Chapter 10

Rand closed the bedroom door softly, the warm smile still lingering on his lips. He looked at Helena, who now seemed calmer, though a hint of disbelief still lingered in her eyes. Lili was busy washing the dishes from their small meal inside the tent, while Rand approached a large leather trunk leaning against the wall. The trunk looked ordinary, but small golden engravings along the edges and a shimmering clasp under the light revealed its true nature.

— Helena — Rand called, his voice gentle but filled with enthusiasm. — There's something I want to show you. Something that will help you understand the world of magic... and what you're capable of.

Helena looked at him, curiosity in her eyes, bu

—

Rand smiled and opened the clasp. To Helena's surprise, the inside didn't reveal clothes or belongings, but instead a narrow staircase that descended into a vast, illuminated space — as if the trunk was a doorway to another world.

— Come with me — Rand extended his hand to her. — But be careful on the steps.

Helena hesitated for a moment, but curiosity won. She took Rand's hand and descended the steps, stepping into a world straight out of a dream. The trunk's interior was immense, with a twilight sky and dense forest. Magical creatures roamed freely — some flying, others running between giant trees, while others rested under the soft light.

— Where are we? — Helena asked, her voice full of awe.

— This is the Lost Sanctuary — Rand explained, pride in his voice. — Here I preserve magical creatures that have disappeared from the outside world. A safe refuge for those who no longer have a home.

Helena knelt beside a unicorn foal that approached, stroking its small horn still growing. For the first time since meeting Rand, a genuine smile lit up her face.

— They're... incredible.

— Yes, they are — Rand agreed, a tender glow in his eyes. — But there's something even more important you need to understand. Here, we're not just protecting creatures... we're preserving legacies. Including yours.

He turned, pointing to a moss-covered stone archway, with ancient engravings pulsing with dormant energy.

— This is the Hall of Trials — Rand said, his voice more serious. — It's where those with magic in their blood are tested. And now... it's your turn.

A chill ran down Helena's spine, but she kept her gaze steady.

From the shadows beyond the arch, small figures emerged. Gray-skinned goblins with large eyes and agile hands. Some wore simple robes, others silver armor carved with ancient runes.

— Rand... — one of them rasped, his voice wise and rough. — A child to be tested? Hmm... unusual.

— She's special, Dorgrim — Rand replied. — I want the tests to be complete. All the arts. I want to know which legacy she was chosen for.

Dorgrim evaluated Helena with piercing eyes, then grunted.

— Not everyone survives all the trials... and some have no talent for any path. Are you sure?

Before Rand could answer, Helena stepped forward.

— I want to know what I'm capable of. I was already dead before Rand found me... I have nothing to lose.

Rand didn't like her answer, but he remained silent. Dorgrim smiled, satisfied.

— Very well, little one. We'll begin now.

Two goblins emerged carrying a silver tray, placing it at the altar's center. Dorgrim snapped his fingers, and ancient runes glowed on the surrounding stones.

— Cut your finger and leave five drops of blood on the tray.

Helena swallowed hard but did as instructed. The blood was absorbed into the metal, and the runes began to glow. Words appeared in the air, written by invisible hands:

Name: HelenaFather: DeceasedMother: DeceasedLineage: None (Pending Confirmation)Gifts:— Seer— Legilimens— Occlumens— Parselmouth

Compatible Lineages:— Salazar Slytherin— Gellert Grindelwald**

Rand took a deep breath, satisfied, though his eyes carried a flicker of concern.

— Continue, Dorgrim. I want to perform the blood adoption ritual... and I want both lineages claimed. I know it will be difficult, but if she passes through my blood, the integration will be easier.

Dorgrim grunted and nodded, already preparing the altar for the second ritual. Helena felt golden heat pulsing beneath her skin, as if something ancient was awakening inside her.

— This path will not be easy, girl — Dorgrim muttered, mixing herbs and blood in a chalice. — But those who carry two legacies... are destined to change the fate of the world.

Dorgrim approached the altar, where the silver tray still glowed with the residue of Helena's blood. The goblin whispered in an ancient tongue, making the runes on the altar stones glow in golden and crimson hues.

Rand stepped forward, holding a small black dagger with a hilt carved with arcane symbols. He sliced his own palm, letting the blood drip onto the tray, mixing with Helena's. The runes on the ground intensified, sending sparks through the air.

— By my lineage and my name, I, Rand al'Thor, claim Helena as my daughter by blood and by destiny. Let my blood bind to hers, and may she inherit not only my name, but my protection, power, and legacy.

The blood in the tray boiled, creating golden light that rose and wrapped around Helena. A sharp pain coursed through her body, as if something were stitching itself into her very soul.

— The bond is sealed — Dorgrim proclaimed. — From this day forth, Helena al'Thor is daughter by blood and by destiny. May Rand's lineage protect and strengthen her in all the paths she chooses to walk.

When the glow faded, Helena felt the heat pulsing beneath her skin. Her eyes burned, and when she blinked, tiny golden flecks danced within her irises.