The red eyes beyond the Gate of Eternity burned like twin suns.
A deep growl rolled across the valley, and the ancient stone walls began to crack. Black mist poured from the gate, swallowing the light of the stars.
Aren raised the Starblade.
"What is that thing?"
Orion's expression turned grim.
"It is not a creature," he said quietly. "It is the Dark Constellation—the lost power that once ruled the heavens."
Lyria tightened her grip on her bow.
"I thought the Broken Stars were the greatest danger."
"They were only the prison," Orion replied.
"The Dark Constellation was locked away thousands of years ago. Every fallen star was a piece of its chains."
Kael looked at the glowing cracks in the sky.
"And we've been putting those pieces back together."
Before anyone could speak, a figure emerged from the black mist.
It wore silver armor covered with ancient symbols. Its face was hidden behind a dark mask, and a crown of shattered stars floated above its head.
The stranger looked directly at Aren.
"So, the final Guardian has arrived."
Aren stepped forward.
"Who are you?"
The figure slowly removed its mask.
Lyria gasped.
The face looked exactly like Aren's.
Only the eyes were different—cold, dark, and empty.
Orion lowered his sword.
"His name is Noctis."
Aren stared in disbelief.
"My twin brother?"
Orion nodded.
"When you were born, the prophecy created two destinies. One child was blessed by the stars. The other was claimed by the darkness."
Noctis smiled.
"You still believe this is a story of heroes and villains."
He pointed toward the sky.
"The Star King lied to all of you."
The stars above the kingdom began to fade one by one.
"The Broken Stars were never broken by me," Noctis said.
"They were shattered by the Star King himself to steal their power."
Kael shook his head.
"You're lying."
"Am I?"
Noctis raised his hand.
The black mist formed a vision in the air.
Aren saw an ancient king standing beneath a sky full of stars, lifting a crystal sword.
Then the king struck the heavens.
The stars fell.
The world burned.
The vision disappeared.
Aren felt his heart race.
"If that's true... then everything we believed was false."
Noctis held out his hand.
"Come with me, brother. Together we can destroy the lies and build a new world."
Orion immediately stepped between them.
"Don't listen to him. The darkness twists the truth."
The Gate of Eternity suddenly burst open.
A wave of black fire spread across the valley.
From the endless darkness behind the gate, thousands of glowing eyes appeared.
The Dark Constellation was awakening.
Noctis looked at Aren one last time.
"When the next star falls, you will have to choose."
"Your brother..."
He glanced at Orion.
"...or your destiny."
The shadow swallowed him, and he disappeared into the darkness.
Aren stood frozen, holding the Starblade, while another star broke apart and fell from the sky.
And for the first time, he was no longer sure which side was telling the truth.
To be continued part-35...