The first star crashed into the distant mountains.
A wave of light and darkness rolled across the land, shaking the ancient garden. The crystal throne trembled beneath Aren's hand, and the sky above split with glowing cracks.
The Shadow King stepped through the black mist.
His cloak was woven from living shadows, and his eyes burned like dying suns. Every step he took caused the flowers of the First Kingdom to wither.
"You cannot stop destiny," he said. "The age of stars is over."
Aren drew his sword, the Starblade shining with a pale blue fire.
"Then I'll create a new destiny."
The Shadow King laughed.
Their blades collided, sending a storm of energy through the garden. Lyra and Kael fought against the creatures of shadow that poured from the broken sky, protecting the ancient throne.
In the middle of the battle, the mysterious voice returned.
"The throne does not give power. It reveals truth."
Aren looked into the crystal seat once more.
He saw the forgotten history of Elyndor.
Long ago, the First Guardians had not destroyed the Shadow King because they could not. Instead, they had divided his power among the stars, binding his darkness across the heavens.
But now the stars were falling back to the earth.
The prison was becoming whole again.
Kael stared at Aren.
"There is only one way to stop him."
Aren already knew.
Someone had to take the place of the ancient seal.
Someone had to carry the broken stars forever.
Lyra shook her head.
"No. There has to be another path."
Before Aren could answer, the Shadow King raised his hand.
A black wave struck the crystal throne, shattering pieces of it across the garden. The ancient trees lost their light, and the sky turned dark.
Then, from the ruins of the throne, a small crystal appeared.
It floated into Aren's hands.
Inside it burned a single star.
The mysterious voice spoke for the last time.
"The Heart Star has awakened. The true guardian has been chosen."
The Shadow King's smile disappeared.
For the first time in thousands of years, fear crossed his face.
Aren lifted the glowing crystal toward the dark sky.
Above them, the falling stars suddenly stopped.
Silence covered the First Kingdom.
Then the Heart Star began to shine brighter than the sun.
To be continued in Part 37...