The temple trembled again.

Dust fell from the ancient ceiling.

Something enormous moved beneath the floor.

Lucien tightened his grip on the Blade of Dawn.

"What is underneath us?"

Nethros smiled.

"Something that has been sleeping for thousands of years."

Seraphina stepped forward.

"Answer the question."

Nethros looked toward Aster.

"No."

"The Guardian should answer."

Everyone turned toward Aster.

Aster's wings slowly folded.

For the first time, the Celestial Guardian looked afraid.

"The Crystal Heart..."

Aster whispered.

"...was not created by the First Light."

Lyra looked down at the golden crystal in her hands.

"Then where did it come from?"

Aster closed their eyes.

"From the Void."

Silence filled the...