Daywalker Part 1: Lucian Moonshade and the Sunlit Prophecy

Chapter 20: Guardians of the Void

The sun had barely risen over Solara Academy when Lucian, Lyra, and Elowen gathered in the great library, poring over every text, scroll, and ancient record they could find. The revelation of the Void of Eternity had changed everything. The Night Gates had been dangerous, yes, but this new threat—an ancient force of pure darkness—was beyond anything they had faced before.

Lucian sat at the long wooden table, his fingers tracing the lines of a faded map that Elowen had found. The map was old, its edges frayed and its ink faded, but it showed the rough outline of Eldergrove and beyond. Hidden within the markings were clues—ancient locations that might lead them to the Guardians of the Void. These were the beings Elowen had mentioned, the ones who were said to protect the seal that kept the Void of Eternity locked away.

"I've cross-referenced these locations with what I found in the ancient texts," Elowen said, her voice a mix of excitement and concern. "There are three places that seem connected to the Void—three strongholds where the Guardians might still reside."

Lucian studied the map closely. "If these places are real, then we need to find the Guardians before anyone else does. If the Void's seal weakens, we'll need their help to strengthen it."

Lyra, who had been leaning back in her chair with her boots propped up on the table, gave a low whistle. "Three strongholds? Sounds like a lot of ground to cover. Any idea where we should start?"

Elowen nodded, pointing to the map. "The first stronghold is the closest. It's located deep in the northern forests, near the old ruins of Isranthar. According to the texts, it was once a place of great power, where magic flowed freely between the realms. If the Guardians are still there, that's where we'll find them."

Lucian nodded, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility settle over him. The battle against Kieran had been intense, but this... this was different. They were no longer just fighting to stop one person's ambition. They were fighting to protect the entire fabric of reality.

"We leave at first light," Lucian said, his voice firm. "We'll head to Isranthar and find the Guardians. If they're still alive, they'll know what we need to do."

Lyra stretched, her muscles rippling as she shifted into her wolf form for a moment before returning to her human state. "Good. I'm ready for some action. This sitting around and researching stuff is killing me."

Elowen smiled faintly, though her expression was tinged with worry. "Let's just hope the Guardians are willing to help us. If the texts are right, they've been in hiding for centuries. They might not be too eager to get involved."

Lucian stood, his hand resting on the pendant around his neck. The Daystone's power pulsed faintly beneath his fingertips, a constant reminder of the delicate balance he had been chosen to protect. "They'll help. They have to."

The Journey to Isranthar

The northern forests were dense and dark, the canopy so thick that it blotted out much of the daylight. The air was cool and damp, and the scent of pine and earth filled Lucian's lungs as he and his companions moved deeper into the wilderness. The path they followed was old, overgrown in places, and marked only by ancient stone pillars etched with runes that had long since faded.

As they walked, Elowen studied the runes carefully, muttering under her breath as she tried to decipher their meaning. "These runes... they're protective wards. Whoever built this place wanted to keep it hidden."

Lyra, always on alert, scanned the trees around them, her sharp eyes catching every movement. "Hidden from what?"

"From anyone who didn't belong here," Elowen said, her brow furrowed in concentration. "If the Guardians are still here, they've likely been using these wards to stay concealed."