CHAPTER 7: The Price Of Power

The water's around them were calm once again,but Lara could feel the tension in the air.The sea had quatted,but she knew it was only a brief respite .The dark presence had retreated,but wasn't gone.It would come back, stronger than before,and she needed to be ready.

Lara floated in the water,her body stir trembling from the intense battle the power within her had surged like a wave,but now she wasn't sure she fully understood.The mermaid had said.She was descendants of the ancient guardians,but Lara hadn't yet gasped what that really meant,or how she was surpposed to wield this newfound power.

"Are you alright?" the mermaid asked softly,her voice cutting through Lara's swirting thoughts.

Lara nodded,through her breath still came in shallow gasps."I think so but—I don't understand.How did I do that? How did I push it away?"

The mermaid's eyes demanded,and she walked away for a moment,as if deep in thought."You did it because it's in your blood,Lara.Yhe guardian's power has always been with you,deep within your lineage .You just had to awaken it"

Lara shook her head, confusion still clouding her thoughts."But — that's not enough .The darkness it still out there and ... I'm not sure I can control it what if I lose myself? what if I became...like it"

The mermaid turned back to her,her gaze piercing."That is the strike.You are a bridge between two worlds— one of light,and one of darkness.The ocean's power is not without consequences.The more you tap into it,the harder it will be to keep your humanity"

Lara's heart cleanched at her words she had already felt the pull,consent whisper at the edge of her

Consciousness, urging her to embrace the power with the completely.But she had resisted.She wasn't ready to let go of herself,of who she was.

" Is there anyways to figure it?" Lara asked her voice barely above a whisper.

The mermaid's lips pressed into a thin line,and for a moment,she said nothing.Then,with a long, drawn—out breath,she replaced,"there is a way .But it comes at a great cost.You must find the Heart of the ocean"

Lara's eyes widedend."The Heart of the ocean? what is that?"

The mermaid nodded,her gaze turning distance.It is ab ancient relics,said to hold the true essence of the sea's power.It was hidden long ago by the original guardian's to protect the ocean from those who would misuse it If I can find it,it will help you control the power within you. But be warned,Lara the journey will not find the forces that seeks it are ruthless Lara felt a chill run down her spine.She had always heard stories of ancient relic, hidden treasures that could change the course of the world.But she had never imagined she would be seeking one cut herself — especially not with so much at stake.

"where is it?" she asked,her voice steadier than she felt

The mermaid hesitated before answers, "The Heart of the — ocean is located deep within the Abyss — the it's a place where light— does not reach,and only the most powerful being dare to venture.The power to it is treacherous, and you will face many trials before you can clear it"

Lara swallowed hand,her throat drag the Abyss.Thevvery name sent a shiver through her body.But of that power with her, to keep the darkness bat bay she would have to take that risk."I'll do it" she said ,her voice from,through heart pounded in her chest"I'll find the Heart of the ocean"

The mermaid studied her for a moment before nodding."very well.Bit know this ,Lara — the road to the Abyss is not just a physical journey.It is not of the soul.The darkness will try to pull you in,to make you must be prepared to fsc your deepest fears".

Lara's chest tightened at the mermaid's words.She had already faced much,but she had a feeling that the journey ahead will push her to the very edge of her strength — both physically and mentally.

The mermaid gave her a small, reassuring smile "I will guide you as far as I can .Buy the final step will be yours alone"

The weight of her words sank deep into Laras bones.There was no turning back now.She was already in too deep, and the journey ahead would either make her—or break her.The mermaid reached out, brushing her fingers lighting against Lara's cheek."Stay strong. The sea is with you"

With that , the mermaid turned and began to swim deeper into the abyss depth of the ocean,her sliver from. disappearing into the darkness below.

Lara hesitated force moment,her heart stop racing.Vut then she took a deep breath, summoning at her courage, and dove after her, the weight— of her decision setting over her like a heavy cloak.The Heart of the ocean was out there,hidden in the dark unknown.And Lara was going to find it— no matter the cost.