Chapter 12 - The Eclipse Covenant
By sunrise, Elara had convened the War Council in the high tower. General Vane, Sister Theresa, and the highest remaining mages of the realm stood gathered around the stone map table.
"If King Aurelian is still alive inside the Void Chasm, we must send an expedition immediately," General Vane urged, striking his fist against the table. "He is our rightful king!"
"Or he is a trap," Sister Theresa countered gently, looking at Elara with concern. "My Queen, the dark energy emerging from the southern border is unlike anything Seraphina used. It is ancient necrotic magic—the Void Covenant. If King Aurelian survived in that abyss for seven years, he may no longer be the husband you knew."
Elara looked out the high window at the sun rising over Aurendor. She knew Sister Theresa spoke the truth, but she could not leave Aurelian’s fate in the dark.
"I will go," Elara said firmly. "General Vane, you will stay here and command the city defense. Sister Theresa will guard Lyra."
"Mother, no!"
Lyra’s small voice echoed from the doorway. The young princess stepped into the council chamber, her chin raised with the same stubborn determination her mother possessed.
"The Sun-Mark on my shoulder burned all night," Lyra said, holding her arm. "It pulled me toward the south. You cannot seal the Void without me, Mother. The mark is a key."
Elara knelt before her daughter, holding Lyra’s face in her hands. "It is too dangerous, my love. The chasm is where darkness lives."
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"The sun goes into the dark every night, and it always comes back," Lyra replied softly. "You taught me that."
Elara looked into her daughter’s luminous blue eyes and knew there was no stopping her. The royal bloodline was bound by fate, and Lyra’s magic was essential to sealing the ancient breach once and for all.
