Later that night, Anya was summoned to the queen's chambers. The air was thick with tension, the queen's face pale but resolute.
"Anya," her mother began, her tone heavy with meaning, "there's something you need to know about the Shadowstone."
"I already know its power," Anya interrupted, her voice edged with frustration. "It's dangerous, but we can use it—"
The queen's sharp look silenced her. "No, you don't understand. The Shadowstone is tied to blood—our blood. It requires a sacrifice, one that could break our family apart."
Anya's breath caught. "What are you saying?"
The queen hesitated, then spoke the words that shattered Anya's resolve. "It demands loyalty. But the shadows will try to twist yours. You'll be tempted to betray those closest to you, and if you give in…" She faltered, her voice trembling. "The stone will claim a life."