Whispers of the Past

The forest grew colder the deeper Eira and Kael traveled. The warmth of the morning sun couldn't reach them through the thick canopy, and the air felt heavy like something unseen was watching.

Eira's wrist still tingled where the golden mark glowed faintly beneath her skin. The battle with the stone sentinel left her shaken. Someone or something was sending these creatures after her. But why?

Kael moved ahead, scanning the path with sharp focus. His sword was still in hand, the blade faintly chipped from the last battle.

"How much farther do you think the Sanctum is?" Eira asked, her voice low.

Kael glanced over his shoulder. "No idea. But that stranger didn't seem like the lying type."

Eira frowned, brushing her fingers over the dragon mark. "Why would they want to help us?"

"Maybe they don't," Kael muttered. "Maybe leading us to the Sanctum is part of whatever game they're playing."

Eira bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Every step deeper into the unknown only raised more questions.

They walked for hours, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot the only comfort against the eerie silence. But as the sun began to dip, Eira noticed something strange.

The air grew warmer. The ground beneath her feet felt smoother almost like stone.

Kael stopped suddenly. "Look."

Ahead of them, half-hidden by moss and vines, stood an ancient stone archway. Strange symbols were carved into the surface, glowing faintly with a warm amber light.

Eira's heart raced. "This has to be part of the Sanctum…"

Kael ran his hand over the markings. "These symbols… they're older than anything I've seen. What do they mean?"

Eira stepped closer, her dragon mark pulsing warmly in response. As her fingers brushed the carvings, a sharp flash of light filled her vision followed by a whisper that echoed in her mind.

"The Chosen will awaken the flame, or darkness will consume all…"

She gasped, pulling her hand back. Kael was already at her side. "What happened?"

"I heard something," Eira murmured. "A voice… it said the Chosen will awaken the flame."

Kael's brow furrowed. "The flame… Could it mean your power?"

Eira didn't know, but the voice felt ancient like it came from a time long forgotten. A mystery buried deep in history.

Before she could speak, the ground trembled again. This time, the earth cracked beneath the archway, revealing a spiraling staircase leading down into the darkness.

Kael hesitated. "You sure about this?"

Eira swallowed her fear and nodded. "It's the only clue we have."

With Kael at her side, she stepped into the hidden depths. The air grew warmer with every step, the faint glow of magic pulsing through the walls.

When they reached the bottom, the chamber opened before them a vast, circular hall lined with broken statues and faded murals. At the center stood a towering bronze door, sealed with heavy chains.

Eira felt her mark burn brighter. "This place…"

"It's been abandoned for a long time," Kael murmured, kneeling to examine the chains. "But someone didn't want anyone getting inside."

Eira moved toward the door, drawn to the faint, fiery glow behind it. Her hand trembled as she reached out, feeling her magic stir.

Just as her fingertips touched the metal, a voice cut through the air.

"You shouldn't be here."

Kael spun, sword drawn but the speaker was already there. A woman stepped from the shadows, her dark hair braided with golden threads. A long, crimson cloak draped her shoulders, and a jagged scar ran across her cheek.

Eira's breath caught. This woman's presence felt heavy dangerous.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded.

The woman's eyes glinted like molten gold. "I am Seren guardian of the Sanctum."

Eira's heart pounded. "If you're the guardian, you know why I'm here."

Seren's expression hardened. "I know exactly why you're here, Dragon's Chosen. But that doesn't mean I'll let you pass."

Kael tensed. "Are you going to stop us?"

Seren tilted her head. "That depends. Do you have the strength to survive?"

Without warning, she raised her hand, and fire erupted from her fingertips.

Eira barely had time to react as the flames streaked toward her. She raised her own hand, summoning her magic. Golden light clashed with crimson fire, sending sparks flying through the chamber.

"You'll have to prove yourself," Seren said coldly. "Or die trying."

The battle had begun and the secrets of the Sanctum hung in the balance.