Lyra stood with her hand extended.

The Eternal King stared at her.

For thousands of years, nothing had dared to stand before him without fear.

Yet this girl did.

Not because she was stronger.

Because she understood him.

"You don't have to be alone anymore," Lyra whispered.

The Eternal King slowly lowered his enormous hand.

"You carry my light."

Lyra nodded.

"And Caelan carries your shadow."

The ancient being turned toward Caelan.

For the first time, the darkness around him became still.

Caelan stared back.

"I spent my entire life thinking I was nothing."

The Eternal King said nothing.

"I thought my mother created me."

His voice trembled.

"But I...