The Celestial Heist

Chapter 170: Beneath the Veil of Dawn

The light of dawn crested over the horizon, casting long shadows from the ancient stones of the Crossroads. The air vibrated with new energy, charged by the Celestial Marauders' collective decision at the obelisk. They stood in a circle, hands still touching the rune-etched stone, feeling its hum beneath their fingers, a sound like the heartbeat of the cosmos itself.

Arion stepped back first, his eyes reflecting the pale morning light. "The path is set," he announced, his voice resonating with the authority of someone who had walked these realms longer than any. The rest of the group withdrew their hands, each face etched with the resolve and weariness of their nocturnal trials.

Kael looked around at his companions, seeing the subtle changes in their demeanor. Vira’s eyes, once clouded with doubt, now sparkled with a quiet confidence. Draco's shoulders, which had often seemed burdened by the weight of his past deceptions, now squared with a newfound purpose. Lyra, previously tentative