Book Three – Chapter 1
The Teacher and Her First Student
Silence filled the Garden of Origins.
The First Tree shimmered gently overhead, its countless leaves glowing like stars in an endless night.
Asterion stood motionless.
The First Guardian of Hope faced him with tears in her eyes.
For the first time in a thousand years...
Teacher and student stood together again.
Neither moved.
Neither spoke.
Lyra remained beside the First Tree, sensing that this was a moment older than kingdoms themselves.
Finally, Asterion lowered his head.
"I never thought I would see you again."
The First Guardian smiled sadly.
"I never stopped hoping."
---
Asterion laughed softly, though there was no joy in it.
"Hope."
"You always believed hope could heal anything."
She nodded.
"It can."
His v
