Compass. Navigation. A reference point that other things oriented themselves around. The specific role of something that knew direction well enough to help others find it.
Far beneath the Hall of Shadow, Kael had been walking the Eclipse Trials for the full three months, moving from the second trial into the depths of what the First Eclipse Sovereign's inheritance had prepared.
The second trial had ended two and a half months into the three-month period.
Light and darkness revolved around him in that final test — neither side dominant, neither side submitted, neither side winning. Perfect balance. The specific equilibrium that Eclipse existed to maintain rather than to break. When the First Eclipse Sovereign appeared one final time, Kael understood what was being acknowledged.
"You understand now."
"Eclipse exists between extremes," Kael answered. Not a question, a statement. Recognition.
