Book Three – Chapter 5
Before the First Light
The Garden of Origins became utterly still.
The Void King's final words echoed beneath the branches of the First Tree.
"I was born before hope."
No one spoke.
Even the endless battle around the roots of the tree seemed to fade into silence.
The First Guardian stared at him, her expression filled not with anger...
But with understanding.
"So that is who you are," she whispered.
The Void King inclined his head.
"At last."
"You remember."
---
Lyra looked between them.
"You know him?"
The First Guardian nodded slowly.
"I know of him."
She turned toward the First Tree.
"Before there were stars..."
"Before there was life..."
"There was only endless silence."
The Garden faded around them.
A vision unfolded.
There was no sky.
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