---
The journey back to the Moon Clan was long, but Luna rode at the front, her presence alone commanding the attention of those who traveled with her.
Ren sat on her horse behind Ahava, her small hands gripping the reins as she stared at the vast lands that stretched before them. The child had changed, much like Luna—stronger, more confident, and eager to prove herself.
Ahava rode beside Luna, his golden eyes sharp. "You're certain about this?"
Luna nodded, her silver hair flowing behind her like a cascading river. "I've built something powerful, Ahava. But power without stability is dangerous. If the Moon and Sun Clans refuse to acknowledge us, we will eventually be forced into war."
Ahava exhaled through his nose. "And war is something you wish to avoid."
"For now," she admitted. "I'd rather unite than destroy. My people deserve peace, not endless battles."
Her 12 warriors rode closely behind her, their loyalty unwavering. They had sworn their lives to her cause, and she would not fail them.
As they approached the towering walls of the Moon Clan's palace, a familiar sense of nostalgia settled in Luna's chest. She had left this place as a warrior in search of strength. Now, she returned as a leader—a Queen.
The gates creaked open, revealing the grand courtyard. And standing at the center, waiting with bated breath, were the people she had once left behind.
Her mother. Her father. And a young man who was no longer a boy.
Levi.
---
Reunion in Tears
Before Luna could say anything, Queen Selene rushed forward, her black hair flying behind her as she enveloped Luna in her arms.
"My little Nyx…" Selene whispered, holding her tightly. "You're home."
Luna clenched her jaw, fighting back the sudden wave of emotion. No one had called her Nyx in so long.
King Solarian stood beside them, his arms crossed, but there was no mistaking the relief in his golden eyes. "You left without a word," he said, his voice deep and steady. "And now you return stronger than ever."
Luna pulled back from her mother and turned to him. "I had to prove myself."
Solarian nodded, but his gaze flickered to the child at Luna's side. "And who is this?"
Luna placed a hand on Ren's small shoulder. "This is Ren. She is my family now."
Ren met the King's piercing gaze with her own unblinking silver eyes.
Solarian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Then she is welcome here."
But before Luna could respond, a new voice cut through the moment.
"So, this is what the mighty Luna has become?"
She turned sharply, eyes locking onto the man who stood before her.
Levi.
He had grown—taller, broader, with fierce golden eyes that mirrored their father's. The softness he once had as a boy was long gone, replaced by the cold strength of a warrior.
His lips quirked into a smirk. "You've been gone for two years, and now you return expecting what? A feast in your honor?"
Luna chuckled, stepping forward. "No. I expect a fight."
The courtyard fell into a stunned silence.
Levi arched a brow. "A fight?"
"I need to prove my strength," Luna said simply. "I need our people to see that I'm worthy of standing beside the Moon Clan, not just as your sister, but as a leader."
Levi crossed his arms. "And you've chosen me for this little display?"
"You're the strongest warrior here, aren't you?"
Levi's eyes flashed with amusement. "You haven't seen me fight, Nyx."
Luna's lips curled into a smirk. "And you haven't seen me."
For the first time, Levi's expression turned serious. He exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "I won't go easy on you."
Luna tilted her head. "I don't need you to."
---
The Duel of Blood and Moonlight
The courtyard transformed into an arena.
The Moon Clan gathered around, murmuring in excitement as Levi stepped into the center. He drew his blade—a long, finely crafted weapon that gleamed under the moonlight.
Luna stepped forward, unarmed.
A whisper of uncertainty rippled through the crowd.
"She's fighting without a weapon?" someone muttered.
Levi frowned. "You're not taking this seriously."
Luna's smirk widened. "I don't need a weapon to defeat you."
The moment the words left her lips, Levi lunged.
He was fast—lightning-fast. His sword sliced through the air with deadly precision.
But Luna was faster.
She twisted, avoiding the blade by mere inches. Her movements were fluid, effortless. She didn't just dodge—she predicted.
Levi's expression darkened. He swung again, this time feinting to the left before striking from the right.
Luna stepped into the attack, catching his wrist mid-swing.
And then she moved.
In one swift motion, she flipped Levi onto his back. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, dust rising into the air.
The crowd gasped.
Levi groaned, stunned. He had barely seen her move.
Luna crouched beside him, a lazy smile on her lips. "That was over too quickly."
Levi's chest rose and fell as he stared up at her, his eyes wide. "What… was that?"
Luna stood, dusting off her hands. "Strength."
Silence.
Then, from the crowd, King Solarian spoke. His voice was steady, yet filled with something new—pride.
"Rise, Luna Nyx Astraeus."
Luna lifted her gaze to meet his.
Solarian smiled, the first true smile he had given in years. "The Moon Clan acknowledges your strength."
And just like that, the war she had feared was no longer a possibility.
She had earned her place.
And this was only the beginning.
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