The black light remained visible over the horizon.

Lucien stood beneath the World Tree, staring at it.

Seraphina came to his side.

"Whatever is beneath that sea..."

"...it's awake."

Aster nodded.

"The Forgotten Sea has been sealed since the First Age."

Lucien looked at them.

"Why?"

"Because something was imprisoned there."

Lyra's eyes widened.

"Another Void creature?"

Aster shook their head.

"Something much older."

---

By dawn, the preparations were complete.

Three ships waited at the eastern harbor.

The largest carried Lucien, Seraphina, Lyra, Aster, and the remaining Guardians.

The second carried Blackthorn knights.

The third carried warriors from the Forest Kingdom and the Ice Titans.

Cassian stood at the...