CHAPTER 9 WHISPERS OF THE FORGOTTEN

 Whispers of the Forgotten

The wind howled through the ruins, carrying with it the whispers of long-dead voices. Lyra stood frozen; her gaze locked onto Eryx's silver eyes. There was something unsettling about him—his presence was neither threatening nor entirely welcoming.

Kael stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his sword. "You claim to be from the Forgotten Court. Prove it."

Eryx tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Very well." He lifted his hand, and the air shimmered around him. Symbols of celestial energy swirled into existence, forming intricate patterns in the space between them. Lyra recognized the markings immediately—they were the same as those carved into the ancient temple walls, the same symbols that had appeared in her visions.

Alden narrowed his eyes. "Where did you learn that magic?"

Eryx let the glowing symbols fade before responding. "From the ones who came before us. The Forgotten Court was never destroyed—it was hidden."

Lyra's heart pounded in her chest. If the Forgotten Court still existed, that meant there were others who possessed celestial power like hers. Others who could help her understand the mark on her arm.

She took a step closer. "Why reveal yourselves now?"

Eryx's expression darkened. "Because the stars are shifting, and the balance of power is breaking. The Shadow born are no longer just whispers in the dark. They are gathering strength, preparing for war."

Kael's grip tightened on his sword. "We already know that."

"You know nothing," Eryx said, his voice cutting through the night like a blade. "The prophecy speaks of a celestial heir, one who will either save this world or doom it. The Shadow born believe you will bring ruin, and they intend to strike before you can rise to power." His gaze flickered to Lyra. "They are hunting you, Princess."

A shiver ran down her spine. She had always known the prophecy carried weight, but hearing it spoken aloud, in the ruins of a forgotten past, made it feel more real than ever.

Alden stepped protectively in front of her. "And what do you believe?"

Eryx was silent for a moment, then he said, "That depends on you."

The Trial of the Forgotten

Eryx led them deeper into the ruins, through a crumbling archway covered in celestial inscriptions. Beyond it lay a hidden chamber, illuminated by a soft golden glow emanating from a massive stone obelisk.

"This is the Trial of the Forgotten," Eryx said, his voice reverent. "Only those who are worthy may pass."

Lyra frowned. "What kind of trial?"

Eryx turned to her, his silver eyes gleaming. "One that will test your heart, mind, and soul. If you fail, the path to the Forgotten Court will be closed to you forever."

Kael let out a sharp breath. "And if she succeeds?"

Eryx's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Then she will prove that she is truly the celestial heir."

Alden crossed his arms. "And what happens if she refuses?"

"The Shadow born will win."

Silence settled over them. Lyra could feel the weight of every gaze on her, waiting for her decision. But in truth, there was no decision to be made. She had come too far, learned too much. The prophecy had already claimed her, and there was no turning back.

"I'll do it," she said.

Eryx nodded approvingly and stepped aside, motioning toward the obelisk. "Then step forward, Princess. And let the stars decide your fate."

With a deep breath, Lyra placed her hand against the stone.

The world went dark.

A Glimpse into the Unknown

When the light returned, Lyra was no longer in the ruins. She stood in an endless expanse of stars, the constellations shifting around her like living beings. A soft voice echoed through the void.

"Daughter of the stars… your fate is not yet written."

Lyra turned, searching for the source of the voice, but saw nothing but swirling stardust. "Who are you?"

"A guide… a warning… a memory."

Visions flashed before her eyes—an army of celestial warriors standing against a tide of darkness, a golden throne surrounded by flame, a figure cloaked in shadows reaching for her hand. And then—

A face she knew.

Eryx.

She gasped as the vision shattered around her, and suddenly, she was back in the ruins, her hand still pressed against the obelisk.

The trial was over.

Eryx studied her carefully. "What did you see?"

Lyra swallowed hard, still reeling from the vision. She couldn't tell them—not yet. Not until she understood what it meant.

"Nothing," she lied.

Eryx's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he nodded. "Then the path is open."

The stone obelisk cracked down the center, and the ruins trembled as a hidden doorway appeared before them. Beyond it, a golden light shimmered, revealing a passageway leading into the unknown.

Lyra clenched her fists. The Forgotten Court awaited.

And with it, the truth about her destiny.