The air in the highlands was no longer breathable. It tasted of cold iron and ancient, stagnant magic. Lyra stood amidst the swirling violet mist, her vision flickering between the reality of the crater and the fading memories of the lunar silence. Beside her, Malphas stood like a monument of obsidian, his gaze fixed on the trembling girl holding the ring.
You have unleashed a storm that will swallow this era, Lyra said. Her voice lacked the warmth of a living woman. It carried the weight of the moon itself. Why did you reach for the forbidden?
Elara stumbled back, her hands held out as if to ward off the encroaching chill. I only wanted to know the history of the stars. I never meant to summon... whatever you are.
Malphas took a step forward, his shadow stretching unnaturally across t
