Part 6: The Guardians of Truth

The Silverwood grew darker as they ventured deeper. The air was colder, heavier, each breath forming a faint mist before vanishing into the shadows. Lyra's legs were weary, her body aching from the emotional battle she had just fought. Yet, she pressed on, her mother's presence the only anchor keeping her from spiraling into despair.

Elena's grip on her hand was firm, her gaze unwavering. Her face was pale, her jaw clenched, but she moved with purpose, her steps swift and certain. "We're close," she whispered, her voice low. "The Seers are waiting."

Lyra's heart quickened. "The Seers? Are they… dangerous?"

Elena hesitated, her eyes distant. "They see beyond the veil of reality. Past, present, and future are one to them. They know truths that no mortal should bear." Her fingers tightened around Lyra's. "They are powerful… and merciless. But they are not evil."

Lyra shivered, her mind swirling with questions. "Will they help us?"

"They must," Elena replied, her voice firm. "They are bound to protect the Light Bringer."

The title echoed in Lyra's mind, heavy and cold. "Light Bringer?" She looked up at her mother, confusion clouding her gaze. "What does that mean?"

Elena stopped, her eyes softening. "It is who you are, Lyra. It is who you were always meant to be." She knelt before Lyra, her hands resting on her daughter's shoulders. "You carry a light within you—a magic older than the stars, a power that can heal or destroy. It is why the Hollow King hunts you."

Lyra's chest tightened. "But… I don't feel powerful. I don't feel special. I'm just… me."

Elena's face softened, her fingers brushing Lyra's cheek. "Power doesn't always feel like power. Sometimes, it feels like fear, like pain, like doubt. But it's there, Lyra. I've seen it. I've felt it." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You are the Light Bringer… and you are our only hope."

Before Lyra could respond, the forest shifted. The air grew colder, the shadows darker. A figure stepped from the trees, draped in silver robes that shimmered with an ethereal light. Her face was pale, her eyes milky white, blind yet piercing. Her hair flowed like water, cascading around her like a veil.

Elena rose to her feet, her posture rigid. "Seer Nythra." She inclined her head, her voice respectful. "We seek your guidance."

The Seer's head tilted, her gaze fixed on Lyra. Her voice was soft, melodic, echoing with power. "The Light Bringer walks among shadows… her light flickering, fragile." Her eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. "She is burdened by pain, haunted by loss… and yet, hope clings to her like dust."

Lyra's breath caught in her throat. How could this woman know her so intimately? Her pain, her fears… even her memories of Elara. It was as if the Seer could see into her soul.

Nythra's lips curved into a faint smile. "You have questions, child. Questions that claw at your heart, demanding answers." She turned, her silver robes whispering against the ground. "Come. The Circle awaits."

They followed her through a winding path, the trees growing denser, their branches curling overhead to form a dome. The air was colder, carrying the scent of ancient magic. The whispers of the forest faded, replaced by a low hum, a vibration that thrummed beneath Lyra's skin.

They stepped into a clearing, perfectly round, encircled by stones etched with glowing runes. Seven figures stood within the circle, each draped in silver robes, their faces hidden beneath hoods. Their eyes gleamed with light, their bodies still as statues.

Nythra stepped into the center, her arms outstretched. "The Light Bringer has come, as foretold. The child of prophecy, the bearer of the ancient flame." Her voice echoed, amplified by magic. "She seeks the truth… and the truth shall be revealed."

The Seers moved as one, their hands rising, their voices joining in a haunting chant. The air crackled with energy, the runes glowing brighter, their light weaving together to form a dome above them.

Lyra's skin prickled, her heart racing. The ground trembled, the stones vibrating beneath her feet. The light grew blinding, swirling around her in tendrils of silver and gold. Her body felt weightless, her senses overwhelmed by the magic that surrounded her.

The world spun, reality bending, stretching, pulling her into a vision.

She stood in a vast hall, its walls carved from crystal, shimmering with light. Rows of thrones lined the room, each occupied by a figure cloaked in shadows. At the end of the hall, on the tallest throne, sat a man draped in darkness, his eyes burning with crimson fire. His presence was suffocating, his power crushing.

The Hollow King.

He looked at her, his gaze piercing, cruel. A wicked smile curled his lips. "So… the Light Bringer finally reveals herself." His voice was cold, echoing off the crystal walls. "You cannot escape me, child. Your light belongs to me."

Lyra's body trembled, fear clawing at her. But she stood her ground, her fists clenched. "You will never have my light. I won't let you!"

His laughter was hollow, cruel. "Foolish little flame. You cannot fight destiny." Shadows swirled around him, growing darker, thicker, suffocating. "You were born to serve me. To bring me the power I was denied."

The shadows surged forward, wrapping around her, cold and heavy. She struggled, her body sinking, the darkness filling her lungs, her veins, her soul.

A voice pierced the void, distant and echoing. "Lyra! Hold on!"

A hand grabbed hers, warm and strong, pulling her from the darkness. The shadows shattered, light flooding her vision. She gasped, her body falling back into the clearing, her head spinning.

Elena's face came into focus, her eyes wide with fear. "Lyra! Are you alright?"

Lyra's body trembled, her heart racing. "I… I saw him. The Hollow King. He… he knew who I was. He said… he said my light belongs to him."

The Seers' chanting faded, their eyes dimming as they lowered their hands. Nythra stepped forward, her expression grave. "The Hollow King has seen you. The bond is formed." Her voice was heavy, mournful. "He will stop at nothing to claim you."

Elena's face paled, her eyes filling with dread. "No… no, it's too soon. She's not ready!"

Nythra's gaze was unwavering. "Fate does not wait. The shadows will come… and the Light Bringer must stand against them." Her eyes locked with Lyra's. "Or all worlds will fall."

Lyra's blood ran cold, her body trembling. She had known she was different, special… but this… this was so much more. She was the Light Bringer, the hope of all worlds… and the Hollow King was coming for her.

She swallowed, fear twisting in her chest. How could she fight him? How could she protect her light… when darkness was hunting her?

The answers were lost in the shadows of the Silverwood, as the forest whispered of destiny and doom.