CHAPTER 10 THE HIDDEN CITY OF THE FORGOTTEN COURT

 The Hidden City of the Forgotten Court

A Bridge Between Worlds

The moment Lyra stepped beyond the shimmering veil, the world around her dissolved into golden mist. A strange sensation gripped her, as though her body had been lifted from the earth and placed somewhere beyond time itself. She gasped, her feet landing lightly on a bridge made entirely of light, stretching into the vast expanse of the heavens.

Alden cursed under his breath, gripping his sword tighter as he tested the bridge with his boot. "This doesn't feel real."

Kael glanced around; his expression unreadable. "It's a celestial construct. Magic of the highest order."

Selene studied the bridge warily. "The Forgotten Court truly was never meant to be found."

Eryx, standing at the front of the group, exhaled as he turned back to them. "Only those who are chosen may walk this path. It exists between worlds, a threshold to the lost kingdom."

The group cautiously followed Eryx across the bridge, each step filled with tension. The deeper they went, the more the air crackled with unseen energy, like a silent storm lurking in the distance. The stars above burned brighter, forming swirling constellations that seemed to shift as they watched.

Then, the mist before them parted—revealing a sight none of them expected.

The Forgotten Court Revealed

The city was breathtaking. Floating above an endless abyss, the towers of the Forgotten Court shimmered like starlight, their surfaces carved from a luminescent white stone that pulsed with celestial energy. Grand bridges of glowing energy connected the structures, and ethereal figures moved through the streets, their presence barely disturbing the stillness of the air.

Lyra could hardly breathe. This was no ruin. This was a kingdom preserved beyond time.

"This place…" she whispered, her fingers grazing the air, feeling the sheer magic surrounding them.

Alden frowned. "I thought this city was supposed to be destroyed."

Eryx smirked. "That's what the world was made to believe."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "Why keep it a secret?"

Before Eryx could answer, movement from below drew their attention. A group of robed figures stood waiting at the base of a towering palace, their presence exuding a quiet authority. The tallest among them stepped forward, his silver hair catching the celestial glow. His violet eyes locked onto Lyra with quiet intensity.

"You have returned," the elder murmured, his gaze shifting briefly to Eryx. "And you have brought her."

Lyra felt a strange pull toward the man, as if his presence resonated with something deep within her. "Who are you?"

The elder placed a hand over his heart. "I am Ellynor, High Seer of the Forgotten Court. And you, Princess Lyra, are the heir we have long awaited."

A Shocking Revelation

Silence fell over them, the weight of Ellynor's words sinking into Lyra's mind like a stone.

"The heir?" Lyra echoed. "I don't understand."

Ellynor studied her. "You are not simply a princess of Eldoris. You are the last of the celestial bloodline—the rightful ruler of the Celestial Throne."

Kael stiffened. "That's impossible. The celestial line was wiped out in the Great Purge."

Ellynor's gaze did not waver. "That is what history would have you believe."

Lyra's heartbeat roared in her ears. "My family—"

"Were rulers, yes, but not of celestial descent. The true celestial lineage was hidden, scattered to protect the bloodline. You, Princess Lyra, are the only surviving heir."

The revelation struck Lyra like a blade to the chest. She had spent her life preparing to rule Eldoris, but this… this was something beyond anything she had ever imagined.

Alden placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Lyra… are you okay?"

She swallowed hard. "I don't know."

Eryx, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "Now you see why the Shadow born fear you."

She turned to him, eyes blazing. "You knew?"

"I suspected," he admitted. "But now, there is no doubt."

Lyra clenched her fists. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Eryx's silver eyes gleamed. "Because knowing the truth too soon would have put you in even greater danger."

Selene, arms crossed, regarded Eryx carefully. "And what exactly do you gain from this?"

Eryx's expression darkened. "A future that does not belong to the Shadow born."

Before more could be said, a deep vibration pulsed through the air, making the ground beneath them tremble.

Ellynor's face turned grim. "They've found us."

The Shadow Born's Arrival

A sickly darkness coiled through the sky, devouring the celestial light above the city. A sharp, unnatural wind howled through the streets, and with it came a presence that sent a chill deep into Lyra's bones.

A voice, smooth yet full of malice, echoed through the city.

"You cannot hide from fate."

Figures emerged from the black mist—warriors clad in jagged obsidian armor, their eyes burning with unnatural red light. They moved like phantoms, gliding toward the palace, their weapons pulsing with dark energy.

Kael drew his sword. "Shadow born."

Ellynor stepped forward; his expression unreadable. "They should not have been able to breach the veil."

Lyra's breath hitched. "Then someone led them here."

Alden's grip tightened on his blade. "A traitor?"

Eryx's jaw clenched. "It's possible."

Before they could react, the largest of the Shadow born stepped forward, his presence radiating raw, oppressive power. His armor was adorned with dark celestial runes, and his face was hidden beneath a spiked helm.

The warlord raised his blade, pointing it directly at Lyra.

"The last heir of the celestial throne," he said, his voice full of cruel amusement. "At last, we meet."

Lyra forced herself to stand tall. "And who are you supposed to be?"

The warlord chuckled. "I am Varion, Hand of the Dark King." He tilted his head. "And I have come to make you an offer."

The city fell silent.

Ellynor stepped between them. "We do not bargain with the Shadow born."

Varion ignored him, keeping his burning gaze locked on Lyra. "You have two choices, princess. Surrender, and I will grant you a swift and painless fate." His lips curled into a smirk. "Or resist, and I will raise this city to the ground, killing every last soul within it."

Lyra's heart pounded. Every instinct screamed at her to fight, but the weight of the lives at stake bore down on her.

Eryx stepped closer; his voice low but firm. "Don't listen to him."

Varion chuckled. "I wonder… do you truly know the ones you trust?" His gaze flickered briefly to Eryx before returning to Lyra. "Choose wisely, princess. The fate of your people depends on it."

The choice stood before her—a test of will, a turning point in her destiny.

And in the depths of her soul, the celestial power within her began to stir.