the starborn legacy

The freighter descended through the planet's atmosphere, and the view that unfolded before Liora took her breath away. Veylna was a world of endless water, its oceans shimmering like liquid sapphire under the light of twin suns.

Vast coral reefs glowed beneath the surface, their vibrant colors visible even from the ship. Schools of luminescent fish darted through the waves, their scales catching the sunlight like scattered stars. Floating islands dotted the seascape, their surfaces covered in lush vegetation and towering crystalline spires that reflected the light in every direction.

"It's… beautiful," Liora whispered, pressing her hand against the viewport.

Kade, sitting at the co-pilot's seat, smirked. "Not bad, huh? Beats running for our lives on a desert planet."

Tharn, standing behind them with his arms crossed, grunted. "Don't let the view fool you. The Empire's reach extends here, too. Stay sharp."

The freighter approached one of the larger floating islands, its surface bustling with activity. Ships of all shapes and sizes were docked along its edges, and a network of wooden bridges and rope walkways connected various structures built into the island's crystalline formations.

"Welcome to Shalora," Tharn said. "One of the few places in the galaxy where the Empire's presence is… limited."

"For now," Kade muttered.

As the ship touched down on a docking platform, the group disembarked and was immediately enveloped by the island's unique atmosphere. The air was warm and salty, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. The hum of activity surrounded them—merchants peddling exotic wares, travelers exchanging stories, and the occasional musician playing a haunting melody on a stringed instrument.

Liora couldn't help but be captivated by the island's beauty. The crystalline spires shimmered in the sunlight, their refracted light casting rainbows over the wooden bridges. The people of Shalora moved with a casual confidence, their brightly colored garments flowing in the sea breeze. It was a stark contrast to the tension and danger they had left behind on Xyros.

"This place feels… alive," Liora murmured, her gaze sweeping over the bustling market and the tranquil waters beyond.

"It is," Tharn said, his tone softer than usual. "The people here live in harmony with the ocean. It's one of the few places in the galaxy where nature hasn't been trampled under the Empire's boot."

"But it's also why they're vulnerable," Kade added, his voice low. "One Imperial cruiser shows up, and this place won't stand a chance."

Tharn nodded grimly. "That's why we're not staying long."

The group made their way through the market, weaving between stalls filled with vibrant fabrics, carved artifacts, and jars of glowing liquid that the merchants claimed had healing properties. Despite the island's peaceful appearance, Liora noticed the cautious glances some of the vendors cast their way.

"Are we being watched?" she whispered to Kade.

"Probably," he replied, his hand resting on the blaster at his hip. "Places like this thrive on neutrality, but they don't take kindly to outsiders bringing trouble."

Their destination was a small, unassuming hut near the edge of the market. Its walls were made of driftwood, and its roof was covered in thick, woven leaves. Tharn pushed open the door, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with maps, charts, and strange artifacts.

A tall, lean man with dark skin and piercing green eyes looked up from a table covered in star charts. He wore a long, flowing coat adorned with shells and small trinkets that jingled softly as he moved.

"Tharn," the man said, his voice rich and smooth. "I didn't think I'd see you again."

"Didn't think I'd be back," Tharn replied. "But we need your help, Tarel."

Tarel's gaze shifted to Liora, his eyes narrowing as they settled on the faintly glowing Sigil on her hand. "A Starborn," he said, his tone tinged with both wonder and suspicion. "You don't see many of those these days."

Liora stepped forward, her voice steady despite the nerves twisting in her stomach. "We're looking for the Starborn temple on this planet. Do you know where it is?"

Tarel studied her for a moment before turning back to the table. He unrolled a map of Veylna, the parchment marked with intricate details of the ocean's depths and the locations of its many floating islands.

"There's an ancient structure beneath the waves," he said, tracing a finger over the map. "The locals call it the Luminous Abyss. If your temple is anywhere, it's there."

"How do we get to it?" Kade asked, leaning over the table.

Tarel smirked. "Getting there isn't the hard part. Surviving the journey is."

The group spent the next several hours preparing for the dive. Tarel provided them with rebreathers, sleek devices designed to filter oxygen from the water, as well as lightweight suits to protect them from the ocean's colder depths.

"Watch out for the glimmerfish," Tarel warned as he handed Liora a waterproof torch. "They're beautiful, but their sting will paralyze you in seconds."

"Comforting," Kade muttered, strapping a knife to his belt.

Liora took a deep breath as she stood at the edge of the dock, the vast ocean stretching out before her. The thought of diving into the unknown filled her with both excitement and trepidation.

"Ready?" Tharn asked, his voice steady.

Liora nodded. "Let's do this."

The water was cool and clear, the sunlight filtering through the surface in shimmering beams. As they descended, the sounds of the market faded, replaced by the gentle rhythm of the ocean. Schools of fish darted around them, their iridescent scales catching the light.

Deeper and deeper they went, the water growing darker and colder. The glow of their torches illuminated the way, revealing massive coral formations and the remnants of ancient structures half-buried in the sand.

"There," Tharn said, pointing to a massive archway carved into the side of an underwater cliff.

The structure was breathtaking, its surface covered in glowing symbols similar to those Liora had seen in the temple on Xyros. As they swam closer, the Sigil on her hand began to glow, its light growing brighter with each passing moment.

"This is it," Liora said, her voice filled with awe.

They passed through the archway, entering a vast chamber filled with pillars that seemed to float weightlessly in the water. At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, atop which rested a crystal sphere pulsing with a soft, golden light.

"The temple's heart," Liora murmured, reaching out toward the sphere.

Before her fingers could touch it, the water around them churned violently. A low, guttural roar echoed through the chamber, and a massive shadow loomed in the distance.

"Looks like we've got company," Kade said, drawing his knife.

Liora's heart raced as the creature emerged—a massive, serpent-like being with scales that glowed faintly in the darkness. Its eyes burned with a predatory intelligence, and its movements were swift and deliberate.

"Defend the temple!" Tharn shouted, raising his weapon.

Liora took a deep breath, the Sigil on her hand blazing with light. For the first time, she didn't feel afraid. The temple's energy coursed through her, filling her with a sense of purpose.

"This ends now," she said, her voice steady.