They led her through a shimmering portal into Aethermoor, a realm of impossible beauty. Crystal spires reached toward twin moons, and magic hummed in the very air.
"Your parents ruled here," Caspian explained as they walked through gardens filled with luminescent flowers. "They hid you in the human world when dark forces threatened the throne."
"What dark forces?" Lyra asked.
"The Shadow Court," Thorin said grimly. "They seek to corrupt the realm, to drain its magic. Only you can stop them—but only if you accept your power and your Guardians."
"What does that mean exactly?" she asked, though something deep inside her already knew.
Blaze stepped closer, his amber eyes intense. "It means we are yours, Lyra. Mind, body, and soul. The four elements chose us to protect you, to serve you, to love you if you'll have us."
Her heart raced. "All of you?"
"All of us," Kieran confirmed. "In our realm, a Queen's bond with her Guardians is sacred. We are linked by magic, by destiny, by choice."