POV: Sarina
"Wake up."
Aria's voice reached me through the edge of sleep. I opened my eyes slowly, the ceiling above me familiar, ordinary—too ordinary for who I truly was.
"It's Sunday," I murmured.
"I know," Aria said, shaking my shoulder gently. "But Luna sis is calling you."
That name alone was enough.
I sat up.
"What happened?" I asked.
Aria hesitated. "She didn't say. Just told me to wake you immediately."
I already knew this wasn't a casual call. Luna never called without reason. Especially not now.
I stood and reached for my jacket. "Tell mom I went out with my friend."
Aria nodded. "Be careful."
I gave her a small smile and stepped outside.
---
The morning air was quiet as I walked toward Luna's house. The city was still asleep, unaware of the truth hidden within it. Humans passed by without knowing that the Guardian walked among them, wearing a normal face, living a borrowed life.
I felt it before I reached the door.
The shift.
The pull.
The warning.
Luna opened the door the moment I arrived. She didn't speak. She stepped aside and closed it behind me carefully.
The room was silent.
Then—
Luna dropped to her knees.
She bowed her head deeply, her voice steady but heavy with urgency.
"Master."
I looked down at her, calm, composed. This was not new to me. I had lived as Sarina—but I had never forgotten who I truly was.
"Rise," I said quietly.
She stood, eyes lowered in respect.
"They know," Luna said. "The monsters. They have confirmed it."
I nodded once.
"They know you are here," she continued. "They know Master Lumina walks the Earth again."
The air around us felt charged, ancient.
"How long?" I asked.
"Not long," Luna replied. "They're being cautious. Hiding. Waiting. They know better than to move recklessly."
I turned toward the window, watching sunlight touch the world I protected.
"So," I said calmly, "they have finally realized."
Luna swallowed. "Yes, Master."
I closed my eyes for a brief moment—not in fear, but in remembrance. Of battles fought before this life. Of light against shadow. Of vows made long ago.
"The Guardian never truly leaves," I said. "I was always here."
Luna lowered her head again. "What are your orders?"
I opened my eyes.
"The time has arrived," I said. "Not for panic. Not for chaos."
I turned back to her, my voice steady, powerful.
"But for awakening."
Luna looked up, determination burning in her eyes.
"I will prepare the others," she said.
"Yes," I replied. "Tell them Master Lumina has returned."
Outside, the city continued its peaceful Sunday morning—unaware that the balance of the world had shifted.
And this time, I was ready.