Aeloria extended her trembling hands toward the distorted reflections. As her fingertips neared the surface of the shimmering light, the warped images of her guardians reacted instantly. The vampire's reflection hissed and recoiled like shadow-born flame. The dragon's reflection rippled as though made of molten gold. The Beastborn's twisted echo prowled in jagged circles, its eyes feral and accusing.
Still—Aeloria stepped closer.
"Trust," she whispered, her voice barely audible but carried by the pulse of her Mark. The sigils along her arms brightened, responding to her resolve. "Allegiance. Sacrifice." Her throat tightened, but she didn't break. "I… I choose to trust."
The moment the words left her lips, the chamber responded.
The distorted reflections let out a collective scream—an unnatural, echoing wail that vibrated through stone and bone. The sound was not one of pain, but of resistance. Darkness clung to their forms with desperate, clawing tendrils. But Aeloria's golden light surged outward, burning through the shadows.
The reflections twisted, convulsed, and then—Dissolved.
Their shattered forms burst into soft rays of light, swirling upward like fragments of dying stars before reforming into the true shapes of her guardians. The vampire emerged first, his presence sharp yet elegant, glowing faintly with a crimson hue. The dragon followed, wings unfolding in a cascade of warm gold. And the Beastborn materialized last, his aura a steady, grounding force of earthen strength.
They radiated warmth. Strength. Understanding. Not perfect beings—but real ones.
The pool of shimmering liquid rippled outward, waves of celestial light spreading across its surface as the constellations above pulsed in response. The chamber seemed to inhale, as though the Sanctum itself had been holding its breath.
Then—fire burned across Aeloria's wrist.
The Mark flared with blinding golden light, brighter than she had ever seen it. The sigils thrummed with power, syncing perfectly with the constellations overhead. Each beat felt like the Sanctum was speaking directly through her veins.
"You have forged the first bond," the deep voice resonated, filling every inch of the chamber. "The trial is not complete, but your courage has been proven. Unity will guide you further, Celestial Bond."
Aeloria exhaled a shaky breath. Her heart pounded wildly, but not with fear—with clarity. With strength. With a sense of belonging she had not realized she desperately needed.
She turned to her guardians—really seeing them now.
The vampire's crimson eyes, often distant and unreadable, now softened with genuine pride. "You did well, little star," he said quietly. "But this is only the beginning. The Sanctum will not ease its grip."
The dragon inclined his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "The path ahead will challenge every bond you forge—old and new. Some connections will empower you. Others may break you. Remember this."
The Beastborn stepped closer, his growl low but reassuring. "Next trial awaits," he said, tail flicking behind him. "Be ready. We are with you—always."
The words settled over her like a mantle—heavy, warm, and undeniably hers.
Aeloria nodded, feeling the Sanctum's pulse thrumming through her veins in perfect rhythm with the Mark. She had walked into this place terrified, uncertain, fractured.
Now?She was still afraid—but she was not alone.And she was no longer fragile.
The chamber shifted, runes awakening across the walls as the next doorway formed in front of them, glowing with celestial fire.
The High Sanctum had only begun to unravel its mysteries.
And the Celestial Bond?She was only beginning to rise.