---
The inn buzzed with lingering excitement after the fight. Luna sat at a corner table, Ahava and Kiran flanking her while Dain leaned against the wall, rubbing his sore ribs.
"You hit like a damn beast," Dain muttered.
Luna smirked. "You'll get used to it."
Kiran chuckled. "Welcome to the winning side."
Dain scoffed but said nothing, his sharp gaze studying Luna. "So, tell me, what exactly are we fighting for?"
Luna leaned forward, resting her elbows on the wooden table. "Freedom. A world where we don't bow to the Moon or Sun Clan. A kingdom of our own."
Dain raised a brow. "Ambitious."
"Impossible," Ahava muttered.
Luna shot him a look. "Not impossible. Just difficult."
Dain crossed his arms. "So, what's the next step, little queen?"
"Money," Luna answered without hesitation. "A kingdom needs resources. Power alone won't build it."
Dain chuckled. "And how exactly do you plan on getting that?"
Luna smirked. "By stealing from those who already have it."
Silence fell over the group.
Ahava sighed heavily. "Of course."
Kiran grinned. "I like this plan already."
Dain stroked his chin, considering. "Who's the target?"
Luna's smile was sharp. "The Sun Clan's merchant caravan. It arrives tomorrow night, loaded with gold and celestial artifacts. We take it, and we make our first real move."
Dain let out a low whistle. "You don't think small, do you?"
Luna's eyes gleamed. "Never."
---
The Heist Begins
The moon was high when they reached the outskirts of the trade road. The Sun Clan's caravan was already moving through the valley, guarded by armed warriors in golden armor.
Luna crouched on a rocky ledge, scanning the convoy. There were five wagons, each one carrying something valuable.
"We take them by surprise," she whispered. "Ahava, you handle the rear guards. Dain, Kiran, you take the front. I'll deal with the commander."
Ahava frowned. "You want to take their leader alone?"
Luna smirked. "I won't be alone for long."
Dain chuckled. "She's got guts. I'll give her that."
Kiran nodded. "Let's do this."
At her signal, they moved.
Ahava was a shadow, striking down the guards at the back before they could raise an alarm. Dain and Kiran attacked from the front, causing chaos as the caravan halted.
Luna moved through the fight like a wraith, dodging blades, striking with precision.
Then she found him.
The Sun Clan commander was a tall, imposing man with a spear of celestial steel. He turned as she approached, golden eyes narrowing.
"You," he hissed. "The Moon Clan's princess."
Luna smirked. "Not a princess. A queen."
He lunged.
Their weapons clashed under the moonlight, sparks flying as steel met steel.
Luna was fast, but he was stronger. He drove her back with powerful strikes, forcing her on the defensive.
But Luna wasn't just strong—she was smart.
She feinted left, then spun, her dagger slicing across his arm.
The commander snarled, staggering back.
Luna pressed forward, knocking his spear away before slamming the hilt of her blade into his temple.
He collapsed.
The battle was over.
---
The First Victory
By the time the dust settled, the caravan was theirs.
Dain and Kiran secured the wagons while Ahava wiped blood from his blade.
Luna stood over the unconscious commander, breathing heavily. She looked up at her companions, a victorious smile playing on her lips.
"We did it," Kiran breathed.
Dain chuckled. "Damn. That was fun."
Ahava shook his head. "You're insane, Luna."
She grinned. "And now, we're rich."
She looked at the wagons—gold, weapons, celestial artifacts. Enough to fund the beginning of her empire.
The Eclipse Clan had just taken its first step toward power.
And this was only the beginning.
---