Thorns of the Moonlit Throne
Volume 4 — Chapter 4: Trial of the Written Stars
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
The Celestial Verse shimmered like liquid starlight, shifting constantly under Caelum Virex's control. Every step Lyriana took altered the world around her—the bridge of light bending, rivers of stars splitting, shadows forming paths that disappeared as quickly as they appeared.
"The Verse obeys him," Aryn muttered, gripping his sword. "Every line he writes changes the terrain… our choices are traps."
Lyriana's crown pulsed in response to the distortions. "Then we move carefully, together. Balance isn't just about power—it's about harmony. Every thought, every heartbeat, must align."
Eryon's shadows stretched forward, probing the shifting reality. "The first trial is literal poetry. Each caiku he writes will create challenges tailored to break unity, trust, or courage."
Ahead, glowing lines of text floated midair:
"Paths diverge where hearts collide,
Shadows test what light can hide."
The bridge fractured, forming three separate threads. One flickered with light, another with shadow, and the center shimmered with both, unstable yet inviting. The floating words shimmered like a heartbeat, testing their decisions.
Lyriana glanced at Aryn and Eryon. "We do this together. No one takes a separate path."
They stepped onto the central thread, and immediately the Verse reacted. Illusions rose around them—Aryn separated, engulfed by shadow; Lyriana's crown shattered in her vision; Eryon trapped in rivers of starlight, screaming silently.
"This is only an illusion," Lyriana said firmly. "We are together, and together we will endure."
They clasped hands, synchronizing heartbeat and intention. Shadow and light flowed through the crown, stabilizing the bridge, transforming the illusions into harmless starlight.
Caelum's voice echoed, melodic and amused. "Impressive. Few can resist the rhythm of my verse. But the poem has many stanzas, Moonlit Queen. Do you have the courage to finish it?"
Lyriana's eyes narrowed. "We will not just survive your poem—we will write our own lines."
Above them, the stars shifted again, forming the next section of Caelum's test—a labyrinth of cosmic poetry, where every decision could shape reality… or end it.
Lyriana inhaled, determination blazing. "Then let the trial continue. Together.