ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*prove your worth*

***author's pov***

Suddenly, a brilliant spark illuminated the dim chamber, and the air shimmered with magic as Queen Serena materialized before them. Her presence was commanding, her regal aura enveloping the room like a warm light.

“What is this commotion?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with authority. The kings straightened, sensing the weight of her gaze.

“Your Majesty,” Kian started, “Valeria is missing. We believe she may be in danger.”

Serena's expression shifted, concern flickering across her face. “Missing? That is troubling news indeed. We must act swiftly.”

Jerone clenched his jaw, irritation boiling under the surface. “What do you know about it? We can handle this ourselves.”

Serena turned her piercing gaze on him, and for a moment, he felt the weight of her power. “This is not a matter of pride, Jerone. If Valeria is in peril, we must unite our strengths. She is vital to all our futures.”

Asher stepped closer, urgency in his voice. “What can we do to find her?”

Queen Serena raised her hand, and a swirling portal of light appeared before them. “I can guide you to the last known location of Valeria’s essence. But be warned: dark forces are at play, and Tharollin will not make it easy for you.”

“Tharollin?” Jerone scoffed, but the unease in his voice betrayed him.

“Indeed. He seeks to manipulate her for his own ends,” Serena replied. “We must be prepared to confront him.”

With determination, the kings nodded, ready to step into the unknown. “Lead the way, Your Majesty,” Alexander urged, his eyes filled with resolve.

Queen Serena stepped into the portal, beckoning them to follow. “Stay close, and trust in each other. The journey will test you.”

With a collective breath, they stepped through the portal, united in their mission to find Valeria and confront the darkness threatening their world.

As they stepped through the portal, Jerone couldn’t shake the irritation simmering beneath the surface. Queen Serena’s presence always seemed to irk him, her confidence a stark reminder of his own vulnerabilities. He shot her a sidelong glance, feeling the tension in the air.

Serena caught his look and smirked slightly, as if amused by his discomfort. “I see someone is still struggling with the concept of teamwork,” she said lightly, her tone both teasing and pointed.

Jerone clenched his jaw but refrained from snapping back. He knew this was not the time for bickering, yet Serena’s playful demeanor grated on his nerves. He focused instead on the task at hand, determined to prove his worth regardless of her presence.

Kian and Asher exchanged glances, sensing the brewing storm between their brother and the queen. “Let’s stay focused,” Kian suggested, trying to defuse the tension. “Valeria needs us.”

“Agreed,” Alexander added, his eyes narrowing as he scanned their surroundings. “We can deal with personal grievances later.”

Serena’s expression shifted to one of seriousness as they emerged into a vast, ethereal landscape. “This is where the essence of Valeria last resonated,” she announced, gesturing to the shimmering ground beneath their feet.

As they ventured deeper, the weight of the task settled upon them, and Jerone forced himself to push aside his disdain for Serena. Valeria’s safety was paramount, and nothing—not even his personal feelings—could distract him from that goal.

As they walked towards the Dias Mountain of Angels, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking sight. Towering peaks stretched towards the heavens, their summits glimmering with ethereal light, as if the stars themselves had descended to rest upon the mountains.

The air crackled with magic, and an unsettling silence enveloped them, amplifying the tension in Jerone’s chest. He could feel the weight of expectation, the unspoken fear that they might be too late to save Valeria.

“Stay alert,” Alexander commanded, his tone firm. “The energies here are unpredictable.”

Kian nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. “If Tharollin is involved, we need to be ready for anything.”

Serena led the way, her presence a guiding light through the uncertainty. “The mountain holds ancient secrets,” she said, her voice steady. “We must prove ourselves worthy to access its depths.”

As they approached the entrance, a shimmering portal appeared, guarded by radiant beings cloaked in light. Their eyes glowed with wisdom and power, examining the group with a discerning gaze.

“State your purpose,” one of the guardians intoned, their voice echoing like thunder.

“We seek the essence of Valeria,” Kian declared, stepping forward. “She is in danger, and we must reach her before it’s too late.”

The guardian's expression softened, but the air remained thick with tension. “Only those with pure intentions may pass. What will you sacrifice for her?”

Jerone felt a surge of determination. “I would give anything,” he replied, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. “I refuse to lose her again.”

The guardians exchanged glances, their approval evident. “Then step forward and prove your worth.”

With hearts pounding, the group moved towards the portal, ready to face whatever trials awaited them on their quest to save Valeria.