Daniel – POV
The palace halls echoed softly with each step I took, the stone beneath my feet cool and familiar. My hands were clenched at my sides, not in fear—but in anticipation.
Today was the day.
The day I would undergo the Astral Trials.
The day I would be chosen by a Great Celestial.
Most of my clan believed I'd awaken the Celestial of Flight or Stars, like my ancestors before me.
But deep inside... I felt something different. Something pulling.
My father, Amon, stood beside the Celestial Shrine, his dark eyes watching me with silent pride. I nodded once before stepping inside.
The shrine was quiet—no sound but the faint hum of divine energy. I sat at the center, crossing my legs. I took a deep breath. Then another. In... and out...
"Calm your heart. Still your thoughts." His words echoed in my mind.
Then—
Everything vanished.
The world around me dissolved into light.
I was somewhere else now. A strange place, floating in nothingness. The stars blinked above like eyes—endless, brilliant, and watching.
"Where... am I?" I whispered.
The stars flickered, too bright to look at directly. I covered my eyes, heart pounding.
No. Calm.
Remember what Father said—relax, focus... let the Celestial see your soul.
I closed my eyes and let go of the fear, the excitement, the noise in my head.
This was my moment.
Amon – POV
I watched my son settle into meditation at the shrine, his aura flickering with potential. I could feel the power gathering around him.
He was ready.
And then—boom.
A deafening explosion rocked the palace. My instincts flared. I threw up a barrier over the shrine instantly.
"Damn it!"
I bolted outside, divine energy already surging through my veins. Figures in black cloaks flooded the courtyard—mercenaries, assassins... no, soldiers.
They weren't here by accident.
They were here for him.
I tore through them like a storm. My blade sliced through the first wave with ease, divine energy lashing from my palms. But it wasn't enough.
There—a stronger presence, cloaked in violet flames, heading for the shrine.
I gritted my teeth. I didn't have time.
I sprinted back into the shrine, scooped Daniel into my arms—still deep in his trance—and vanished through a teleportation sigil carved into my palm.
We landed in a forest far from the palace, the night air cold and silent.
And then the silence broke.
I screamed—anger, grief, helplessness all crashing out of me. I slammed my fist into the ground, cracking the earth. Trees collapsed. Divine energy surged wildly from my body.
My clan... my people...
All gone.
Burned down in a single night.
And all I could do now was run.
Hold on, Daniel. You're all I have left now.
I will protect you—even if it costs me everything.