The Starbeast circled me, galaxies swirling in its eyes. Its claws shimmered like meteors, its growl a low rumble that made the earth tremble.
The silver blade in my hand flickered, unstable yet alive. Every heartbeat made it brighter, as though the stars themselves breathed with me.
You are not weak, a whisper echoed inside me. You are chosen.
I tightened my grip. "Then prove it."
The beast lunged. Time slowed the world narrowed to its blazing jaws and my trembling blade.
I swung.
Light erupted, silver against starlight. The clash rang like a bell, sparks scattering across the forest. For the first time, the beast staggered back, its form rippling as though struck to its core.
Gasps spread among the candidates.
"He hurt it!"
"No… that's impossible!"
Calen's eyes widened, rage twisting his face. He clenched his sword so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," he hissed.
Above, Aster remained motionless, but I felt the weight of his gaze pressing down on me, sharp as a blade itself.
The beast roared again, furious, and its body expanded, constellations burning hotter. It slammed its claw down
I raised the silver blade high.
"Starlight answer me!"
The blade shone brighter, solid as steel, brilliant as the night sky. Energy coursed through me, burning, threatening to tear me apart, but I refused to let go.
With a desperate cry, I cut upward.
The blade met the beast's heart.
For a breathless moment, the world went still. Then light exploded, swallowing the forest in silver radiance.
When it faded, the Starbeast was gone scattered into motes of stardust.
I staggered, the blade dissolving from my grasp. My knees buckled.
The last thing I saw before darkness claimed me was Aster's silver eyes, watching intently.
And for once… there was something almost human in them.