'The balance of the Liorex is threatened. A darkness stirs beyond the mountains; men of spine, ferocity, and metal seek to encroach upon our domain. Likewise, in time, a kin of calamity will soon be born—it is expected that they will bring disaster to our land.'

  — An Omen

  Quantumoon peered sharply at the newly appointed apprentices in front of her, her gaze particularly focused on the reddish, black-striped cub who fidgeted with a captivating mix of excitement and nerves.

  Pawail's granddaughter.

  Quantumoon issued a stern injunction to the cubs: never share what they saw. The Rule of the Silent Tongue dictated this.

  For every apprentice that stepped before her, Quantumoon guided the cub into the secluded cavern known as the Zeldronia Maw. She led the child toward the Crystal of Internal Might, and the immediate touch would stagger the cub, leaving them confused and disoriented, as though their mind had been blown.

  Although some would shriek or cry, it was fortunate that they remained unharmed. When necessary, a Gingerroot would ease any intolerable headache, and Valemomile herb would alleviate restlessness and tension.

  Quantumoon paid close attention to every cub's capabilities. After assessing several apprentices, there was one sight that made her do a double take at a peculiar cub. He had blue streaks across his dark red scales.

  Her eyes narrowed as she examined Pyrosurge's status; he had been Pyro-kit just moments before.

  ???

  [Pyrosurge's Stats]

  Age: 6 Moon Cycles

  (Development: Lvl 8)

  (Grade: [Uncommon])

  (Species: Liorex [F])

  [Raw Values]

  STR: 35

  DEF: 34

  FPWR: 25

  WIL: 20

  RES: 20

  SPD: 22

  ??? ??? ???

  "You've been on quite the hunts, dear." She addressed the cub, suppressing any hint of wariness. Pyrosurge looked up at her, his bright eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and uncertainty.

  "I've tried my best, Quantumoon," he said, his voice a blend of eagerness and humility. "Ida always said that practice makes perfect, and it's not like we've been sneaking out. Nope—!" He clenched his lips. "Please don't tell my mother." His ears flattened against his head.

  Quantumoon tilted her head, considering his words. "Be at ease, child; you are now the Pride's future. The scolding will now come from your mentors and superiors." She leaned forward, grinning to reveal her teeth. "Maybe I'll nibble a bit. But tell me—tell what did you feel the first time you faced an opponent?"

  The cub paused, his ears flicking back as memories danced behind his eyes. "I felt… alive? There was fire in my paws, and the rush of the hunt made me think I could do anything. But then, I hesitated…" His voice trailed off, and Quantumoon saw the flicker of uncertainty clouding his features.

  "Ah, hesitation," she mused, her voice softening. "That is a teacher in itself. It tells us where we need to grow. You've encountered a formidable foe within your mind, and how you overcome that is the true test of a Liorex." She motioned away from the shimmering Crystal of Internal Might. "Now, it is time to embrace that fire, Pyrosurge."

  Quantumoon escorted the cub to the exit and was alarmed again when she checked the capabilities of Pyrosurge's twin sister. The cub was Pyraswift. She had orange stripes highlighting her scales.

  With a deep breath, the cub stepped closer to the crystal, its light glowing brighter as she approached. Quantumoon watched closely, remembering her own journey and the trials she had faced. The cavern felt charged with energy, anticipation swirling around them like mist.

  As Pyraswift reached out, the crystal enveloped her paw in a gentle warmth. For a moment, it seemed as if she would be engulfed by the light, her body trembling in its brilliance. Yet, Quantumoon sensed an undercurrent of resolve building inside her. The Crystal of Internal Might displayed her capabilities.

  ???

  [Pyroswift's Stats]

  Age: 6 Moon Cycles

  (Development: Lvl 8)

  (Grade: [Uncommon])

  (Species: Liorex [F])

  [Raw Values]

  STR: 25

  DEF: 23

  FPWR: 31

  WIL: 21

  RES: 22

  SPD: 25

  ??? ??? ???

  There it was again, Development 8, Quantumoon mused. Where was that growth coming from in such a short amount of time?

  As Pyraswift stepped back from the crystal, her eyes sparkled with determination, yet the edge of doubt lingered, much like her brother's.

  "Tell me, Pyraswift," Quantumoon began. "What do you feel in your heart when you think of the challenges ahead?"

  The cub's tail flicked nervously. "I feel… scared. But I also feel brave. I want to be strong like my brother and Idalia!" A spark ignited in her eyes, and Quantumoon noted her fierce spirit. "But I don't want to let anyone down, especially you or my family."

  Quantumoon smiled warmly, seeing the resolve on Pyraswift's face. She decided to humor the cub.

  "Bravery does not mean absence of fear; it means confronting it. And to let others down? That is a burden we all carry. Remember, the strength of the Liorex lies not just in might but in heart and unity. You, Idalia, and Pyrosurge will be tested together. Lean on each other. You are not alone."

  Pyraswift nodded; her feathers appeared to be growing beyond her fur, which glowed under the cavern's light like embers. "We will do it together. We have to."

  With an ache of nostalgia, Quantumoon thought of her own companions, the memories of shared victories and losses flooding back.

  But something nagged at the edge of her mind. Was it just their shared lineage that allowed them to develop this fast? The usual markers of growth were present, but Quantumoon sensed something deeper; an unexplored potential.

  Once she led Pyra out of the cavern, she spotted the endearing nuisance giggling at the front of the line. It was Idalia, who was conversing with another cub. Quantumoon caught the discussion; her ears weren't failing her yet.

  "—Echobuzz, you can cut in front of me," Idalia said. "You too, Passionhail. I gotta head out, uh, to the bathroom!"

  Quantumoon couldn't suppress a chuckle as she watched Idalia dance around the line, attempting to appear nonchalant while clearly bursting with eager energy. As perceptive as she was, Idalia had always had a knack for charming her way through situations. The thought of the mischievous cub trying to sneak out for a break made Quantumoon fondly recall her own youthful escapades.

  "Idalia!" Quantumoon called. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your turn? The Crystal of Internal Might waits for no cub."

  Idalia turned, her bright green eyes widening as though caught in a moment of surprise. "Oh, I was just, um, organizing my thoughts!" she stammered, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You know, making sure I'm ready to face my destiny."

  Quantumoon raised a brow skeptically, knowing well the balance between exuberance and responsibility was a keen lesson awaiting the young ones. "Destiny is indeed a formidable opponent, but it requires preparation and focus. Come, step forward and embrace what lies within you."

  With a dramatic flourish, Idalia stepped up, the muscles beneath her vibrant red scales tensed with nervousness as she approached the cavern. Quantumoon watched intently, interested to see what strength this spirited cub would unveil.

  However, the cub stopped and squealed in delight as though someone had arrived to save her. Indeed, two figures approached: the Fangborn warriors Lyrawinn and Hirohowl. Their sudden arrival intrigued Quantumoon, although the young warriors were not the heroes she would expect to save Idalia.

  "Quantumoon," Lyrawinn addressed her politely, dipping her head once.

  "Quantumoon," Hirohowl boomed, raising his head higher in boast despite nearly towering over her. The nerve of the boy! If it weren't for her, he'd be bleeding out in her den after arriving half-dead from his skirmish with Rassith.

  The two warriors stood before her, filled with the confident aura that came from having faced the challenges of their own journeys. Quantumoon studied them carefully, sensing the undeniable shift in energy that accompanied their presence.

  "How fortuitous to see you both here," she said. "Idalia was just pondering her destiny. Perhaps you two would like to impart some wisdom, being fresh from your own trials?"

  Lyrawinn nodded earnestly, brushing a tuft of sun-gold fur off her flank. "Actually, Quantumoon," the she-Rex glanced at Idalia, "we're here to retrieve Idalia; her mother is in great need of her presence. You know how her mother has been since her father, Solrift…" Her voice trailed off.

  "Yes!" Hirohowl exclaimed, the partial roar in his voice startling several of the apprentices, except Idalia. Always Idalia. "It's really important that we take her. Oh, and Sunsong's not here because, uh, Mother has taken Sunsong out for extra training. You know how intense my mother is."

  "Of course," Quantumoon snarled. Bloombark was the stern type, a dutiful militarist, but cutting into Quantumoon's duties as Shaman was a line crossed that she wouldn't allow without protest.

  She stepped forward, muscles taut with restraint. "But this is a pivotal moment for Idalia. She must face the Crystal of Internal Might to understand her own strength and potential. It isn't merely a rite of passage; it's a foundational experience that shapes who she will become."

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Lyrawinn's expression softened, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "We understand, Quantumoon. But time is of the essence. Her mother needs her, and the bond they share is as vital as any lesson here. We don't want to disturb whatever growth she may experience in the cavern, but the situation is urgent."

  Hirohowl chimed in, his tone more conciliatory than before. "We just thought it best to ensure her well-being. Diamasnarl relies on her energy and spirit. Being present is crucial for those who need her, too."

  Idalia, who had been listening in silence, looked back and forth between the three adults, her eyes wide and bewildered. "Mama needs me? Oh, then we have to leave urgently! Let's go Lyra and Hiro!"

  Lyrawinn and Hirohowl exchanged glances, concern reflected on both their faces. It seemed they also recognized the gravity of the situation. Before Quantumoon could interject, the trio dashed into a {Portal} that Hirohowl had conjured with a roar.

  Quantumoon's heart raced as she watched the shimmering portal close behind the trio. A rush of emotions coursed through her… frustration mixed with concern.

  The shift in focus from the apprentices to personal matters left her unsettled, especially in the face of what she had seen unraveling before her in the Zeldronia Maw.

  She shook her head, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on her shoulders. Idalia had been on the verge of discovering her own capabilities, her fire barely kindled, and now she had vanished into the unknown, leaving her journey incomplete.

  "Fate is a cruel trickster," Quantumoon murmured, catching herself as she paced the cavern. "But why must it always feel like a test of endurance?"

  With a resigned sigh, she turned back to the remaining apprentices, who were watching her intently. Yet, as she turned her attention back to the Crystal of Internal Might, a flicker of doubt crept in. Was she too protective in this moment? Would Idalia come to regret her choice later?

  Sensing the presence of the crystal tingling at her fingertips, Quantumoon allowed herself a moment of reflection. She, too, had followed the call of camaraderie over solitary pursuits when she was young—a choice shaped by her own family. Each choice carried the weight of consequences; often, it was not the path one took, but how one traveled along it.

  ??? ??? ???

  ??? ??? ???

  With her duties for the day complete, she lay alone in her den, reflecting on her past. Oh, how she wished Mistrumble and Ohmwhine were here.

  Since her youth, at the apprenticeship age of eight moons, Quantumoon had been chosen to become the Shaman of the Liorex Pride.

  Although she wasn't the only pupil under the tutelage of Master Mistrumble, the tenth Shaman of the Pride, she took her obligations seriously.

  Mistrumble was a humble Yutyrannus Liorex variant with copper-colored feathers accented by cherry red and mossy green tones.

  She recalled that he was a stickler for the rules and traditions, and outrageously dedicated to his routine—waking up at the blink before sunrise, attending to his patients the moment he rose, harvesting his herbs, and eating his favorite meal: a whole Megaloceros, horns and bones included.

  Of course, he had vigorously flicked his tail against Quantumoon's head to ensure she cultivated his profound knowledge in apothecary, the shamanic arts of spirit searching, curse banishment, the ritualistic dance and song of the draconic hymn, and the sacred connection to the celestial realm.

  As Quantumoon sat in the cool shade of the ancient alcove of the ruins, she remembered the first lesson Master Mistrumble had imparted.

  "To fulfill your destiny, dear pupil," he had said, his voice raspy yet warm and tender, "you must first understand the heartbeat of the land. Every whisper of the wind, every rustle of the leaves, carries wisdom from our ancestors. You must listen—truly listen—to hear what the spirits of the earth have to share."

  At first, Quantumoon had struggled with this concept. The busy thoughts of a young mind often drowned out the subtle vibrations of nature. But with each passing moon, her diligence began to bear fruit.

  She spent countless hours meditating beneath the great Crystal of Zedronia, the oldest and wisest structure in the Liorex territory, where the air hummed with both magic and ancient secrets. It was there, during twilight, that she first felt the gentle touch of a spirit—a faint brush against her consciousness that sent ripples of energy coursing through her scales.

  Like the flicker of candlelight in a darkened room, the connection grew stronger with time. She learned how to weave the threads of the past into her present, tuning into the wisdom of her forebears and channeling their strength to aid her kin. The elders guided her through dreams, visions of lush landscapes and distant stars, each one revealing a fragment of her purpose.

  Quantumoon had grown close to her fellow apprentices: Tymenano, a boisterous and quick-witted Microrex with a penchant for trickery; and Ohmwhine, a gentle and thoughtful Yutyrex whose calm demeanor balanced Tymenano's exuberance.

  Together, they faced many trials, from the seemingly mundane tasks of herb gathering to life-altering challenges that tested their loyalty and belief in one another. But it was the night of the first Blood Moon, when the veil between worlds thinned, that would forever alter the course of their destinies.

  On that fateful night, Master Mistrumble had summoned them to the runic chamber, urging them to partake in a sacred ritual that would bind their fates as shamans. As they gathered beneath the Blood Moon's crimson glow, the air was thick with anticipation and the palpable energy of the unknown.

  The ancient chants echoed through the chamber, a melodic tapestry woven from the voices of countless generations, carrying with them the echoes of hope and fear. Quantumoon's heart raced as she felt the weight of what was to come; this was not just an initiation, but a pivotal moment that would forever define their identities.

  "Tonight," Mistrumble instructed, his gaze shifting solemnly from one apprentice to the next, "you will open your spirits to the guidance of our ancestors. This will not only test your resolve but also reveal the truths that lie deep within you, truths that will shape your lives as shamans."

  With a deep breath, Quantumoon steadied herself, centering her thoughts on the task ahead. The chamber was adorned with luminescent crystals that reflected the moonlight, casting a ghastly glow around them. As they each took a place in a circle, Master Mistrumble began the incantation, his voice resonating with power.

  As the chant rose in intensity, Quantumoon closed her eyes, sinking into the rhythm of the vibrations that filled the chamber. She felt the energy surge around her, spiraling and intertwining, creating a tapestry of warmth and connection. The chanting reverberated through her being, and she could feel the presence of the spirits wrapping around her like a protective cloak. Suddenly, visions flooded her mind—colors swirling, shapes shifting, shadows of her ancestors appearing before her in a dance of light.

  Among them, she recognized the vibrant figure of her grandmother, a revered shaman who had passed long before Quantumoon could ever meet her. The spirit's eyes sparkled with wisdom and strength, conveying an undeniable sense of belonging. She beckoned Quantumoon forward, urging her to listen.

  "My dear Quantumoon, child of the line of fire and frost," her voice echoed, ethereal yet familiar. Her eyes softened momentarily, the emotion lingering long enough as though it were an illusion.

  "The balance of the Liorex is threatened. A darkness stirs beyond the mountains; men of spine, ferocity, and metal seek to encroach upon our domain. Likewise, in time, a kin of calamity will soon be born—it is expected that they will bring disaster to our land. But fear not, for you possess the light needed to confront this oncoming shadow."

  Quantumoon felt an electrifying jolt coursing through her as her grandmother's words enveloped her. The visions around her intensified; she saw the mountains cloaked in dark clouds, hear the distant echoes of thunder that sent shivers through her very soul. The land was not just a home of volcanic forests and flowing lava rivers; it was alive, and its heartbeat quickened, pulsating with the urgency of the challenges that lay ahead.

  "Whanaorbit!" Quantumoon released an exasperated cry. "Who are you speaking of? What is this encroaching darkness? Who is this child that will soon bring calamity to our land? I must warn Alpha Graveljaw if—"

  Granny Whanaorbit simply shook her head.

  "Patience, my dear. The answers do not come from haste but from understanding. You will learn about this darkness in due time, and your role will become clear. Remember, the threads of fate are often woven in ways that we cannot foresee." Her spirit shimmered like the stars, disappearing briefly before a cascade of memories washed over Quantumoon.

  Magnificent landscapes unfolded before her—the valley bathed in sunlight, the great herds of Brontosaurus grazing peacefully, and the vibrant ceremonies of the Liorex Pride. The warmth of her kin's laughter, the rich aroma of sacred herbs being smoked, and the shared stories of bravery past all filled her with affection.

  But then, shadows began to creep into these memories, twisting them into visions of despair. She saw her kin scattered, the flames of their fires dimmed and flickering out, the forests darkened, and the great Crystal of Zedronia shattering into pieces.

  Bark bloomed from the fragments. An iridescent rift tried to swallow them.

  Suddenly, she was jolted from these visions, and the runic chamber snapped back into focus. Tymenano's frantic voice broke her reverie.

  "Quantumoon! Are you all right? What did you see? We were all… we were on our own journeys." His tone was laced with worry, and she could see the reflection of fear in his wide eyes. The rustic, reddish feathers along his cheeks twitched like a mustached whisker as he tried to hide his startled expression beneath a maddening sneer.

  "I—" Quantumoon stammered, her heart racing. She was uncertain how much she was allowed to share; however, she noted the absence of Mistrumble in the chamber, so she continued, "I spoke with my grandmother! She warned of a darkness, a calamity that is coming for our land. I don't know exactly what it means, but we must be prepared!"

  "Oh, more theatrics," Ohmwhine said softly, his gentle laughter a balm against the weight of the moment. The creamy brown Liorex loomed like a fluffed owl beside her, rotund and overfed, but Quantumoon appreciated the touch of his snout against her forehead; it eased her pounding heart. "If our ancestors warn us, shouldn't we trust their guidance? Perhaps we should consult with Master Mistrumble."

  "But what if we are too late?" Quantumoon countered, her voice rising with sharp impatience. Tymenano winced, playfully backpedaling toward the exit in slow, deliberate, exaggerated steps. But this was no moment for tomfoolery. She would have lashed out at him if she didn't feel pressed for time. "We have to act! We must prepare an audience with Alpha Graveljaw! Perhaps he will be able to tackle this predicament."

  Tymenano straightened, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a seriousness that belied his usual antics. "Fine, but how do we even get an audience? The Alpha is busy with the other clans of Vulkhanzhar—he's likely dealing with threats of his own. The skirmishes against the Triceratops, the Xeno Wolves, and the Carnotaurs have not been easy for us. We're fortunate that this day has become one of our free days. Even a fool sees the Blood Moon cycle as a day of ceasefire."

  She snarled, despite how right Tymenano was about their situation. The Liorexes were at war with the formidable clans mentioned earlier.

  On one hand, a positive aspect of the war was that they weren't fighting against all three clans; it appeared that the Xeno Wolves were willing to side with the Liorexes after Pawail's fierce negotiations with them. The hotheaded beast had an exceptional knack for combat and fought like a one-Rex army; at the same time, his tongue was as silvered as his growing beard. Her feathers ruffled in embarrassment at the many times Pawail tried to court her; she had rejected him every time in spite of his charm and sincerity.

  Anyway. The leader of the Xeno Wolves had come to respect him, and she (Lunahowl) had considered his strategy for forcing back the nearly impenetrable Triceratops forces that had started this mess.

  Nonetheless, as a healer, Quantumoon lamented the tiresome and gruesome days of caring for her kin who participated in the battle and healing their wounds. Her heart ached at the thought of the losses they endured with every skirmish. They couldn't afford to ignore this new threat, not when the lives of their kin hung in the balance.

  But this was her duty now. As the future Shaman, she had to put aside her frustrations and focus on what mattered most—the safety of her kin and the preservation of their way of life.

  "Listen," Quantumoon said, her voice low but firm. "If we wait for a moment of peace to discuss this, it may already be too late. I can feel it in my bones. The only way to confront this new darkness is to act before it acts upon us. We must find a way to Alpha Graveljaw's side."

  "What can three apprentices do?" Ohmwhine questioned, his thick brows knitted in concern. "Surely, there are others who can represent our concerns more effectively—Mistrumble, or perhaps our respected elders. We shouldn't be the ones to risk incurring the Alpha's ire."

  Quantumoon stepped forward, her resolve hardening. "If we hesitate, we'll be seen as cowards among our kin. We are the future of the Liorex Pride; if we don't step up, who will? We can't let fear dictate our actions. We owe it to our ancestors, to the spirits, and to our future."

  Tymenano's demeanor of uncertainty flickered as he considered her words. Quantumoon could see the spark of determination ignite within him. It was the spark she had long respected, as he was the eldest of the apprentices. "You're right. We've trained splendidly alongside our mentor; we've learned the ways of the Spirit and the Rift. If we don't take a stand now, we'll never find out what we're truly capable of."

  Ohmwhine sighed, his gentle heart battling against the weight of Quantumoon's conviction. "Very well. If we're going to do this, we should have a plan. We can't burst into the Alpha's den without a strategy. But, Quantum, are you certain this warning is as perilous as you perceive it to be? Why would our Star-Elder Whanaorbit only disclose such an omen to you and not to us if it were so crucial?"

  Quantumoon looked deep into Ohmwhine's earnest eyes, seeking the right words to convey the urgency of her vision. Her grandmother's spirit had laid a heavy burden of responsibility upon her; she could not be uncertain now.

  "Because, Ohmwhine," she replied thoughtfully, "sometimes the stars align in ways that only one chosen can wield. My connection with the spirit world may lead us to the answers we need, but I cannot do this alone. We are bound together, and our friendships can forge a path. Perhaps, in unity, the spirits will share their insights with us all."

  With a lingering hesitation, Ohmwhine considered her words. Quantumoon could see the gentle resolve forming in his heart, and indeed, guidance from those they had trained with might illuminate the way forward. "Alright, then," he conceded with a deep breath. "Let's factor in our combined strengths and approach Alpha Graveljaw together.

  We should select a time that suits him best and avoid being a nuisance to his important discussions with the clans. If we are deliberate in our approach, we stand a better chance at being heard."

  Tymenano nodded, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Right, let's gather what we know! I can gather the herbs needed to bolster our focus, and Ohmwhine, your calming presence will soothe any tensions. With our combined efforts, we can impress upon Alpha Graveljaw the severity of our message."

  Quantumoon felt a swell of pride wash over her as she watched her friends rally in support of their mission. "And when we present our case, we should also come prepared with examples of the changes happening in nature, the signs of imbalance. Recent shifts in weather patterns, the behaviors of nearby herds—everything matters when we convey the urgency of these omens."

  A breathy voice broke into the room, unintelligible at first; but it came again.

  "Shamans!"