In Auraleaf's Lantern Hall, Lila, Eron, and Elin sat in a circle around a stone table, the Book of Eternity between them, its iron clasps cold but faintly glowing with heat, as if it felt them present.
Lanterns drifted above them, raining rings of light on the old pages as Eron unbuckled the clasps slowly, whispering warding runes.
The book groaned open, pages whispering on their own, to reveal etched glyphs, maps of unvisited lands, and prophecies written in silver ink that glowed upon touch with the light of the pendant.
The Prophecy
Elin leaned forward, tracing a passage with her finger:
"When the Serpent of Shadows is silenced, and dawn claims back the skies,
A shadow darker than the night shall rise, wearing a visage of light.
The keeper of dawn shall face the mirror,
And the world will tremble between dawn and dusk."
Lila's own breath was stuck in her throat, the pendant around her neck warming rapidly.
"A shadow darker than darkness." she gasped.
Eron's lids were shut, remembering the vision Lila saw in the Seal. "Umbraath was but the start. This book speaks of something older.".
Elin flipped through the pages, demonstrating a drawing: a circular opening with the same runes on the hidden door but larger, surrounded by seven lanterns.
"The Gate of Dawn," Elin read. "A path to the center of the worlds where all light and darkness are mingled."
A New Presence
Later that night, Lila sat by the river of lanterns alone, the Book of Eternity resting in her lap, the pendant glowing softly as she murmured to it, asking for guidance.
The lanterns above swayed, a flash of icy wind rushing through. A figure on the other side of the river stood, clad in darkness, hood over their face.
Lila rose slowly, the pendant clutched in her hand.
"Who are you?" she cried out, her own voice firm over the dread rising up her backbone.
The figure lifted its head, its two silver lantern eyes glinting softly, and a voice, deep and tranquil, rang out:
"The Gate is opening, Light-Bearer. When it is, your decision shall determine all realms."
The figure turned, moving back into the shadows, fading away as though it had never existed.
Visions of the Gate
Under the cover of night, when Lila slept, the pendant pulsed and pulled her into a dream of a vast, starry void, with the Gate of Dawn suspended in the center like a gigantic, glowing ring. Lanterns drifted by its side, but at the gate's rear, a boiling darkness strained against the light.
"You will face yourself."
A voice out of emptiness, and Lila faced herself—older, in black robes, cold but familiar eyes, pendant grasped in her hand, yet its light was dark, consuming, not giving.
"Will you save them, or will you fear the dawn?"
She woke up with a gasp, forehead drenched in sweat, pendant still radiating.
Preparation for the Gate
During the morning, Lila showed her vision to Eron and Elin while they studied the maps in the Book of Eternity.
"It's coming," Lila said to them, determination in her voice. "Whatever this Gate is, it's tied to me. To this pendant."
Elin nodded. "The Gate of Dawn isn't just a gateway, Lila. It's a mirror of the worlds. If darkness takes it, all realms will be lost."
Eron placed a reassuring hand on Lila's shoulder. "Then we prepare. We gather the lantern keepers, bolster the Heartstone, and study this book."
Lila's eyes dropped to the pendant, its light burning in her eyes. "And when the Gate opens," she whispered, "I'll be ready."
Higher than ever, lanterns bobbed above them, as if knowing the storm that approached, their light burning bright and unwavering against the darkening horizon