The Shattered Realms series

The air aboard the Stormchaser was tense as Kael, Lira, and Erynn sat around a worn wooden table in the ship's cabin. A map of the floating realms lay spread out before them, its edges marked with cryptic symbols and faded annotations.

"So, where do we start?" Kael asked, breaking the silence.

Erynn tapped a point on the map, her finger resting on a small, isolated realm surrounded by treacherous currents. "Here. This fragment is home to the Shrine of Embers, where one of the relics tied to the Godshards is said to rest. But it won't be unguarded."

Lira raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—more ancient traps and mythical monsters?"

"Among other things," Erynn replied calmly. "The shrine was built to protect the relics from falling into the wrong hands. And now we'll be testing those protections firsthand."

Kael shifted uncomfortably. "Are we sure this is a good idea? We barely escaped the Empire last time."

Lira leaned back, crossing her arms. "Welcome to the game, kid. Survival doesn't come with guarantees. But if this shard is as important as Erynn says, then we don't have a choice."

Kael hesitated, but he nodded. "Okay. Let's do it."

As the Stormchaser sailed closer to the Shrine of Embers, the trio began to lower their guards—slightly. Kael found himself asking questions he'd never dared before, mostly about Lira and Erynn's pasts.

"So," he ventured one evening, watching the sun set over the endless horizon. "Why are you helping me? Both of you?"

Lira smirked. "Helping you? Don't flatter yourself, kid. I'm in this for the profit. Artifacts like these are worth fortunes in the right circles."

Kael frowned. "But... the Godshards could destroy the world. Isn't that more important than money?"

Lira's smirk faded, and she looked away. "Maybe. But you don't get to live my kind of life without learning how to look out for yourself first."

Erynn spoke up, her voice softer. "And I'm here because I've dedicated my life to the study of the Godshards and the Sundering. If they truly are awakening, this may be the only chance to prevent history from repeating itself."

Kael was quiet for a moment, taking in their answers. "I guess I'm lucky, then. That you're both here."

"Don't get used to it," Lira said with a grin.

Their camaraderie was tested that night when an Empire scout ship appeared on the horizon. The Stormchaser dove into the shadow of a nearby floating isle, its engines barely humming as they waited in tense silence.

Kael crouched behind the ship's railing, his pulse racing. "What do we do if they find us?"

Lira gave him a sharp look. "Then you use that fancy shard of yours and make sure they don't report back."

Erynn placed a hand on his shoulder. "Stay calm. Fear will only make you reckless."

As the Empire ship passed overhead, Kael felt a surge of determination. He wasn't just running anymore—he was fighting for something bigger.

When the scout ship finally disappeared into the distance, Lira let out a low whistle. "Looks like luck's on our side for once."

Erynn nodded, but her gaze was distant. "For now. But the Empire won't stop hunting us. And neither will others who seek the shards."

Kael clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. He didn't trust the Godshard fully, and he didn't fully trust Lira or Erynn either. But for the first time, he felt like he wasn't alone in this fight.

As the Stormchaser continued its journey, Kael began to wonder if alliances forged in desperation could become something more—something strong enough to face the trials ahead.