base of a small waterfall, bright blooming flowers spread widely throughout the greenery and sitting in a patch of sunlight is an illuminated, bright silver chest. I hurry over toward it, knowing this must have been what Kyran had noticed and I hesitantly place my hand on the cool metal. Gasping at the jolt of energy that radiates painlessly along my arm, I pull my hand back before slamming my palms against the lid and push forcefully to no avail. I let out a frustrated groan and drop my hands, walking around the chest to observe it.

The metal is ornate with intricate filigree, large rivets line the edges over the smooth face panels and I cannot find a lock or keyhole anywhere. Confused, I glance up at Kyran and he looks puzzled as well, crouching down and running his fingers over the chest.

“These are my memories, I can feel it. I have no idea how to open it, though. I think there is some sort of spell or enchantment—Asteria!” I blurt, slapping my hand to the chest, “I bet she could open it, maybe it’s locked with her magic somehow? And she couldn’t reach it before because it got buried deep into my subconscious. Now that I know where it is, maybe I can direct her to it and I’ll get my memories back,” I say hopefully, wringing my hands together.

“That would be wonderful,” Kyran grins at me and rises to his feet. “Would you like me to let Valdr know we’ve found it and have Asteria pull us out? Though, we should probably rest before attempting to unlock that,” he glances quickly at the chest and narrows his eyes before meeting my gaze with a look of concern etched onto his face.

I almost nod my head in agreement but a thought darts across my mind and I step around the chest. “Wait, what about Luna?” I ask tightly, remembering her cage.

His brow draws in and he nods, murmuring, “Let’s go to her, quickly, before we run out of time,” and holds out his hand.

I lace my fingers in his and I focus on the cliff I saw her on, imagining we’re standing next to Luna’s cage and in a flash, the clearing vanishes as the windy cliff top appears around us. I press my hand to my mouth at the sight of my wolf, she is absolutely stunning with her bright white fur, her crystal blue eyes shining like starlight and the poise she carries herself with. I dash over to her cage and shove my arms through, immediately overcome with a sense of deep longing and she presses her head into my hands.

“Luna, I am so glad to see you! I don’t remember being with you but I can feel you and I know I miss you. You are gorgeous! Wait until Valdr gets his eyes on you, woo,” I whistle, a laugh bubbling up from my chest at the same time tears spring to my eyes.

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I can hear Kyran’s chuckle beside me and he rests his hand on my back. “I said the same thing when I first saw her too. Luna,” he greets her, bowing his head deeply, “I am honored to meet you and I look forward to running with you beneath the moon,” he grins as he straightens.

She leans over and pushes her snout through the bars and Kyran brushes his hands over her face. She gives him a lick then lightly nips at his fingers with a feathery growl leaving her chest. I laugh at the same time as Kyran does and he ruffles the fur on her head.

“Yeah, he’s gonna roll over when he meets you,” he jokes and his eyes crinkle happily.

I’m pleased to see you here, can you get me out? I’ve tried endlessly but it doesn’t budge. I’m trapped here, I want to run, her melodic voice floats around Kyran and me like a ringing crystal bell.

Kyran shakes his head as I reply, “No, I don’t know yet. But I am going to try, I will talk with Ria and mother about this as soon as I can. I hope you aren’t in here much longer,” I sigh, grasping the bars.

Looking at the cage, I take a few steps back and follow the seamless metal bars around in a circle, finding a large padlock on the other side. I grasp it, wondering where the key is to unlock it, and the gleaming metal of the lock stands out to me. I blink, belatedly understanding why it is familiar.

“The chest!” I exclaim and they turn to face me curiously as I continue, “there is a padlock here made of the same metal as my memory chest. If I can open that, I’d bet the key to opening this is inside of it, somehow. Luna, I don’t think I can get you out until my memories are restored, but I believe Ria can do that part for us,” I tell her with hope coloring my voice brightly.

“We’ve gotta go, I need to let her know about this,” I say to Kyran, holding out my hand for him. When he slides his fingers through mine, I reach up and grasp the golden thread woven around the cage, recognizing it from my time spent with Valdr and focus on our bond.

Selene, are you alright? his rough voice rumbles through my mind immediately.

Yes, I’m okay, but we need to leave. I know where my memories are but I cannot access them, and I believe Luna cannot be freed until they are returned to me, I quickly inform him.

I will pass it on, he responds and I can feel the anxiousness through our bond.

“Luna, I will be back as soon as I can, okay? You’ll be free soon,” I murmur to her, placing my hand against a bar.

She just huffs a breath in response and dramatically lies down with a flop. Kyran laughs and I roll my eyes at her attitude, though I can’t hide the smirk that tugs at my lips. A dizziness washes over me and I tighten my hold on Kyran as everything fades to black around us, just like it was when we first started this journey. I yearn to finally feel whole again, though I’m anxious to get started, because the darkest part of me is clawing its way to the surface and I have trouble swallowing down the anguish threatening to consume me.