Thorns of the Moonlit Throne
Volume 3 — Chapter 5: The Heart of the Prophecy
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
The horizon pulsed with a strange, living light—the swirling shadow of the Eternal Eclipse.
Lyriana Vael, Aryn Vale, and Eryon approached cautiously, the celestial bridge beneath them solid yet trembling. Every step sent ripples of starlight through the void, illuminating floating islands and rivers of molten moonlight.
"This is… it," Lyriana whispered. "The heart of the prophecy."
Eryon's shadows flickered uneasily. "It radiates power older than the first kings. Older than Arvandor itself."
A figure emerged from the swirling eclipse—a being of pure cosmic energy. Its form shifted constantly, light and shadow blending into shapes that defied comprehension. Its voice resonated like the universe itself.
"Who dares enter the convergence of fate?" it demanded. "Only the worthy may touch the heart of the Eternal Eclipse."
Lyriana stepped forward, crown glowing in perfect unity. "I am Lyriana Vael, Moonlit Queen. We come to protect the balance of our world."
The figure laughed—stars cracking as they vibrated with power. "Balance? You think a mortal crown can influence cosmic law? Many have tried… all have failed."
Aryn moved to her side. "We are not alone. Our bond—our people—our choices—these are stronger than your arrogance."
The being's form surged violently, throwing the bridge into chaos. Islands spun, rivers of starlight erupted, and gravity twisted. The crown pulsed wildly, shadow intertwining with light to shield them.
Lyriana gritted her teeth. "We do not seek to dominate! We seek understanding. We will endure… together."
The being's voice softened, as if amused. "So be it. Then prove it."
The Eclipse tested them—not with weapons, but visions: Arvandor torn apart, Aryn lost to darkness, Lyriana's crown shattered, the Shadowlands swallowed by cosmic fire. Each illusion threatened to break their unity.
But together, they resisted. Trust, love, and shared purpose grounded them. Light and shadow merged perfectly through the crown, stabilizing the heart of the prophecy.
The figure recoiled, energy quivering. "Few have ever done this… few have truly balanced themselves with another."
Lyriana held Aryn's gaze. "Then we will show you the strength of balance."
The Eternal Eclipse shuddered, as if acknowledging a new force in the universe—a unity that even the stars had not foreseen.