Chapter 20: The Cradle of Stars
The wind howled across the high cliffs of the Western Divide.
Below, hidden beneath the mists and forgotten by time, lay the ancient valley called the Cradle of Stars—a sacred place where sky met stone, where the first flamebearers once called down fire from the heavens.
This was where they said the Starforged Blade had been hidden.
And it was where Kavin and his allies now traveled.
⚔️ The group moved cautiously through the jagged terrain.
Kavin led the way, a faint glow in his chest flickering like a compass. Since absorbing the chain sigil, he could sense power—like echoes beneath the ground.
Behind him, Lyra kept pace, blades ready.
Theron held the rear, massive axe resting on his shoulder.
Riven floated glowing runes around the party to ward off the shadows, while Seraphine guided the winds with a whisper.
And Elyria… Elyria walked with silent intensity, her eyes glowing faintly silver in the moonlight.
Hours passed in tense silence.
As they reached the valley's edge, Kavin paused.
A great temple rose from the center—half-swallowed by roots and moss. Its stone spires pointed skyward, cracked and glowing with faint starlight.
Seraphine whispered, "The Temple of Astra."
Elyria nodded. "Built to hold what mortals feared to touch. The sword isn't just powerful—it's sentient. It chooses its wielder."
Kavin stepped forward. "Then let it choose me."
🌠 They entered the temple.
Inside was a vast chamber, circular and cold. The ceiling was open, revealing a perfect sky. Stars shimmered above—but they were no ordinary stars.
These stars moved.
Shifted.
Watched.
"Welcome, Seeker," a voice echoed through the chamber."You seek the Blade of Stars. But starlight is not freely given."
A figure appeared—a celestial guardian, formed of silver flame and shadow.
"I am Oryn," it said. "The Trialmaster. Only one may face the test. And the price is not just strength—it is truth."
Kavin stepped forward. "Then test me."
✨ The chamber changed.
Suddenly, Kavin stood alone—in a field of white fire.
Before him appeared versions of himself:
— One burning with rage.— One broken and kneeling.— One crowned in black flame, laughing cruelly.
They spoke in unison.
"You want power to protect them… but what if you become what you fear?"
Kavin clenched his fists. "I won't."
The cruel Kavin stepped forward. "You already are. You enjoyed it, didn't you? When Kael screamed. When the Queen's magic lit your blood. You liked it."
Kavin trembled. "I hated it."
"Then why did you feel alive for the first time?"
💥 A wave of emotion hit him.
He saw flashes of his childhood. His father's death. His mother's disappearance. The nights he sat by the fire, swearing he'd never let someone else die because of him.
He screamed into the sky, fire erupting around him.
"I'm not perfect. I'm not pure. But I'm me. I burn for the ones I love. And I'll never stop."
The false versions vanished—burned away by his conviction.
The fire faded.
And in the center of the chamber now stood the Starforged Blade.
🌌 It was beautiful—long and silver, with veins of gold light pulsing along its edge. Its hilt was shaped like a flame frozen in motion, and when Kavin touched it, stars flared above him.
A voice, deep and ancient, entered his mind.
"You carry fire and shadow. Pain and purpose. You are broken… but unyielding.I name you worthy."
He drew the blade.
And the entire temple lit up like the sky itself had descended.
The others rushed in, eyes wide.
"You did it," Lyra breathed.
Theron grinned. "You've got a star for a sword. That's not normal."
Riven studied the blade with awe. "This… changes everything."
Elyria stood silently, then whispered, "Now we have a chance."
But far across the sea, in the Queen's fortress, she felt it.
The starblade's awakening.
The pulse of destiny she had failed to crush.
She stood from her obsidian throne and whispered one name:
"Kavin…"
Her fingers curled.
"So you found the Blade. Good. Bring it to me when you kneel."
Back at the temple, Kavin stood at the edge of the cliff, blade glowing at his side.
Lyra joined him, quiet.
"You think you're ready for her?"
Kavin looked up at the stars, their light dancing in his eyes.
"No," he said softly."But I'm no longer afraid of the fire."