The forest had become eerily silent after Kael opened the portal. The silver light swirling behind him illuminated the trees like a ghostly moon.
Aarohi felt as if the ground beneath her feet was disappearing.
Arion looked at the portal and then at Aarohi. His expression carried a mixture of determination and sadness.
"I have to go," he said quietly.
Aarohi's eyes widened. "But you just said you wouldn't leave."
"I won't leave you," Arion replied gently. "But if I don't return now, the guardians of Lunaris will keep coming. Eventually they might harm this world."
Kael remained silent but his glowing eyes suggested that Arion was telling the truth.
Aarohi felt tears forming in her eyes.
"When will you come back?" she asked.
Arion walked closer and held her hands.
"As soon as I can," he promised.
"The queen will demand answers, but I will convince her. I will return for you."
The night wind moved through the forest leaves as if carrying their emotions with it.
Aarohi tried to smile, but the fear of losing him was overwhelming.
"What if you can't return?" she whispered.
Arion gently lifted her chin.
"Then I will break every rule in Lunaris until I can."
For a moment the world around them seemed to fade away.
Then Arion removed a small glowing pendant from around his neck.
"This is a Lunar Crystal," he said. "It will connect our worlds."
He placed it in Aarohi's hand.
"If it glows, it means I am thinking about you."
Aarohi held the crystal tightly.
Kael finally stepped forward.
"It is time."
Arion looked at Aarohi one last time.
Then he stepped into the portal.
The silver light swallowed him instantly.
And just like that, Aarohi was left standing alone beneath the moon.