CHAPTER 1:NIGHT THE STAR FELL
The kingdom of Astravale had always believed that the stars were watching.
Every child grew up hearing the old tales. They spoke of seven celestial lights that guarded the world and of a queen who would one day be born beneath a sky unlike any before it. Most dismissed the prophecy as little more than a bedtime story, a comforting legend from an age long forgotten.
Until the stars began to move.
On the longest night of the year, the heavens shimmered with ribbons of silver and gold. One by one, the constellations drifted from their ancient places, weaving together into a brilliant crown that stretched across the sky.
The people of Astravale poured into the streets in stunned silence.
Some fell to their knees.
Others whispered prayers.
Children laughed and pointed toward the glowing heavens, unaware that history was unfolding above them.
Then came the sound.
A single clear note rang across the kingdom, as though the stars themselves had begun to sing.
Far away, deep within the Moonveil Forest, hidden beneath towering trees older than memory, a baby girl opened her eyes.
At that exact moment, every light in the forest turned toward her.
The flowers bloomed out of season.
The wind stood still.
Even the moon seemed to bow.
An elderly woman wrapped the infant in a cloak embroidered with silver stars, her hands trembling.
"The prophecy..." she whispered. "After all these centuries... she has finally come."
Before anyone could speak again, the forest shook.
A roar echoed through the trees.
Dark shadows poured from the mountains like a living tide.
"They've found us," a guard shouted, drawing his sword.
The old woman clutched the child close to her heart.
"No matter what happens," she said, tears filling her eyes, "the Starborn must live."
Outside, the first arrows flew.
Steel clashed against steel.
The peaceful silence of the forest shattered into chaos.
As flames climbed into the night and darkness swallowed the trees, the infant remained strangely calm.
She looked up through the canopy.
A tiny star broke free from the heavens and drifted gently into her outstretched hand.
Its light blazed so brightly that the shadows recoiled.
And for the first time in a thousand years...
Hope returned to Astravale.
