Chapter 7
By noon, the forest opened onto a sunlit glade. There, two travelers waited: a lean, quick-witted man with a mischievous grin and a cloak dusted in soot, and a tall woman with amber eyes, fire flickering in her hair.
Kaelen, the man, tilted his head. "You must be Lyra Selanth. I've seen fractured lands before. Shards can make—or break—you."
Mira, the woman, regarded her silently. "You have potential. But power attracts danger. You'll need allies you can trust."
Lyra stepped forward cautiously. "We're… on a journey. Seeking shards to restore balance."
Kaelen smirked. "Ambitious. Brave. Reckless. Sounds like fun."
Mira's expression softened slightly. "Stay close, learn quickly, and don't underestimate what hunts you. Shadows wait where you least expect them."
Joren whispered, "Do you think we can trust them?"
Lyra didn't answer. She didn't know yet—but she had no choice. Allies gained now might save their lives later.
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