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She hesitated, casting a glance my way.
Our eyes met, and a myriad of emotions exchanged in that fleeting moment.
She stepped through.
The arena erupted in cheers and applause.
Emilia had not just completed the trial; she had conquered it.
But my relief was short-lived.
As she stepped off the platform, her legs gave way, and she crumpled to the ground.
“No!” I shouted, pushing past Zephyrans as I sprinted towards her.
Reaching her side, I cradled her in my arms.
Her skin was unnaturally pale, and the mark of the transformation was more pronounced.
Brown tufts had sprouted on the back of her hands, the crook of her neck on the right side.
She looked up at me, her eyes clouded with pain and fatigue. “I did it,” she whispered, her voice weak.
“Yes, you did,” I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “And I’ve never been prouder.”
She smiled faintly, then her eyes fluttered closed.
The cheers and jubilations of the crowd faded into the background.
All that mattered was Emilia and the uncertain path that lay ahead for both of us.
Emilia
The air was thick with energy as Mayn and I ventured deeper into the crystalline forest.
Each tree seemed to be carved from a different gemstone, reflecting the sunlight in mesmerizing patterns of light and color.
As awestruck as I was, my condition weighed heavily on my mind.
“You know,” began Mayn, his tone somber yet filled with hope, “the Springs’ Guardian is not just a protector of this temple but of an ancient and powerful knowledge. Keldar, as he’s known, wasn’t always a guardian. He was a warrior, revered by all.”
I looked at him, intrigued. “What changed?”
Mayn sighed. “A life-altering event, something personal and tragic. He chose solitude and the role of the guardian. But,” he paused, looking down, “our last encounter was not amicable.”
The foliage grew denser, and ahead, a luminous barrier shone brightly, guarding what seemed to be an ancient temple.
Its intricate design spoke of a history long before my time — or even Mayn’s.
We stopped in front of the barrier, its soft, pulsating glow lighting up Mayn’s features.
He closed his eyes, channeling his energy towards the barrier.
I could feel the vibration in the air, a gentle hum resonating with our surroundings.
Moments later, the barrier faded, revealing grand doors which slowly creaked open.
The temple’s interior was dimly lit, save for a large chamber at the center, where a figure stood, tall and imposing.
