Chapter 10 – Whispers in the Pantheon
The dawn broke golden over Breya as Lysera's form dissolved into light. Eryndor stood in the forest clearing, his body still trembling from the trial, his chest heavy with both relief and dread.
"She spared me," he whispered.
"No," Aethros corrected, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. "She judged you. There is a difference. And now, the heavens will stir."
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In the High Halls of the Pantheon
Far above the mortal realm, Lysera ascended into the eternal halls of crystal and fire, where gods gathered in quiet unrest.
The God of War, clad in armor black as iron, slammed his gauntlet against the marble floor. "You saw it with your own eyes, Dawn-bringer! The boy is Balance reborn. We should crush him now before he matures!"
The Goddess of Silence, pale and veiled, only whispered, "He endured fear… and chose compassion. He is no tyrant."
The Twin Serpents of Fate hissed in unison, "The threads of destiny tighten. If he lives, two worlds entwine. If he dies, one burns."
The chamber erupted into arguments, the gods' voices shaking the heavens themselves.
At last, the throne of light flared, and the High Goddess Solenya, ruler of the Pantheon, raised her hand. The hall fell silent.
"Lysera," she said, her voice calm yet sharp. "You were sent as my eyes. Tell us what you saw."
Lysera stepped forward. Her golden gaze lingered on the floor before meeting her queen's.
"I saw not chaos, but Balance. I saw not hunger for power, but the will to protect. The boy is dangerous, yes—but not because he seeks destruction. He is dangerous because… he might change us."
A ripple of unease spread through the gods.
The God of War snarled. "Then he is already a threat."
But Solenya only leaned back on her throne, her smile unreadable. "Then we shall test him further. If he truly carries Balance, let him survive what comes. If not… the void will claim him again."
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Back in the Mortal World
That night, as Eryndor lay awake beneath the stars, a chill passed over the forest. He dreamed of vast wings blotting out the sun, of fire raining upon villages, of gods descending with spears raised high.
And when he woke, he knew one thing with absolute certainty.
The Pantheon would not wait long.