the starborn legacy

The freighter emerged from hyperspace above Xyros, its engines humming as the arid planet's surface came into view. Endless dunes stretched across the land like golden waves, interrupted only by jagged rock formations and the faint shimmer of ancient ruins.

"Xyros," Tharn said, his voice grim. "A wasteland, but it's hiding something valuable if the Starborn built a temple here."

Liora stared out the viewport, her fingers brushing the edge of the Sigil on her hand. The coordinates from the Starborn archive had led them here, but she couldn't shake the feeling that the planet's desolation hid more than just secrets.

"What kind of resistance can we expect?" Kade asked as he checked the charge on his blaster.

Tharn shrugged. "Depends on who got here first. If the Empire intercepted the beacon's signal, they'll have a head start."

"Then we can't waste any time," Liora said, her voice steady despite the nerves twisting in her stomach.

The freighter landed on the outskirts of a sprawling ruin partially buried by the sands. The air shimmered with heat, and the only sounds were the whisper of the wind and the faint hum of the ship's engines powering down.

"Stay sharp," Tharn said as they disembarked. He carried a rifle slung over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the horizon for threats.

The group made their way into the ruins, the air growing cooler as they descended into the shadows of towering stone pillars. Ancient carvings adorned the walls, depicting celestial symbols and scenes of battle.

"This must be it," Liora murmured, her hand tracing one of the carvings. The Sigil on her palm began to glow faintly, its light reflecting off the polished stone.

Kade crouched beside a broken column, studying the ground. "Footprints. Someone's been here recently."

"Imperial?" Tharn asked, raising his weapon.

Kade nodded. "Probably a scouting party. Small, but armed."

Liora's chest tightened. "We need to move quickly. The temple can't fall into their hands."

The deeper they ventured into the ruins, the more intricate the carvings became. The air was heavy with an almost tangible energy, and Liora could feel the Sigil pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.

Finally, they reached a massive chamber at the center of the ruins. At its heart stood a towering obelisk, its surface covered in glowing symbols that matched the Sigil on Liora's hand.

"This is it," she said, stepping forward.

The moment her hand touched the obelisk, a low hum filled the chamber. Light erupted from the symbols, casting the room in a radiant glow. Holographic projections sprang to life, showing maps of the galaxy and the locations of other temples.

"You've activated it," Kade said, his voice tinged with awe.

But before Liora could respond, a shout echoed through the chamber. Imperial soldiers stormed in, their blasters aimed and ready.

"Get down!" Tharn barked, firing the first shot.

The room erupted into chaos as the group dove for cover. Liora crouched behind a fallen pillar, her heart racing. The Sigil on her hand flared brighter, and she felt a surge of energy unlike anything she'd experienced before.

"Liora, we're outnumbered!" Kade shouted, returning fire.

She clenched her fists, willing the energy to flow through her. A sudden burst of light erupted from her palm, sending a wave of force crashing into the soldiers. They were thrown back, their weapons scattering across the floor.

Kade stared at her, his mouth agape. "What was that?"

"I… I don't know," Liora admitted, her voice trembling.

Tharn didn't waste time. He grabbed one of the fallen soldiers' weapons and tossed it to Kade. "Let's move. The Empire doesn't travel alone."

They fled the chamber, the sound of reinforcements echoing in the distance. Liora's mind raced as they navigated the twisting corridors, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination.

The power she had unleashed felt exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. Was this the true extent of the Starborn's abilities—or just the beginning?

As they reached the surface, the freighter's engines roared to life. Tharn ushered them aboard, his expression grim.

"We've got the temple's data," he said as the ship lifted off. "But the Empire won't stop hunting us now. They know what you can do."

Liora sat in the cockpit, staring out at the receding planet. The temple had revealed its secrets, but the cost was high.

"We have to keep going," she said, her voice filled with quiet resolve. "The other temples are still out there. And so are the Starborn."

Kade placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then let's make sure we find them before the Empire does."

The freighter disappeared into hyperspace, leaving Xyros behind. Ahead lay the next destination—and the hope that they would not face it alone.