The group learns that the next shard, the Shard of Time, lies within the Celestial Rift, a floating island hidden in the clouds. To reach it, they must navigate the Skybound Isles, a chain of drifting landmasses guarded by the winged Aetherborn, descendants of Solunara's first creations.
The journey tests Kael's resilience as the group faces deadly aerial predators, storms imbued with magical energy, and the Aetherborn's distrust of outsiders. Kael meets Isera Nalyth, a young Aetherborn warrior torn between her loyalty to her people and her belief in Kael's cause.
Through Isera's guidance, Kael reaches the Celestial Rift, where the Shard of Time reveals itself. However, the shard presents a terrifying challenge: Kael must relive a crucial moment from his past—the death of his parents—and change nothing, despite knowing he could save them. This trial solidifies his resolve, but it also deepens his emotional scars.