the starborn legacy

The freighter hummed as it drifted through hyperspace, the crew engulfed in a tense silence. Liora sat cross-legged on the floor of the small cargo bay, the Sigil on her hand glowing faintly in the dim light. She stared at it, her thoughts swirling with equal parts curiosity and fear.

Kade leaned against a nearby crate, watching her with a concerned expression. "You've been at that for hours," he said. "You're going to burn yourself out."

"I have to understand it," Liora replied, her voice steady but laced with determination. "What if it happens again? What if I can't control it?"

Kade walked over and sat down across from her. "What if you can?" he countered.

Liora hesitated. The power she had unleashed in the temple had felt wild, almost alive. It had saved them, but it had also left her shaken.

Tharn entered the cargo bay, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "You've got the instincts," he said gruffly. "But instincts won't be enough if the Empire catches up with us again. You need training."

"Training?" Liora raised an eyebrow. "From who? The Starborn are gone."

Tharn smirked. "Not all of them."

He reached into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a small data chip, tossing it to Liora. "This came from the archive. It's an old Starborn combat manual—at least, what's left of it. Might give you a place to start."

Liora stared at the chip, her heart racing. "You think I can learn from this?"

Tharn shrugged. "You don't have a choice, kid."

Over the next few days, Liora immersed herself in the data. The holographic manual contained fragments of Starborn techniques, from combat stances to meditative practices designed to channel cosmic energy.

She started with the basics, focusing on her breathing and the Sigil's glow. At first, the energy felt distant, like trying to hold water in her hands. But with each session, it became easier to summon, the light pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.

Kade and Tharn watched from the sidelines, offering occasional advice—though Kade's commentary was mostly sarcastic.

"Try not to blow a hole in the ship," he quipped as Liora practiced sending small bursts of light toward a target.

"I make no promises," she replied with a smirk, letting the energy flow through her fingertips.

One evening, as the freighter drifted through the void, Liora sat alone in the cockpit. The stars outside seemed closer than ever, their light reflecting in her eyes.

She closed her eyes and reached out with her mind, focusing on the energy within her. This time, she didn't try to control it. Instead, she let it guide her, flowing like a river through her veins.

A vision unfolded before her—a vast galaxy filled with Starborn temples, each glowing with the same golden light as her Sigil. She saw faces, both familiar and unfamiliar, their eyes burning with the same energy she felt now.

"You're beginning to see," a voice echoed in her mind.

Liora's eyes snapped open. "Who's there?"

Kyren Jhal's holographic form materialized in the cockpit, his expression calm but intense. "You are connecting with the Starborn's legacy," he said. "But you have only scratched the surface of your potential."

"Then help me," Liora pleaded. "I don't know what I'm doing."

Kyren stepped closer, his form shimmering like starlight. "The power you wield is ancient and vast, but it is not yours alone. It is a bond, a connection to the stars and the life they sustain. To master it, you must understand its purpose."

"And what is its purpose?" Liora asked.

"To protect," Kyren replied. "To preserve the balance between light and darkness. But be warned—power without balance leads to destruction. The Sigil is a guide, but your choices will determine your path."

Liora swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. "What if I'm not strong enough?"

Kyren's gaze softened. "Strength is not the absence of fear, but the courage to face it. Trust in yourself, Liora Veylan. The galaxy depends on it."

The next morning, Liora woke with renewed determination. She practiced relentlessly, honing her abilities until the Sigil's light responded to her commands with precision. She could create shields of energy, deflecting simulated attacks, and send focused bursts of power to disable targets.

But the most remarkable progress came when she discovered she could sense the emotions of those around her—a faint ripple in the energy that connected them all.

During a sparring session, Kade lunged at her with a practice blade, but Liora sidestepped effortlessly, sensing his intent before he even moved.

"Okay, that's just cheating," Kade said, panting as he lowered the blade.

Liora grinned. "You're just predictable."

Tharn watched from the corner, his arms crossed. "Not bad," he admitted. "But don't let it go to your head. The Empire's not going to hold back."

"I know," Liora said, her smile fading. "But neither will I."

That night, as the freighter approached the water planet Veylna, Liora stood in the observation deck, staring out at the endless expanse of stars. The Sigil on her hand glowed faintly, a reminder of the journey ahead.

For the first time, she didn't feel overwhelmed by the power coursing through her. It wasn't something to fear—it was a part of her, a link to something greater.

As the planet's shimmering oceans came into view, Liora took a deep breath. She didn't know what challenges awaited them, but one thing was certain: she was ready to face them.