The freighter dropped out of hyperspace, the distant planet looming ahead. Its surface was veiled by thick, swirling clouds that cast shadows over jagged mountains and dense, impenetrable forests. From orbit, the world seemed alive with secrets, its energy pulsing faintly in the back of Liora's mind.
"That's it," she said, standing at the viewport. The Sigil on her hand glowed faintly, reacting to the temple's distant presence.
Kade adjusted the freighter's course, his fingers flying over the controls. "Looks like a cheerful place. Any bets on how long it takes for the Empire to show up?"
Tharn, seated beside him, leaned forward. "If they're not already here, I'll eat my rifle. This planet screams 'trap.'"
Liora's gaze didn't waver from the planet. "Trap or not, we have to land. The Nexus Key won't wait for us."
Kade sighed. "Alright, fearless leader. Let's just hope we're the first ones to the party."
The freighter broke through the planet's atmosphere, the turbulence rattling the ship. Rain lashed against the hull as they descended, the thick clouds making navigation a challenge.
"Visibility's shot," Kade muttered, squinting at the controls. "If there's a landing spot down there, I can't see it."
"The temple's energy is pulling us toward the east," Liora said, her hand resting on the glowing Sigil. "Head that way."
Kade grumbled but adjusted their course. The ship skimmed over towering cliffs and dense canopies until they spotted a clearing near the base of a massive mountain. The area was surrounded by ancient stone ruins, half-buried under layers of moss and vines.
"Landing zone secured," Kade announced, guiding the freighter down. "Let's just hope it stays that way."
The group disembarked, their boots sinking into the rain-soaked ground. The air was thick with moisture, and the sound of distant thunder rumbled through the jungle.
"This place is crawling with wildlife," Tharn said, scanning the area with his rifle. "And not the friendly kind."
"The temple is close," Liora said, her voice steady. She could feel the pull of its energy, stronger now than ever before. "We need to move."
Kade slung a pack over his shoulder, his blaster at the ready. "Lead the way, Sigil-girl."
The trek through the jungle was grueling. Thick vines and gnarled roots blocked their path, and the rain showed no signs of letting up. Despite the conditions, Liora pressed forward, the Sigil's glow lighting their way.
Eventually, they reached the base of the mountain, where a massive stone archway loomed before them. It was covered in Starborn symbols, their faint light flickering like dying embers. Beyond the archway, a narrow path wound up the mountain, disappearing into the mist.
"This is it," Liora said, her voice hushed.
Tharn knelt to inspect the ground. "Tracks," he said grimly. "The Empire's already been here."
"Great," Kade muttered, tightening his grip on his blaster. "Guess we're not the first to the party after all."
Liora stepped through the archway, her resolve unshaken. "Then we'll just have to finish what they started."
The path up the mountain was treacherous. The rain made the rocks slippery, and the mist obscured their view. As they climbed higher, the air grew colder, and the sense of the temple's presence became almost overwhelming.
Finally, they emerged onto a plateau where the temple stood—a massive structure carved directly into the mountainside. Its spires reached toward the stormy sky, and its walls were covered in glowing symbols that pulsed in time with the Sigil.
"We're here," Liora said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The sense of awe was short-lived, as the sound of blaster fire echoed from within the temple.
"Looks like the Empire didn't wait for us to make the first move," Tharn said, raising his rifle.
Liora clenched her fists, the Sigil blazing with light. "Then let's not let them finish it."
The group moved toward the temple entrance, their weapons drawn. The air was thick with tension as they stepped into the dark interior, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the vast corridors.
Inside, the temple was even more breathtaking. The walls were lined with massive carvings depicting Starborn battles, and beams of golden light illuminated the path ahead. But the signs of conflict were unmistakable—scorch marks on the walls, shattered stone, and the bodies of fallen Imperial soldiers.
"They've been fighting something," Kade said, his voice low.
"Or someone," Tharn added grimly.
As they ventured deeper into the temple, the sound of battle grew louder. Rounding a corner, they found themselves in a massive chamber where Imperial troops were locked in combat with a group of defenders.
The defenders were unlike anything Liora had ever seen—figures cloaked in shimmering light, their movements swift and precise. They wielded weapons of pure energy, cutting through the Imperial ranks with ease.
"Starborn," Liora breathed, her heart racing.
One of the Starborn turned, their glowing eyes locking onto her. For a brief moment, everything seemed to stop.
"You," the figure said, their voice resonating with power. "You hold the Key."
Before Liora could respond, the chamber erupted into chaos once more. The Imperials redoubled their efforts, and the Starborn fought to hold their ground.
Liora raised her hands, the Sigil flaring with golden light. "We're here to help," she said, stepping forward.
Tharn and Kade exchanged a glance before following her into the fray.
"Let's finish this," Kade said, firing at the nearest Imperial soldier.