Claudia wandered the lands of Xadia, her long silver hair trailing behind her like a ghost's whisper in the wind. Her once-vibrant green eyes were now clouded with exhaustion, though still alight with an unyielding, quiet determination. Dressed in dark robes, the edges frayed from the endless miles she'd walked in search of something, anything, to fill the hollow left by her former power and her companion's absence. Her pale face bore the weight of a year spent in solitude, with only the occasional company of her conjured creations to break the silence. She had once been the powerful sorceress who bent the world to her will, but now, she felt adrift, lost without guidance.
A year had passed since that fateful day, and Claudia's heart had yet to find peace. The silence of Xadia was unbearable, and each day without him felt heavier. She wandered the lands aimlessly, her once-pure thirst for power now replaced by a desperate search for something else—anything to fill the aching emptiness that had become her constant companion.
Why isn't he here?
The Sea of the Castout stretched before her, its waves crashing against jagged rocks. She could almost hear a whisper in the sound of the wind, but it was fleeting. It was always fleeting. Her mind drifted back to the time they had spent together, when every step forward had been made with confidence, the two of them as a unified force.
Soon, we will rebuild everything. You and I, Claudia. She closed her eyes, savoring the memory of that smooth, silken voice. It felt so far away now. Why isn't he here? Just as she was about to give in to the overwhelming weight of loneliness, something caught her eye. A faint, almost imperceptible glow coming from the shadows of a cave nearby. Curiosity stirred within her, mingling with a flicker of hope. It could be nothing, just the glint of moonlight reflecting off the rocks, but what if…?
Her footsteps quickened as she moved toward the source of the light. Deep inside the cave, she found a stone. At first glance, it appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary rock, worn smooth by time into a teardrop shape. But when she knelt and brushed the dust away, the faint glow intensified, revealing intricate carvings etched into the surface, the kanji for "star." It was familiar, though she couldn't place why. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be…?
A sign, she thought, barely able to contain her excitement. This has to be it. This is the answer. Her fingers trembled as she reached out to touch the stone. The moment her skin made contact, a shockwave of energy shot through her, sending a jolt of warmth and familiarity through her chest. She gasped, unable to breathe as the stone pulsed under her fingertips.
The air around her seemed to hum with energy, and as the stone cracked open, swirling mist began to emerge from its core. Claudia's eyes widened in awe as she watched the mist take form, twisting and shimmering in the dim light. For a moment, she thought she saw something… a figure, or maybe just a shadow, flickering within the mist. But before she could make sense of it, a voice broke through.
"Claudia…" the voice whispered, faint and distant, yet unmistakable in its richness.
Claudia's breath caught in her throat. "Who… who is this?" she asked, her voice trembling. There was a strange sense of recognition, though she couldn't place it.
The voice continued, soft yet commanding, like the steady rhythm of a heartbeat. "You should know better by now, Claudia. I always have a plan."
Her chest tightened, the words resonating deep within her. No… She couldn't believe it. Could this be him? Was it truly possible?
The figure in the mist shifted again, taking a more solid form. Slowly, it became clearer, something or someone ancient, powerful, and familiar. A strange feeling washed over her as the stone's glow intensified, revealing the figure's shape more distinctly. It wasn't him—not yet. But the presence, the force, was undeniable. Claudia stood frozen for a moment, her fingers still tingling from where she had touched the stone. She gazed at it in wonder as the final remnants of the mist dissipated, leaving only the glow of the kanji. Her breath caught when the voice she had been longing to hear for over a year filled the air.
"Claudia..."
Her hand trembled slightly, but she dared not move. Her voice, barely more than a whisper, escaped her. "Aaravos?"
A soft, familiar chuckle echoed through the cave. "Not quite," he replied, his voice warm and inviting yet distant. "I am not fully returned, Claudia. But I have not forgotten you."
Claudia's fingers clenched around the stone, her eyes wide with disbelief. "But... how?" She could hardly believe it. "How is this possible? I've missed you so much. How can I bring you back?"
His voice, both proud and tinged with a deep sadness, echoed in her mind. "The process will take great effort on your part, Claudia. More than you might realize. But I know you. I know your resolve. You are willing, and that is all that matters."
Her voice was filled with an urgency that couldn't be ignored. "It doesn't matter how difficult it is," she said, determination rising in her chest. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring you back."
Aaravos' tone shifted slightly, a trace of fondness in his voice. "You were always driven, Claudia." He paused for a moment, as though considering something, "But first, there is something you must understand."
Claudia looked down at the stone in her hand, its glow pulsating softly. "What is this stone? It feels... connected to you. But how? Where did it come from?"
Aaravos' voice was thoughtful as he spoke. "That stone... I acquired it long ago. Its purpose is far greater than you can comprehend. I left it to be found when the time was right. It contains a part of my essence, my spirit. It is the key to unlocking the power you will need to bring me back."
Claudia felt a shiver run down her spine. "So, is it a part of you? A piece of you?"
"Yes," Aaravos replied softly, "A small piece, but enough to guide you." His voice became more deliberate. "But you must seek its counterparts, those scattered across Hyrule. That is where your path leads."
"Hyrule? I've never heard of it. What is this place?" Claudia's brow furrowed.
"You will learn when you get there," Aaravos said cryptically, "It is a land far from here, and it holds the answers you need. And with those answers, you will be able to restore me fully." Claudia took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.
"I will go there. I will find these stones. I'll do whatever it takes to bring you back, Aaravos," Claudia promised. Claudia stood in the silence of the cave, the stone's light still pulsing in her palm. The weight of what lay ahead settled upon her, but she was unwavering. She had a purpose now. And she would not fail.
CHAPTER ONE: THE GIFT LEFT BEHIND
Callum's journey through Xadia was long, but it had always been worth it to visit Silvergrove. Today, however, his stomach was a swirl of nervous anticipation. He had been to Silvergrove many times before, but never like this. He did a quick dance and watched as a magical veil fell away, revealing the city in question.
He felt his nerves tighten as the towering trees of Silvergrove came into view, their trunks impossibly tall and their branches thick with leaves. Silvergrove was a place of natural beauty, but it had always felt so different from the human world, an intricate blend of the organic and the crafted, like something out of a dream. The buildings here, constructed from marble-like material, were round and elegant, their domed roofs curved softly toward the sky. Paths made from the same smooth stone snaked through the grove, winding between thick trunks and under sprawling vines that draped across the structures. He stopped to look at his reflection in the fountain. Staring back at him was his nineteen-year-old reflection. He made the effort to put on his nicest blue mage robes complete with his favorite red scarf.
What if he doesn't approve? Callum's thoughts spiraled as he approached his destination, the workshop of Ethari. The workshop was built into the heart of a massive tree, its ancient bark towering above the structure. The tree's gnarled roots formed a natural foundation for the stone walls of the workshop, and inside, Callum could see the flicker of the furnace's fire through the open door. Hanging on the walls were an array of deadly metal weapons, meticulously crafted and gleaming in the dim light. Blades, spears, and daggers all hung in neat rows, their polished surfaces reflecting the flickering firelight. A large anvil sat at the center of the room, with a furnace crackling beside it, the heat of the forge nearly tangible in the air. Chests filled with materials lined the edges of the space, while delicate gem accessories hung from the ceiling, catching the light in a dazzling display.
Callum stopped just outside the door, hesitating. He had faced dragons, armies, and monsters without hesitation—but standing before this door, knowing what he was about to ask, filled him with an unfamiliar sense of dread. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, and knocked lightly on the doorframe.
"Come in," Ethari's deep voice called from within. Taking another breath, Callum stepped inside. Ethari, tall and imposing, stood by the anvil, hammering away at a blade in his hand. His silver hair fell around his shoulders, his green eyes sharp as ever, though they softened in surprise when they landed on Callum.
"Callum," Ethari greeted, his eyebrows lifting slightly, "What brings you here today?" Callum shifted awkwardly, running a hand through his hair.
"I, uh… I wanted to talk to you about something important." His voice cracked slightly, and he cleared his throat, forcing himself to make eye contact, "I've come to ask for your blessing to marry Rayla."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ethari's eyes widened in disbelief. In the split second of shock, he missed the mark with his hammer and slammed it directly down onto his finger. The workshop was filled with the sharp clang of metal meeting bone.
"Ouch! Blast it!" he growled, cradling his injured finger with a look of sheer disbelief.
"Oh no, Ethari! Are you okay?" Callum, wide-eyed, winced. Ethari took a deep breath, shaking his head as he glared at his finger, clearly trying not to curse further.
"Well, I didn't exactly plan for this... but it seems you've stunned me into a fine display of skill, Callum. I've hammered weapons into shape for centuries, and yet, you come in here and…" He shook his head again, a faint grin tugging at his lips despite the pain, "I'm fine. I'm fine." Callum couldn't help but chuckle, despite his nerves.
"I swear, I didn't mean to break your rhythm," Callum apologized. Ethari gave him an exaggerated look of suspicion, though the humor in his eyes was unmistakable.
"First you come here asking to marry my daughter, and now I'm almost maimed in the process. What a day," he muttered, shaking his head, before finally lowering his hand from his finger.
"I mean it, Ethari," Callum said, a little more serious now, trying to recover from the awkward moment, "I love Rayla. I want to marry her, and I'm asking for your blessing." Ethari raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised but intrigued.
"You want to marry my daughter?" he repeated slowly, this time with no attempt to hide the smile that tugged at his lips. "A human, to boot? You who couldn't even grow a decent set of elf ears?"
"I—uh, yes. I know it's... unexpected," Callum blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. Ethari took a moment to study him, eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Unexpected? You could say that, but I see…" He glanced over Callum's shoulder, as though contemplating the vast mystery of the cosmos, "I see you've come with sincerity. That counts for something." Callum let out a breath of relief, though his stomach still churned.
"I don't know what the customs are. What should I do to make sure I'm doing this right? I want to respect her traditions, Ethari. I don't want to mess this up with her or you or Runaan," Callum confessed. Ethari's expression softened.
"Rayla is not an easy one to win over," he said, finally setting down the hammer and giving Callum his full attention, "You've seen that, haven't you?"
"I've waited. I'll wait for as long as it takes," Callum nodded, "So would you consent to it?"
The Silvergrove was alive with the sounds of the forest, as birds chirped from the canopies and the gentle rustle of leaves whispered in the air. Rayla, her white hair flowing like a shadow in the trees, crouched low among the thick underbrush, her heart pounding. Today's lesson was a challenge of a different kind—her students were going to try to hunt her.
Runaan watched from a concealed position, his sharp eyes tracking every movement. On his shoulder perched Stella, the cuddlemonkey, bouncing excitedly as if aware of the day's game.
Rayla's voice cut through the silence, "Remember, you're hunting me. Use everything you've learned. Stay sharp, and don't let your nerves get the better of you." She sounded calm, but inside, her mind was calculating every possibility.
The four students, eager and wide-eyed, crept into position. Their eyes flicked between the trees, every rustle in the underbrush causing their bows to tighten in anticipation. They were ready, but Rayla had her own plans.
Kalen, the youngest of the group, looked to his fellow students and whispered, "Do you think we can actually catch her?"
Elira, more experienced and confident, gave him a smirk. "We've trained for this. We can do it. Just focus."
Rayla watched them from the shadows, staying as still as stone. The students fanned out, covering different angles. Aven, always cautious, slowly crept forward, eyes darting around. He had learned the hard way that patience was just as important as speed.
Kalen was the first to make a move. He dashed forward, his boots crunching against the forest floor, his bow drawn. But Rayla was quicker. She whipped around a tree, her training bow already in hand, and fired a shot. The arrow hit Kalen in the shoulder, splashing white paint all over him. He stumbled back, shocked.
"What—how did she—?" Kalen sputtered, brushing off the paint.
Rayla's voice was calm as she said, "Always check your surroundings before you charge in. You never know when your target might be hiding."
"Right," Kalen muttered, embarrassed. He looked at Elira, who nodded at him to regroup.
Meanwhile, Elira had spotted Rayla's movement from the corner of her eye. She quickly turned, sneaking through the bushes toward where she thought Rayla had gone. Her footsteps were light, but Rayla heard her coming. Without a second thought, Rayla jumped down from a tree, her legs landing softly on the ground behind Elira.
"Dead," Rayla said simply, tapping Elira's shoulder from behind. Elira jumped, spinning around, but there was no escaping Rayla's stealth.
"How did you get behind me?!" Elira exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Always keep your back covered. You never know when I'll pop up," Rayla grinned. By now, Aven and Kalen had rejoined the group, strategizing their next move. They decided to work together, trying to trap Rayla in a pincer movement. Rayla, hearing them approach, quickly moved to higher ground, watching them through the trees. She saw them moving cautiously, trying to predict her path.
"You think we've got this?" Kalen asked, giving Aven an uncertain glance.
"We'll see. Just stay alert," Aven hesitated. They slowly closed in, but Rayla was one step ahead. She dropped down in front of them as Aven stepped into a snare. He cried out in surprise as he was yanked off his feet. Rayla grinned smugly as she fired another arrow, this one hitting him square in the chest. Paint splattered across his tunic.
"I swear, you're too fast for us!" Aven growled, frustration creeping into his voice.
"That's the point. You can't rush," Rayla smiled, pulling another arrow from her quiver. Kalen's voice came from behind her, but by the time Rayla turned, he had already closed the distance. His bow was drawn, the arrow aimed directly at her.
"Gotcha!" he said triumphantly, only to find Rayla gone. She had already leaped out of sight, disappearing back into the trees.
"Where did she go?" Kalen wondered alou, looking around in confusion.
Runaan's voice rang out from the shadows, his tone amused. "She's not going to make it easy on you. Stay focused." Aven, still struggling with the snare, managed to free himself, rubbing his arms where Rayla's arrow had hit.
"We need to work together better. We're all too scattered," Kalen sighed. The remaining students nodded, regrouping once again. They stayed close, watching for any sign of Rayla, who had once again gone still in the shadows, blending into the forest. Finally, they spotted her again. This time, they moved with more caution, coordinating their movements. But just as they thought they had her cornered, Rayla leaped down from a branch above, landing in front of Aven and Kalen. She tapped Kalen on the head.
"And you're dead," she said with a grin, letting her bow fall to her side. Aven froze in place, holding his bow but unsure what to do next.
"Rayla… you're impossible!" Aven cried out in frustration.
"Not impossible," she teased, a playful gleam in her eyes, "Just experienced." Runaan leapt down from his hiding spot.
"Well done, all of you," he said, though his tone was tinged with sarcasm, "You lasted longer than I thought you would."
"Don't get too cocky. Aven, Kalen, you almost had me," Rayla chuckled, her hands resting on her hips. The two students shared a look, clearly determined to do better next time. Runaan raised an eyebrow.
"Alright, let's wrap it up for today. But remember hunting enemies isn't just about skills. It's about learning from your mistakes," Runaan explained.
Rayla looked at the students. "Exactly. You've all got potential. Keep practicing, and maybe next time, I'll actually have to run for my life." As the students regrouped, their breaths heavy from the pursuit, Rayla couldn't help but smile at their determination. Despite the playful teasing, there was a genuine respect for their growth.
"Alright, students," she called, as she walked back to join Runaan, "You've learned a lot today. But remember, the real test comes when you're facing something far more dangerous than me." She looked them over, her tone becoming serious. "When it's life or death, those skills have to be second nature. Never let the fear of failure hold you back. Keep improving."
Aven, still rubbing the spot where her arrow had struck, nodded. "We will. Next time, we'll get you, Rayla."
"I'll be waiting," she teased, though her eyes were warm with pride.
Runaan stepped forward, his stern gaze meeting the students. "What Rayla says is true. Hunting is about more than just tracking. It's about understanding your enemy, being patient, and knowing when to act. You each have room to grow, but you've got the potential to be among the best. Dismissed!" The students bowed humbly before dispersing, their chatter filled with excitement over their near captures. Rayla turned to Runaan, who had been unusually quiet throughout the exercise.
"Thanks for letting me take the lead today. It's strange, but I feel like I'm finally starting to see what my place is here, in Silvergrove… and maybe in Xadia too," Rayla said. Runaan, ever the quiet observer, simply nodded.
"You've earned it. And remember, the best hunters don't just learn how to fight. They learn when to protect, when to lead…" Runaan began.
"And when to wait," Rayla finished wryly, "I'll keep that in mind." As the two walked back toward the heart of Silvergrove, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the path. Rayla couldn't help but feel a glimmer of something hopeful. She glanced up at Runaan, a thought crossing her mind.
"Do you think… if Callum came back here, he'd be able to help teach too?" Rayla asked.
"He might. In his own way…" Runaan trailed off. Before she could reply, her stomach rumbled.
"Oh? Hold that thought. I think it's time for a break. Let's go back to the house," Rayla insisted. Runaan perked up, a bead of sweat sliding down his face.
Callum shifted nervously, feeling the heat of the forge as Ethari regarded him with his usual calm yet piercing gaze. The weapons on the walls gleamed menacingly, as if silently reminding him just how capable Rayla's father figures were.
"I've given it some thought," Ethari said, setting down the moon opal he had been turning over in his hands.
Callum straightened. "And?"
Ethari leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "Runaan has already given his approval, hasn't he?"
"Yeah," Callum admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, "He said yes but, um… he also made it very clear I wouldn't live to regret it if I ever hurt Rayla."
"That sounds like Runaan," Ethari chuckled softly, his serious demeanor lightening just a little, "But as her mentor, and someone who loves her like a daughter, we have to consider what's best for her. You're a human, Callum. Your life won't be as long as Rayla's. Are you prepared for that?" Callum hesitated, the question hitting him harder than he expected. After a moment, he met Ethari's eyes.
"We've talked about it a little. It's not easy to think about. That's why I'm not going to wait. I want to make every moment we have count." Ethari studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly.
"…Very well. Wait here," Ethari insisted. Callum exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding as Ethari crossed the room to a small cabinet. The Moonshadow Elf opened a drawer and removed a small, intricately carved wooden box. When he returned, he opened it to reveal two large, engraved rings.
"These belonged to Rayla's mother," Ethari explained, "They were recovered after her final battle with Lord Viren. Moonshadow Elf women wear these rings on their horns to signify marriage. They're yours if you're sure of this."
"Thank you," Callum said gratefully as he took the rings and pocketed them.
"But just one thing… Did you plan that hunting lesson with Runaan to get Rayla out of the way so you could speak to me in private?" Ethari asked.
"Uh… yes? I thought this would be easier if Rayla didn't know I was here. You know how she gets. She'd figure it out in two seconds if she saw me," Callum explained.
"So that's why Runaan was so insistent she join him this morning," Ethari smirked.
"Was it that obvious?" Callum winced.
"Only because I know him… And he already discussed your visit with him last week behind Rayla's back," Ethari replied. Before Callum could respond, the sound of voices spilled into the room. The human peeked outside and immediately slammed the door shut.
"Rayla!" he whispered, panic creeping into his voice, "She's back already!"
"Of course she is. Stay calm," Ethari sighed in exasperation, "Wait until she turns her back, then run for it." He grabbed a moon opal from his workbench and muttered a spell as he crushed it. A faint shimmer enveloped Callum, rendering him invisible. The human pinned himself against the wall as the door swung open fully, and Rayla walked in, her hair slightly disheveled and a smug grin on her face. Stella perched on her shoulder, sniffing curiously. Runaan followed her, his usual stoicism tinged with amusement.
"That was too easy," Rayla declared, tossing her gear onto a nearby rack, "Those kids didn't stand a chance."
"Maybe because you're an adult and they're children," Runaan quipped dryly.
"Excuses," Rayla shot back playfully, earning a small smile from him. Callum tried to edge toward the door, but his foot caught on a table leg, jostling a stack of tools with a loud clatter. Rayla's eyes narrowed as she turned toward the sound.
"What was that?" Rayla asked.
"Just… me reorganizing," Ethari said smoothly, stepping between her and the noise, "This place gets cluttered when I get busy." Rayla eyed him suspiciously, then glanced at the open jewelry box on the counter. Her brow furrowed.
"What's that?" Rayla asked.
"Oh, nothing," Runaan interjected with a faint smirk, scooping up the box, "Just something Ethari and I were discussing." Rayla didn't look convinced, but before she could question further, Stella hopped off her shoulder, sniffing the air. The cuddlemonkey padded toward where Callum stood frozen.
"Go away Stella! Shoo!" Callum mouthed silently as he inched away from Rayla's pet. Panic surging, Callum bolted for the door just as the invisibility spell began to fade. Ethari coughed loudly to cover the sound of the door creaking open, while Runaan casually leaned against the wall. Rayla glanced between them, a frown crossing her face. Stella chittered curiously as she climbed back onto Rayla's shoulder. The elf girl and her pet crossed their arms as they regarded the two adults.
"OK, you two. You're up to something," Rayla declared.
"Now whatever would make you think that Little Blade?" Runaan asked smugly.
"Indeed. Why ever would we keep something from you?" Ethari added cheerfully.
"What are you two hiding?" Rayla asked suspiciously.
"Nothing at all," they said in unison, earning an incredulous look from her and a soft chitter from Stella. Outside Silvergrove, Callum leaned against a tree, catching his breath. A sheepish grin spread across his face as he left the grove unnoticed.
Well, that could've gone worse. Callum thought to himself.
The Starscraper stood tall and solemn under the night sky, its crystalline structure reflecting the countless stars above. Inside, Kosmo stood alone in the observatory, bathed in celestial light. His black and silver hair glimmered faintly, and his green eyes shone with determination as he gazed up at the heavens. The stars seemed to call him, their energies pulling at his consciousness. Kosmo exhaled slowly, raising his hands. With precise, fluid movements, he traced intricate patterns into the air, attuning himself to the cosmos. The stars brightened, their light weaving into his mind as the vision began.
The world around him faded, replaced by a swirling void of light and shadow. Out of the darkness, a symbol appeared, a glowing eye, suspended in midair. The eye slowly turned, revealing itself to be upside down. Its gaze felt heavy, as if it could see into Kosmo's soul.
The vision shifted violently, revealing a castle engulfed in flames. Shadows twisted and writhed in the inferno, forming monstrous shapes that loomed over the crumbling structure. Screams echoed faintly, and Kosmo felt an overwhelming sense of dread.
Among the chaos, a small girl appeared, standing at the edge of the flames. Her features were indistinct, but she was crying, her sobs piercing through the noise. Kosmo reached out instinctively, but before he could act, her tears turned to light, and she burst into a brilliant, blinding explosion.
The brightness faded, replaced by fragments of broken glass hovering in a void. Among the reflections, Kosmo saw Claudia, her form cloaked in shadow. She extended her hand toward something glowing faintly, its shape indistinct but radiating ancient power. Around her, the shadows deepened, their forms flickering with sinister intent.
A flare of light followed, and Kosmo saw Callum standing amidst the shards. His hand hovered over one of the glowing fragments, his expression torn between resolve and fear. Behind him, faint outlines of wings glimmered before dissolving into the shadows.
The vision ended with a flash of white, leaving Kosmo gasping for air as he returned to the Starscraper. Soft footsteps echoed through the observatory as Astrid approached. Her pale blue skin shimmered in the starlight, and her white wings fluttered slightly as she moved. Her black hair, tipped with pink and white, framed her face, and the blindfold bearing the symbol of the Stars covered her eyes.
"Another vision?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with concern.
"Yes… but this one was more vivid. More urgent," Kosmo nodded, still catching his breath.
"What did you see?" Astrid pressed. Kosmo gazed back at the stars, his voice steady but troubled.
"An upside-down eye. A vast sea… A castle consumed by fire. Shadows rising, and a child…" He hesitated, his green eyes dimming as he donned his blindfold once more, "She cried, and then she turned to light. I don't know what it means, but it feels like a warning."
"Claudia?" Astrid asked, her expression hardened.
"She was there too, surrounded by shadows. She's reaching for something… Something dangerous. I don't know what it is, but it's ancient, powerful… and destructive," Kosmo said.
Astrid folded her wings behind her, her blindfold catching the light. "And the Mage? You saw him?"
"Yes," Kosmo replied, "He stood among broken glass, torn between something he fears and something he desires. I don't understand his role, but he is connected to all of this. The stars are clear about that." Astrid crossed her arms, her robes swaying.
"The upside-down eye, the castle, the child… Do you think it's all connected?" Astrid wondered.
"I do. And if the Dark Mage is moving toward whatever this vision represents, we must act. The Mage must be warned before it's too late," Kosmo insisted. Astrid unfolded her wings slightly, determination radiating from her posture.
"I'll leave immediately. If Callum holds a piece of the puzzle, he needs to understand its importance," Astrid agreed.
Kosmo placed a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful, Astrid. The stars guide us, but they do not reveal everything. Shadows hide in the corners of their light."
"I've faced shadows before, Kosmo. This will be no different," Astrid smiled faintly as she removed her blindfold, "If Claudia is trying to finish what Aaravos started… we won't let her."
Kosmo nodded, his gaze returning to the stars. As the sound of Astrid's wings faded into the night, he whispered to himself, "The stars are restless. Whatever is coming, it will test us all."