Thorns of the Moonlit Throne
Volume 3 — Chapter 4: Trial of Unity
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
The celestial bridge stretched endlessly, a pathway of stars and shadow floating above an abyss of swirling light. Each step resonated with energy, testing not muscles, but hearts.
Lyriana led the group, crown above her shining in perfect harmony with shadow, light bending around her as if alive. Aryn and Eryon followed, their every movement synchronized—not just with her, but with each other.
"The Sentinel doesn't test strength," Eryon whispered. "It tests the soul."
Ahead, the path split into three. Each corridor shimmered differently: one of pure light, another of deep shadow, and the center a mixture of both, unstable but balanced.
Lyriana paused. "We go together," she said. "We cannot be divided."
The moment her foot touched the central path, the bridge reacted violently. Stars beneath them exploded in showers of sparks. Shadows coiled upward, trying to push them apart.
Aryn caught her hand instinctively. "Hold on!"
Lyriana nodded, focusing inward. The crown pulsed, shadow and light weaving through her senses. The bridge stilled slightly, responding to her unity.
Then the illusions began—visions of doubt.
Aryn saw Lyriana fall, crown shattered, Arvandor burning. Lyriana saw Aryn captured, lost to an enemy she could not fight. Eryon saw himself swallowed by shadows, powerless.
"These are tests," Lyriana said, voice steady. "Not reality."
The shadows surged, and the starlight screamed—but together, they moved as one. Trusting each other, they advanced, each step stabilizing the bridge beneath them.
Finally, a calm wave of cosmic energy swept over them. The Sentinel appeared, brighter than ever, its eyes like twin novas.
"You have passed the Trial of Unity," it said, voice resonating like a symphony. "Few have ever walked this path and remained whole. Your bond is true. The Eternal Eclipse will witness it."
Lyriana exhaled, feeling weight lift, though the crown still hummed with warning. "This is only the beginning," she said.
The Sentinel extended a glowing arm, pointing toward a distant horizon where the stars formed a massive eclipse, swirling with energy and power beyond comprehension.
"The heart of the prophecy awaits," it said. "Prepare yourselves, Moonlit Queen. What comes next will define all realms."
Lyriana clasped Aryn's hand tightly. "Then we face it… together."