Echoes of Elara

Location: Hidden Cavern, Southern Tavara

Elara's eyelids fluttered open.

The moment her irises, deep silver like moonlit steel, locked with the ceiling's glowing glyphs, the entire cavern pulsed as if breathing with her.

She sat up slowly, disoriented, touching the markings on her skin—sacred symbols that shimmered and vanished. She didn't remember her name. Didn't know why she was here.

But she felt everything.

She felt her twin—the pull of another soul, distant but burning. A shadow mirrored in her heart.

"She's awake," said the cloaked guardian, stepping forward. His voice was deep, resonant, with a kindness that contrasted his intimidating frame.

Elara turned to him. "Who am I?"

"You are Elara," he answered solemnly. "The balance to the storm. The moon to the fire."

Her brow creased. "The fire… is she alive?"

The man nodded. "Very much so. And she's looking for you."

---

Location: Damien's Estate – North Wing Strategy Room

Nora stared at the fragmented prophecy now displayed on a clear glass wall. It was written in an archaic dialect, and with help from the Oracle's AI, they had decoded a vital part:

> "When moon rises against the flame, the world must choose its reckoning or rebirth."

Nora's voice was hushed. "Damien… it's not just about the Vault anymore. This is about them—Elara and Althea. Two halves of a soul that was never meant to be split."

Damien folded his arms. "And we've only seen what the flame can do. We have no idea what the moon is capable of."

Xander entered briskly, tablet in hand. "Zaira's en route. And get this—black site scanners in Southern Tavara just picked up an energy anomaly that matches the Oracle's readings."

"A reawakening," Nora said, eyes wide.

Damien's jaw tightened. "Then Althea will feel it too."

---

Location: Althea's Command Vessel – Above the Eastern Sea

Althea's head snapped up mid-meditation. The candle in front of her flared into blue flame.

She felt her.

The twin.

Alive.

Awake.

A grin curled on Althea's lips—one filled with malice and delight. "She stirs… Let's see who fate favors."

She turned to her lieutenant. "Prepare the Nightborn. We march before sunset."

---

Location: Elara's Sanctuary

Elara walked to the edge of the underground cliff, overlooking glowing springs below.

She still didn't understand it all—who she was, or what her power could do. But deep within, she felt the balance of energies shift.

And she wasn't afraid.

She was curious.

Resolute.

"Will I stop her?" she asked the guardian.

He answered without hesitation. "No. You will change her… or be forced to destroy her."

Elara inhaled deeply. The cavern lights dimmed as her aura began to grow.

"I won't run," she whispered. "If she's fire… then I will be the tide."