Dorian stood before Lyra, his mind reeling with questions and doubts. But Lyra's eyes seemed to hold a deep understanding, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Tell me about your past," Lyra said, her voice gentle but firm. "Tell me about the people you grew up with, and the life you left behind."
Dorian hesitated, unsure of where to begin. But Lyra's eyes seemed to encourage him, and he found himself opening up to her.
"I'm 22 years old," Dorian said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Tenebrous. I had a few friends, people I grew up with and trained with in the martial arts."
Lyra's eyes locked onto his, and Dorian saw a deep sense of interest in them. "What happened to them?" she asked.
Dorian's gaze faltered, and for a moment, he felt a pang of sadness. "I don't know," he said. "I left the village several years ago, seeking adventure and danger in the wider world. I didn't keep in touch with any of my old friends."
Lyra nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "And how did you come into contact with me?" she asked.
Dorian shrugged. "I received a message from an unknown sender, inviting me to meet with a mysterious guide. I was skeptical at first, but something about the message resonated with me. I decided to take a chance and see what would happen."
Lyra smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "That message was from me," she said. "I've been watching you for some time, Dorian. I knew that you had potential, that you were strong enough to face the challenges that lay ahead."
Dorian's eyes widened in surprise. "You've been watching me?" he repeated. "How did you even know about me?"
Lyra's smile grew wider. "Tenebrous is a world of cultivation," she said. "A world where the strong survive and the weak perish. I've been searching for someone with your potential for a long time, Dorian. Someone who can help me unlock the secrets of the prophecy."
Dorian's mind was reeling with questions and doubts. But Lyra's words seemed to make sense, and he found himself feeling a sense of trust towards her.
"I'm ready to learn," Dorian said, his voice firm. "I'm ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
Lyra's eyes locked onto his, and Dorian saw a deep sense of approval in them. "I knew you would be," she said. "Let's begin your training, Dorian. Let's unlock the secrets of the prophecy and shape the future together."