Moonstone - Book One of the Stargold Prophecy

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​CHAPTER 1

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​The Arrival

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​Three days ago

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Rough gravel crunches beneath Masani Chepi’s boots, steady and rhythmic, echoing through the canyon walls as she ascends the winding path, her aging body straining with the effort.

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She slows as she reaches the summit and rests a weathered hand upon the imposing cliffside, steadying her breath. The sun-warmed surface is gritty beneath her calloused skin, anchoring her to the earth. The familiar touch of an old friend.

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She presses her palm against the stone in greeting.

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The Goddess responds with a hum of power, flowing deeply into Chepi’s bones, ancient and alive, renewing her strength.

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“Thank you, Mother,” she says, and pushes forward, continuing until she meets the end of the trail.

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Before her the valley extends far into the distance, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. The last shards of daylight chased off by the stars.

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She fills her lungs with the sharp scent of pinyon pines, creosote, and the dry soil of her home. A night wind stirs, cooling her brow and lifting strands of white hair from her forehead.

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The air is electric tonight, an awakening that her kind has worked lifetimes to achieve. Centuries have passed since the seeds of prophecy were sowed in shadow, and at last, one has taken root.

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The wait is over.

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She has arrived.

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Chepi’s heart fills with pride, knowing she played but a small part in the reckoning to come, but it is enough. An honor.

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In the silence of the desert evening, the calls of coyotes pierce the air, waking for the hunt.

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“She’s coming,” Chepi says.

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Her companion shifts beside her. “How do you know, Masani?”

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Chepi’s gaze remains fixed on the horizon. A quiet hope stirs within her.

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She turns slightly, and the moon’s reflection dances in her eyes.

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“A call from an old friend,” she replies. “We must prepare.”