Chapter29:

_Leah's POV_ We stepped cautiously into the heart of the Selene Temple. The cool night air hung heavy around us, and my breath quickened as my gaze fell on the centerpiece of the temple—the moonstone crystal. The crystal was enormous, the size of a boulder, and it sat perched on an ancient stone altar in the middle of the temple. It shimmered faintly, its surface smooth and polished, capturing the pale moonlight filtering through the round opening in the temple roof. The moonlight seemed to dance as it fell directly onto the crystal, illuminating it with an ethereal glow. It was as though the moon herself was watching, waiting for what was about to unfold. I stared at the crystal, mesmerized by its beauty, but I could feel the weight of my nerves pressing down on me. My heart pounded in my chest. My mind raced with fear and anticipation. Could I really do this? Could the ritual truly unlock the powers I had hidden within me all this time? Susan’s voice broke through my thoughts. "Leah,