The First Echo

Lira's breath came in short gasps as she took in her surroundings. The Forgotten Realm was unlike anything she had ever imagined. Towering trees with iridescent leaves shimmered in hues of violet and gold, their branches stretching toward a sky painted in shades of deep indigo and twilight blue. Strange, glowing flora lined the forest floor, casting soft luminescence on the winding path ahead.

Her heart pounded. Had she really left the human world?

The whispers had gone silent. The artifact, now clutched tightly in her hands, was cool to the touch. Just minutes ago, it had been warm—alive even—but now it lay dormant. Lira turned it over, examining the intricate carvings, but there was no sign of the glow that had transported her.

"How do I get back?" she thought, panic creeping into her mind.

A rustling sound broke the stillness. Lira stiffened, her fingers curling around the box as her eyes darted toward the source. The underbrush quivered, and something—no, someone—emerged.

A man stepped forward, dressed in a dark cloak that blended seamlessly with the shadows. His silver hair cascaded past his shoulders, and his piercing golden eyes locked onto hers with suspicion. A long, curved sword rested at his hip, the hilt wrapped in black leather.

Lira swallowed hard. Okay. Stay calm. He's probably just as surprised to see me as I am to see him… right?

The man's expression remained unreadable as he studied her. Then, in a voice smooth yet edged with wariness, he spoke.

"Who are you?"

Lira hesitated, gripping the artifact tighter. She had no idea how to explain herself. She had just appeared here—uninvited, unannounced. Would he see her as a threat?

"I—I'm Lira," she said carefully. "I don't know how I got here. I was just—"

Her words caught in her throat as the artifact vibrated against her palm. The whispers returned, faint at first, then rising in intensity. This time, however, they did not speak in vague riddles. They formed a single, clear message.

"The prince will lead you to the truth."

Lira's eyes widened, and she stared at the man before her.

"Prince?"

He must have noticed her sudden change in expression because his gaze darkened.

"What did you just hear?" he demanded.

Lira hesitated. She had no reason to trust him, but something about the artifact's words felt… important.

"It told me you would lead me to the truth," she admitted.

The prince—if that's what he really was—narrowed his eyes. His posture tensed, and for a brief moment, Lira feared he might draw his sword.

Instead, he exhaled sharply, looking away.

"You shouldn't be here," he muttered. "The Forgotten Realm is not a place for humans anymore."

Lira bristled at the statement.

"Well, I didn't exactly plan on coming here," she shot back. "Your realm sort of pulled me in."

The prince turned back to her, eyes flashing.

"Then it was a mistake. And mistakes in this world can cost you your life."

Before Lira could argue, another sound echoed through the forest—a low, guttural growl.

The prince's expression hardened. He reached for his sword.

"We need to move. Now."

Lira felt a cold shiver run down her spine. She turned to look behind her, but the trees had begun to shift, their branches twisting unnaturally. The shadows beneath them deepened, and within the darkness, she saw movement.

Eyes. Glowing red, unblinking, watching.

A deep voice rumbled from the void.

"The Echo-Bearer has arrived."

Lira's stomach clenched.

"Echo-Bearer?" she whispered.

The prince cursed under his breath. "You really shouldn't be here."

Then, without warning, he grabbed Lira's wrist and pulled her into a sprint. The trees around them blurred as they ran, the growls behind them growing louder. The whispers in her mind rose to a deafening crescendo.

"Run, Echo-Bearer. Run."

Lira had no idea what she had gotten herself into. But one thing was clear—this was only the beginning.