The air around Celestia shimmered with an otherworldly glow, as if the stars themselves danced within her presence.
Arin instinctively reached for his sword, but something about her gaze held him in place.
"You've been waiting for me?" he asked cautiously.
Celestia's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Of course. Your fate and mine have been entwined long before you even knew of the abyss."
Evelyn stepped closer, gripping Arin's arm protectively. "Who are you?"
"A guardian. A guide. And perhaps…" Celestia's gaze softened. "Something more."
Lilith smirked. "Oh? Another one in line for Arin's heart? How tragic—I was enjoying being the mysterious one."
Seraphina ignored Lilith's teasing and studied Celestia carefully. "Why reveal yourself now?"
Celestia took a step forward, and the ground beneath her shimmered with golden patterns. "Because the balance has shifted. Selene will not wait much longer to claim what she believes is hers. And you, Arin, are at the center of it all."
Arin clenched his fists. "I won't be anyone's pawn."
"Then let me help you." Celestia's voice was gentle but firm. "I can grant you power—real power. The kind that doesn't demand your soul in return."
Evelyn stiffened. "That sounds awfully familiar."
Lilith grinned. "Let me guess. At a cost?"
Celestia chuckled. "No. Just an oath. A vow that we will stand together, side by side, as equals. A celestial bond."
Arin hesitated. He had heard too many promises of power before. But something about Celestia… felt different.
Before he could speak, Celestia closed the distance between them. Her fingers brushed against his cheek, sending a strange warmth through his body.
"Let me prove it to you."
The world around them faded. For a brief moment, it was just Arin and Celestia—floating in a vast expanse of starlight.
Then—
A flash of memories. Visions of battles yet to come. A throne bathed in celestial fire.
And standing beside him, always, was Celestia.
The vision shattered. Arin gasped as he returned to reality.
Celestia met his eyes, unwavering. "Now do you understand?"
Silence.
Then—
Evelyn grabbed Arin's hand, pulling him back. "No."
Arin blinked. "Evelyn—"
"She's dangerous," Evelyn said, her voice laced with something more than just concern. "I won't lose you to her."
Lilith whistled. "Oh? Possessive, aren't we?"
Seraphina remained quiet, watching Celestia with a calculating gaze.
Celestia sighed, her expression unreadable. "I don't wish to come between you and your feelings. But this isn't about love or rivalry."
Her eyes locked onto Arin's. "It's about survival."
Arin inhaled deeply. His heart was conflicted.
But one thing was certain—
Nothing would ever be the same again.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]