This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

In the realm of Aethermoor, where crystalline mountains pierced clouds of perpetual twilight and ancient forests whispered secrets older than memory, the first tremor of destiny began not with thunder or flame, but with the gentle chiming of a bell that had remained silent for a thousand years.

Lyra Moonwhisper stood at the edge of the Starfall Observatory, her silver hair catching the ethereal light of the aurora that danced permanently across Aethermoor's sky. As the realm's youngest Star-Reader, she had spent countless nights studying the celestial patterns that governed the magic flowing through their world. But tonight felt different. The constellations themselves seemed restless, their light flickering with an urgency she had never witnessed.

The ancient bell tower, carved from a single piece of starstone and standing at the heart of the observatory, had begun its haunting melody at the stroke of midnight. Legend spoke of this bell as the Herald of Prophecy, said to ring only when the fate of all realms hung in the balance. Lyra's mentor, Elder Celestine, had often told her it was merely folklore, a romantic tale to inspire young Star-Readers. Yet here she stood, listening to its impossible song.

"The Celestial Prophecy stirs," whispered a voice behind her, ancient and weathered like wind through stone. Lyra turned to find Elder Celestine approaching, her crystalline staff catching the starlight as she moved with surprising grace despite her centuries of age. The elder's usually serene face bore lines of worry that made Lyra's heart skip.

"Master, what does it mean?" Lyra asked, though part of her already knew. The prophecy had been carved into the foundation stones of the observatory itself, written in the old tongue that few could still read. She had studied those words countless times, never imagining they would become anything more than historical curiosity.