The strange phenomenon in the sky continued to ripple and shimmer, casting an eerie light over the palace courtyard. Elara, Selene, Rylan, and Professor Arthen stood together, gazing up at the anomaly with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"We need to understand what this is," Elara said, her voice steady but filled with concern. "Professor, can you make any sense of it?"
Professor Arthen squinted at the sky, his mind racing through possibilities. "It seems like a rift—an echo of the dark magic that once plagued Aetheria. But its nature is different. It's as if something is trying to reach through from another realm."
Selene gripped her sword tightly. "Do you think it's a threat?"
"It's possible," Professor Arthen replied. "But we won't know for sure until we investigate further."
Rylan stepped forward, determination etched on his face. "Then let's not waste any time. We need to close that rift and ensure nothing harmful comes through."
