Prologue

Long ago, the gods wove the fabric of the stars, binding fate and destiny into the heavens. But one star burned too bright—Oris, the Astral Flame. It was said whoever wielded its power could reshape reality itself. And so, the gods hid it, sealing it away in a mortal soul. Now, that soul walks the earth, unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon.

Chapter 1: The Cursed Child

For eighteen years, Kyra Valis lived in the quiet village of Eldermere, an outcast among her own people. Her golden eyes, speckled with an unnatural constellation, marked her as cursed, a sign of misfortune. The villagers whispered that she had been born under a broken star, a harbinger of ruin. Only her adoptive father, a humble healer, treated her with kindness, though even he could not protect her from the fearful stares.

On the eve of the winter solstice, everything changed. A dark force descended upon Eldermere—Vaelor the Hollow and his spectral army. Cloaked in shadows, his warriors moved like wraiths, their touch draining the life from all in their path. The village burned, and Kyra, trapped in the chaos, found herself cornered by Vaelor himself. His hollow eyes bore into hers as he whispered, "You carry the Flame. You are the key."

A surge of power erupted from within her, wild and uncontrollable. The very sky seemed to ripple as the stars above pulsed in response. A shockwave sent Vaelor reeling, and for the first time, Kyra saw fear in the warlord's expression. Before she could comprehend what had happened, she was dragged away by a stranger—Rael Dain, an exiled prince.

Chapter 2: The Exiled Prince

Rael Dain had once been heir to the throne of Veydris, a kingdom now ruled by his traitorous uncle. Hardened by war and betrayal, he had spent years searching for the key to reclaiming his birthright. When he heard whispers of a girl with celestial eyes, he knew she was more than a myth. He had to find her before Vaelor did.

Kyra, confused and terrified, resisted him at first. "Why should I trust you?" she demanded.

"Because if you don't, Vaelor will come for you again. And next time, no one will be there to save you."

With no home left to return to, Kyra had no choice but to follow him. Their journey led them across frostbitten plains and into the heart of the Forsaken Wilds, where the ruins of the Starborn Scholars lay hidden. There, she would uncover the truth of her power—and the cost of wielding it.

Chapter 3: Shadows and starlight

But time was running out. The Eclipse Order, assassins sworn to eradicate the Astral Flame, had already caught their scent. And Vaelor was gathering his forces, preparing for the final war that would decide the fate of the world.

The stars had set their course. Kyra had only just begun to understand her destiny, but one thing was clear—she was no longer just a cursed child. She was the last hope of a dying world.