Chapter 20: Shadows of the Past

The forest around them thickened as Aria and Kael followed the path toward the fourth symbol. The canopy above wove a tapestry of shifting shadows and dappled light, whispering secrets carried on the wind.

They arrived at a clearing where a massive, ancient tree stood—its bark cracked and worn, roots twisting like serpents into the earth. Embedded within its trunk was a glowing emblem, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat.

"This must be the symbol," Aria said softly.

As she stepped forward, the air shimmered, and the past began to unravel before them. Ghostly figures emerged from the roots—people Aria recognized from fragmented memories: friends lost, allies turned foes, faces blurred by time.

The shadows spoke without words, their emotions reaching out in waves—regret, anger, love, betrayal.

Kael stepped beside Aria, steadying her. "You're not alone in this."

Aria closed her eyes, letting the emotions wash over her. She realized these were echoes of the past—trials of forgiveness and acceptance she needed to overcome.

A sudden chill ran down her spine as one shadow stepped forward, a figure cloaked in darkness with eyes like burning coals.

"You carry the Queen's blood, but can you carry its burden?" the figure hissed.

Aria met the shadow's gaze, heart pounding. "I will carry it. Because it's mine."

With those words, light burst from the emblem, casting the shadows back into the roots. The forest seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Kael smiled. "One more trial down."

Aria nodded, determination hardening within her.

"The Throne of Echoes waits."