---- Chapter 19 I looked up towards the summit - still some way to go. And behind us, countless glowing eyes were moving through the forest, gradually closing in. "We might not make it to the altar,"" Rhea said worriedly. Kaelen looked at the summit, then at the approaching enemies, a look of grim determination in his eyes. "You go on ahead, I'll cover our retreat." "No!" I protested. "The last time you said that, we were separated for three months!" "This time is different," he said firmly, taking a pendant from around his neck and handing it to me. "This is the Nightfang family amulet; it can enhance the altar's power. Whatever happens, protect Orion and complete the Moon Goddess prayer." ---- His tone sent a chill down my spine. It sounded like... a final goodbye. "Kaelen..." I grasped his hand. He gently touched Orion's small face, his eyes full of reluctance. ''Tell him his father is proud of him. " Then, he turned towards the forest, shifted into his black wolf form, and let out a valley-shaking howl - a challenge, drawing all the trackers' attention to himself. "Quickly!" Rhea pulled me, and we continued climbing towards the summit. I looked back to see Kaelen's figure disappear into the darkness, heading towards dozens of howling enemies. Tears blurred my vision, but I knew I had to keep going. For Orion, so Kaelen's sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. ---- When we finally reached the summit, the ancient stone altar stood under the moonlight, emitting a faint silver glow. Rhea immediately began preparing the ritual. " Place Orion in the center, then put on the amulet." I did as she said, my heart still with the battle raging below. Distant wolf howls and roars indicated the fighting was fierce. "Begin the prayer," Rhea instructed. "Call upon the Moon Goddess's protection." I took a deep breath and began chanting the ancient prayer. The runes on the stone altar started to glow, and a silver light gradually expanded, forming a protective shield. Suddenly, a pained wolf howl cut through my prayer - it was Kaelen's voice! My heart felt like it was being torn apart, but Rhea gripped my hand. "Don't stop! You must complete ---- the ritual!" Clenching my teeth, I continued chanting, tears streaming down my face. The altar's light grew stronger, and Orion, enveloped in a gentle silver glow, quietly watched everything. Just as the ritual was about to be completed, a foul stench assaulted us. "A pathetic attempt," a distorted voice sounded from behind me. I turned, fear chilling me to the bone - standing there was no longer the Lyra I remembered, but a twisted, deformed monster. Half her face remained human, while the other half was completely distorted, covered in black matter, sprouting tentacles and multiple eyes. "What have you done to yourself, Lyra?" I asked, shocked. "T have gained power," she - or it - replied."