Volume 3 — Chapter 1: Shadows of a New Dawn
The aftermath of the battle still lingered over Arvandor. Smoke curled from villages rebuilt in haste, and survivors whispered of the Moonstone's power and the rebels who had defied the council.
Lyriana and Aryn rode through the reclaimed territories, their presence a beacon of hope. Yet even amidst victory, unease gnawed at them. Marovain had survived, and the council had not given up.
"We've won battles," Lyriana said quietly, scanning the horizon, "but the war is far from over. He's regrouping, gathering forces in secret."
Aryn nodded, eyes shadowed with worry. "We've strengthened our alliance, but enemies lurk within and without. Not every hand raised in support is true."
Kaelen rode beside them, ever vigilant. "We've faced impossible odds before. We adapt, we survive. And we hit them where it hurts."
Selara's voice cut through the tension. "The Moonstone has revealed much, but there are deeper secrets yet. Ancient wards, hidden relics, forces even the council fears. We must uncover them before Marovain's next move."
As they approached a ruined fortress once thought lost, scouts reported movement—figures cloaked in shadow, their sigils faintly glowing. Lyriana felt the Moonstone pulse violently, warning of danger and destiny intertwined.
"Someone's coming," she murmured, placing a protective hand over Aryn's. "And I don't think they're here for peace."
Aryn's eyes narrowed. "Then we face them together, as always. Nothing else matters."
From the shadows, a figure emerged, familiar yet changed—a former council mage, now marked by unknown power, eyes glowing with ambition. "Lyriana… Aryn," the figure hissed, "the Moonstone's victory was only the beginning. True power is yet to be claimed, and your love… may be the key to its awakening—or its destruction."
The warning hung in the air like a storm, and Lyriana felt the weight of destiny pressing heavier than ever. This was the beginning of a new chapter—one where alliances would be tested, secrets unearthed, and the limits of forbidden love pushed to the brink.
Hand in hand, Lyriana and Aryn stepped forward, ready to face the shadows of a new dawn.