The chamber trembled.
Aren stared at the glowing crystal suspended above the ancient altar. Threads of silver light stretched from it into the ceiling, disappearing into the darkness above.
"It's alive," Lyra whispered.
The crystal pulsed once.
Then again.
A deep voice echoed through the chamber.
"Bearer of the Fallen Star... the final choice awaits."
Aren tightened his grip on his sword.
"What choice?"
The voice answered slowly.
"Restore the stars... or save the kingdom."
Silence filled the room.
Kael stepped forward. "What does that mean?"
The crystal brightened, and visions appeared around them.
They saw Elyndor covered in darkness.
Cities burning.
Mountains cracking.
The Shadow King standing victorious.
Then the vision changed.
The stars returned to the sky, shining brighter than ever before.
But beneath them stood no kingdom.
No cities.
No people.
Only ruins.
Lyra's eyes widened.
"The ritual will bring back the stars... but it will destroy Elyndor."
Aren felt his heart sink.
Everything they had fought for had led to this impossible choice.
Behind them, a cold laugh echoed through the chamber.
The Shadow King had arrived.
Dark mist poured from the entrance as he stepped forward, his crimson eyes glowing.
"You finally understand," he said.
"The stars were never meant to return."
Aren raised his sword.
The Fallen Star inside his chest blazed with power.
The Shadow King smiled.
"Come then, Starborn."
Darkness and starlight collided.
And the final battle for Elyndor began.
To be continued in Part 13... ✨⚔️🌌