The woman's eyes seemed to bore into Raven's very soul as she regarded him with an unnerving intensity. Lirien and Kaelin stood frozen, unsure of what to make of this new development.
"Who are you?" Raven demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I am Erebus," the woman replied, her voice like a soft breeze on a summer's day. "And I am the key to unlocking the secrets of the Shadowheart."
Erebus stepped closer, her movements fluid and lithe. "You see, I am not just any sorceress. I am the daughter of the Shadowheart's creator, and I know the secrets of its power."
Raven's grip on his sword tightened. "What do you mean?"
Erebus smiled, her lips curling upward like a snake's fang. "My father created the Shadowheart to be a vessel for his dark magic. But I have discovered that there is more to it – a hidden purpose that could change the course of history."
Lirien's eyes narrowed. "What do you plan to do with this power?"
Erebus laughed, the sound like a gentle chime. "Oh, I don't plan to use it for my own gain. No, I plan to use it to bring balance to the world. The Shadowheart's power can be harnessed for good or evil – and I intend to use it for good."
Raven's skepticism was palpable. "Why should we trust you?"
Erebus's smile never wavered. "Because I am willing to help you understand the true nature of the Shadowheart's power. Together, we can unlock its secrets and use it to bring peace to the land."
Lirien and Kaelin exchanged a look, unsure of what to make of Erebus's words.