CHAPTER 29

The Shattered Veil

The world around Lyra trembled, the sky fracturing like delicate glass. The once-distant Celestial Gate now pulsed with dangerous energy, the Veil that separated the mortal and celestial realms torn open. A howling wind surged through the battlefield, carrying with it a strange whisper—one that only she could hear.

"Daughter of the stars… the choice is upon you."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she took in the destruction around her. Smoke curled through the air, mixing with the scent of blood and scorched earth. The aftermath of the battle had left bodies scattered across the ruined temple grounds, some groaning in pain, others too still.

Alden pushed himself up, wincing from the deep cut on his forehead. His sword was slick with blood, his armor dented from the fierce skirmish. Kael, his once-pristine cloak in tatters, knelt beside Selene, pressing a trembling hand against her chest. A golden glow flickered under his palm as he attempted to heal her.

Lyra's fingers tightened around the hilt of her dagger. Eryx was gone.

Her heart pounded violently. She had seen it—the hesitation in his silver eyes just before he vanished. It was fleeting, but it was there. Doubt. Conflict. A sliver of something human.

But then, in an instant, he had disappeared into the darkness.

"Where did he go?" she demanded, her voice raw with frustration.

Kael let out a slow breath, still focusing on healing Selene. "Through the Veil."

The words sent a cold shudder through Lyra's spine. The Veil was never meant to be crossed. It was the final boundary between the mortal world and the Celestial Gate—where the gods themselves once roamed. To break it would be to invite chaos beyond comprehension.

Alden wiped the blood from his brow, his face grim. "If he gets through… if he reaches the Gate before we do…"

"He'll have access to the celestial power," Kael finished, his voice heavy.

And that meant destruction.

Lyra's grip on her dagger tightened.

For centuries, the Celestial Gate had remained sealed, waiting for the one who bore the mark. She had always believed the prophecy meant that she was meant to inherit the celestial power. But what if it wasn't that simple? What if the stars had been whispering of someone else?

Someone like Eryx.

She clenched her jaw. No. She wouldn't let him take what was meant to save Eldoris.

A strong gust of wind blew through the temple ruins, making the jagged tear in the sky pulse and shimmer. The rift was still unstable, raw energy sparking at its edges. It wasn't too late.

"We have to follow him," Kael said, finally standing. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with unshaken determination. "If he gets to the Gate first, we may not be able to stop him."

Alden sheathed his sword, stepping closer. "Are you ready for this?"

Lyra swallowed. Her entire life had led to this moment. The mark on her skin, the whispers of fate, the trials she had endured—everything had been pushing her toward the final test.

A choice.

One that would decide the fate of Eldoris.

She took a deep breath, lifting her chin. "Let's go."

With one final glance at the ruined battlefield, Lyra stepped forward—toward the Veil, toward destiny, toward the battle that would determine the fate of the world.

To Be Continued…..........