To master the crystal, Elara had to face her inner fears. Standing in the center of the sanctuary, she closed her eyes. The stone began to pull at her consciousness, dragging her into a void where she saw her grandfather's last moments.
"Do not fear the power, Elara," his voice echoed in her mind. "The crystal is not a weapon; it is a mirror. It reflects the heart of the bearer."
She saw a vision of the world consumed by darkness, but also a vision of it flourishing in light. She chose the light. With a surge of willpower, she stabilized the vibrating energy in her hand, turning the wild sparks into a steady, calm glow. She was no longer a victim; she was a Guardian.