The Shattered Realms series

The Stormchaser glided into the shadow of a floating temple, its jagged spires rising like skeletal fingers against the pale sky. The air buzzed with ancient energy, and Kael felt a faint hum through his chest, as if the Godshard within him recognized the place.

"This is a bad idea," Lira muttered, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

"You said we needed answers," Kael replied, glancing nervously at the ruins ahead.

"Answers don't usually come without a price," she shot back, narrowing her eyes at the figure standing at the temple's entrance.

A tall woman with sharp features and flowing robes awaited them, her silver hair gleaming in the dim light. She leaned on a staff carved with intricate runes, her piercing gaze fixed on Kael as they approached.

"Welcome," the woman said, her voice smooth and calm. "I am Erynn. I've been expecting you."

Kael exchanged a glance with Lira. "You've been... expecting us?"

Erynn smiled faintly. "Not you, specifically, but someone like you. The Godshard you carry has awakened, and its presence is impossible to ignore."

Kael instinctively touched the shard, hidden beneath his tunic. "How do you know about it?"

Erynn gestured for them to follow her inside the temple. "Come. There's much to discuss."

The interior of the temple was vast and cold, the walls adorned with faded murals depicting gods and their mortal followers. Erynn led them to a circular chamber where a glowing orb hovered above a stone pedestal, illuminating the room with a soft blue light.

"This place is a remnant of the old world," Erynn began, her tone reverent. "Before the Sundering, the gods walked among us. They were not kind, nor were they cruel—they were beyond our understanding. But their power was absolute."

Kael frowned. "What caused the Sundering?"

Erynn's expression darkened. "Hubris. The gods created the Godshards as tools of their will, fragments of their essence. But when mortals sought to wield that power for themselves, the balance of the realms was shattered. The gods disappeared, the realms fragmented, and the Godshards were lost."

"Until now," Lira interjected, her voice laced with skepticism. "And what does that have to do with him?"

Erynn turned to Kael, her gaze heavy. "The Godshard chose you for a reason. It is not mere chance. The shards are awakening because the realms are dying. The balance is failing, and if the shards fall into the wrong hands, it will mean the end of everything."

Kael felt the weight of her words pressing down on him. "So, what am I supposed to do? I'm just... me."

"You are more than you realize," Erynn said. "But you cannot do this alone. The Godshards are scattered, each guarded by forces more dangerous than the last. To find them all, you will need knowledge, strength, and allies."

Lira crossed her arms. "And I suppose you're volunteering to join us?"

Erynn's lips curved into a faint smile. "I have spent my life studying the shards and the Sundering. If anyone can guide you, it is me. Besides, I doubt you'll survive without my help."

Kael looked at Lira, who rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, don't say I didn't warn you."

As they prepared to leave the temple, Kael lingered near one of the murals. It depicted a lone figure standing between two massive forces—a dark void on one side and blinding light on the other. The figure held a glowing shard in one hand, its light pushing back both extremes.

"That is the Balance Keeper," Erynn said, stepping beside him. "A legend that speaks of one who will restore what was broken. Whether it's true or not, only time will tell."

Kael swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling in his chest. "And if it's not?"

Erynn's expression turned somber. "Then the Shattered Realms will fall, and all will be lost."

As they boarded the Stormchaser and set course for their next destination, Kael couldn't shake the image of the Balance Keeper from his mind. He didn't know if he was destined to save the realms, but one thing was clear—the journey ahead would test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine.