Thorns of the Moonlit Throne
Volume 3 — Chapter 3: The Starforged Sentinel
Writer: Sabbir Ahmed
The hidden realm was alive, but not kind.
Mountains floated like fractured islands, rivers shimmered with starlight instead of water, and forests whispered secrets in languages long forgotten. Every step Lyriana took felt like a test—her crown pulsing in warning and recognition.
"We're not alone," Eryon murmured, his shadow flickering nervously. "The stars have eyes here… guardians of the prophecy."
Aryn tightened his grip on his sword. "Guardians? Or monsters?"
Before Lyriana could answer, the ground trembled. A pillar of starlight erupted from the valley floor, twisting into a humanoid form—tall, armored in gleaming constellations, eyes like burning novas. Its voice boomed, resonating through body and soul.
"I am the Starforged Sentinel," it declared. "You tread where only the worthy may walk. The Eternal Eclipse approaches. Why do you dare enter the judgment of the stars?"
Lyriana stepped forward, crown above her glowing bright and dark in perfect harmony. "We come for knowledge. To protect our world from a threat older than kingdoms. To honor balance—not destroy it."
The Sentinel tilted its head, cosmic wind swirling around its form. "Balance? Few have ever borne both light and shadow without faltering. Many have tried… and failed."
Eryon's shadow coiled protectively around Lyriana. "She is not like others," he said firmly. "She commands both and wields them for life, not conquest."
The Sentinel's eyes flared. "Then prove it. Only those who demonstrate unity of heart and purpose may advance."
Aryn stepped forward beside Lyriana. "We face this together. No one stands alone."
The Sentinel lowered its arm. Starlight coalesced into a bridge of energy, shimmering with tests not of strength, but of courage, trust, and understanding.
Lyriana glanced at Aryn and Eryon. "This is our trial. We succeed… or we never leave this place."
The crown pulsed, merging with the Sentinel's light. Shadows intertwined with starlight as Lyriana inhaled deeply, stepping forward onto the celestial path.
And with that step, the journey into the heart of the prophecy—and the Eternal Eclipse—truly began.