Chapter 5
Before setting out, the Elder led Lyra to a circle of ancient stones deep in the woods. Carvings shimmered faintly with magic, and the air thrummed with power.
"This is your first trial," he said. "Face the shadows within yourself. Only then will the shards reveal their true potential."
Lyra stepped into the circle. The temperature dropped, and darkness coalesced at her feet. Shadows rose, taking the shape of her deepest fears: failure, loss, loneliness. Her heart pounded, and doubt clawed at her mind.
Then she remembered the warmth in her hands from the village attack. Drawing strength from it, she held out her palms. Light poured forth, twisting into ribbons that chased the shadows back into nothingness.
A shard floated before her, shimmering like liquid crystal. Lyra reached out, grasping it as if it were a piece of her soul.
"You have begun," the Elder whispered. "But this is only the first step. The journey ahead will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine."
Lyra closed her eyes, feeling destiny settle onto her shoulders. Her ordinary life had ended. The fractured realms awaited—and she was ready to step into them.
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