Chapter 3: The Crystal's Call

Aria's eyes were fixed on the glowing crystal, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt an inexplicable connection to it, as if it was calling to her, drawing her closer.

Lyra's voice was barely above a whisper. "Aria, what's going on? You're acting strange."

Aria didn't respond, her attention focused solely on the crystal. She felt a strange energy emanating from it, like it was resonating with her own heartbeat.

Without thinking, Aria reached out and touched the crystal. As soon as she made contact, the room was filled with a blinding light. Aria felt herself being lifted off the ground, her body weightless.

Lyra's voice was distant, echoing in Aria's mind. "Aria, no! Don't touch it!"

But it was too late. The crystal's energy had already begun to course through Aria's veins. She felt her mind expanding, her consciousness merging with the crystal's.

Visions began to flash before her eyes, images of ancient civilizations and powerful magic. Aria saw the Eldridians, a proud and powerful people, wielding magic with ease. She saw their cities, towering and grand, filled with wonders and marvels.

But she also saw their downfall, their civilization crumbling beneath the weight of their own ambition. Aria saw the wars, the destruction, and the devastation. She saw the Eldridians' magic turn against them, consuming them with its own power.

The visions faded, and Aria found herself back in the chamber, the crystal still glowing brightly in front of her. Lyra was shaking her, her eyes wide with concern.

"Aria, snap out of it! What happened?"

Aria took a deep breath, trying to process what she had just seen. "I...I don't know," she stammered. "I saw visions, images of the Eldridians and their magic."

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean? What did you see?"

Aria hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I saw their civilization, their cities and their magic. I saw their downfall, their wars and destruction. I saw...I saw everything."

Lyra's face was pale. "Aria, you're scaring me. What's going on?"

Aria shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "I don't know, Lyra. But I think...I think I'm connected to this crystal, to the Eldridians and their magic."

Lyra's eyes were wide with fear. "Aria, you can't be serious. You're not...you're not one of them, are you?"

Aria's heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what she was, or what she was capable of. But she knew one thing - she was determined to find out.

"I don't know, Lyra," Aria said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm going to find out."