The bonding ceremony took place under the twin moons, witnessed by the elemental spirits themselves. As Lyra spoke the ancient vows, binding herself to her Guardians, power flowed through her like liquid starlight.
Kieran's hand on her shoulder brought the gift of air—she could feel every breeze, command every wind. Blaze's touch ignited fire magic in her veins, warming her from within. Caspian's fingers intertwined with hers brought the flow of water, healing and adaptable. Thorin's palm against her back grounded her with the strength of earth itself.
"I feel… complete," she whispered, marveling at the magic coursing through her.
"As do we," they said in unison, their voices harmonizing like a perfect chord.
But their moment of triumph was short-lived. Dark shadows crept across the moon as the Shadow Court's forces materialized around them.
"The lost Queen returns," hissed a voice like grinding stone. "But she's too late."