The winds howled as they rode across the southern ridge, cloaks snapping behind them like torn banners. The fire-wreathed creature Aelira had banished left behind a scar in the sky — a rift that shimmered with Veil energy.
They had to move. Fast.
Kaelen led on a black, silent steed that barely disturbed the earth. Theron rode beside Aelira, his presence warm even as the air grew colder with each passing mile.
"Where are we going?" she asked over the wind.
"To the Sanctuary of Echoes," Kaelen called back. "It's the last stronghold of the Starborn Order — hidden beyond mortal sight."
"I thought they were all gone," Aelira said.
"Gone?" Theron gave her a sidelong glance. "Not quite. Lost, maybe. Scattered. But not dead."
The road narrowed into a canyon of stone, the sky turning pale gray overhead. Aelira could feel something tugging at her chest, guiding her forward like a thread of starlight only she could sense.
Finally, Kaelen stopped at the base of a waterfall that spilled from sheer rock.
"There's nothing here," Aelira said, frowning.
Kaelen didn't respond. He walked toward the water, placed his hand against the cliff's side — and whispered something in a language that made the air vibrate.
A crack formed in the stone. A glow pulsed behind the waterfall, and with a groan of old earth, a doorway appeared, carved with glowing runes.
Theron grinned. "Well, that's new."
They stepped inside.
The tunnel was warm and lit with silver lanterns that flickered to life as they passed. As they moved deeper, Aelira felt the walls hum with ancient power — not threatening, but familiar. Like coming home to a place she'd never been.
At the end of the hall, the path opened into a vast chamber carved from crystal and stone. Books floated in the air. Maps glowed against the walls. Pools of water shimmered with visions of places far beyond the mountains.
And in the center stood a woman with white hair woven with stars.
She turned, eyes ageless and violet.
"Aelira," she said, her voice calm as still water. "At last, you've returned."
Aelira blinked. "I… have we met?"
The woman smiled softly. "Not in this life. But in many before. I am Lysenne, last High Oracle of the Starborn. And I have waited for you for a very long time."
Aelira felt her legs grow weak. Kaelen placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
Lysenne stepped forward. "You've already begun to awaken. Faster than we'd hoped. That means the Queen has begun her hunt."
"She sent a Veilspawn after me," Aelira said quietly. "And I destroyed it."
Lysenne's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then we have little time."
She gestured toward a raised dais. Upon it floated four glowing shards of light — red, blue, gold, and deep violet.
"These are echoes of your oaths," she said. "The bonds that were forged long ago — between you and the four who were sworn to your soul."
Theron tilted his head. "I thought only three still lived."
Lysenne gave a sad smile. "The fourth sleeps. Hidden in the prison of glass beneath the Black Sea."
Aelira stared at the lights. "Who are they?"
"You've met two," Lysenne said. "The other two… will find you. Or be found."
Aelira stepped closer to the lights. The violet one pulsed softly as she neared — and her memories surged:
A man with frost in his hair, kneeling in the snow.A blade of midnight glass.A kiss under a blood moon.A promise sealed in stardust.
She gasped and stumbled back.
Kaelen caught her, concern flashing in his eyes.
"These aren't just bonds," Lysenne said. "They're pieces of your soul, Aelira. You're not just meant to save the Veil — you're meant to reign within it."
"What does that mean?" she asked, breathless.
Lysenne's expression turned grave. "The Shadow Queen isn't just your enemy. She is your opposite — your twin in power, born from the same starfall. If she rules, all will fall into darkness. But if you rise…"
Aelira's heart thundered.
Theron stepped beside her, firelight flickering in his eyes. "Then the world gets a queen made of starlight."
Kaelen said nothing. But his hand didn't leave his sword.
Because somewhere, far beyond the Sanctuary's reach, the Shadow Queen had felt the pulse of power. And she was already moving.