The First Key

The morning sun cast a golden glow through the library's tall windows as Evelyn sat at the wooden table, her hands resting on the worn cover of Isadora's book. The weight of her decision pressed down on her, but she had made her choice. There was no turning back.

Elias placed a small, ornate box in front of her. It was made of dark mahogany, its edges lined with silver engravings that shimmered faintly in the light. "This belonged to Isadora. She left it for you."

Evelyn's breath hitched. She hesitated, her fingers brushing over the cool surface before carefully lifting the lid. Inside lay a single, aged key with an intricate pattern carved into the handle. The moment her skin made contact with it, a sharp jolt ran up her arm, like a spark of electricity.

She gasped, jerking her hand back.

Lucien was at her side instantly. "Evelyn, are you okay?"

She nodded, though her heart pounded wildly. "I… I felt something. Like a pulse."

Elias observed her carefully. "Then it's already begun. This key is the first step to unlocking what was hidden from you. Isadora left behind a path—one that only you can follow."

Evelyn stared at the key, determination flaring in her chest. "Where does it lead?"

Elias's expression darkened. "To the past. To a place that no longer exists in this world."

A silence fell over them, thick with unspoken fears. Evelyn curled her fingers around the key, feeling its weight. "Then let's find it."

Lucien clenched his jaw. "We do this together."

Elias nodded. "There's one more thing. The key will only work when the time is right. And once the door opens… there's no telling what you'll find on the other side."

Evelyn met his gaze, her resolve unwavering. "Then we face it, no matter what."

For the first time in a long while, she felt as if she was stepping toward something that had always been waiting for her.

The echoes of time had begun to stir.