Chapter 6
Morning light filtered through the dense canopy of Silverpine Woods, casting streaks of gold on the mossy floor. Lyra, still holding her shard, followed the Elder along a narrow path, her senses alert to every whisper of the forest.
"This map," the Elder said, producing a weathered parchment etched with glowing lines, "shows fractured regions. Some are alive, some dead. Each contains a shard you must claim. Without them… balance cannot be restored."
Lyra's fingers hovered over the map. Lines pulsed faintly as if alive.
"Wait… I have to collect all of them?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
The Elder's eyes were solemn. "If you fail, the fractures will consume the realms. If you succeed… there is hope. But danger grows at every turn, Lyra. Your courage will be tested, and your heart… questioned."
Joren peeked over her shoulder, frowning. "Looks like our peaceful lives are over, Lyra."
Lyra's lips pressed together. Peaceful was gone forever. Adventure and danger awaited at every step.
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