The silence in the room was palpable as Elara stood at the center, the crystalline shard in her hand radiating a powerful yet serene energy. Thorne and Morgana exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"Whatever that trial was, it changed you," Morgana said softly, her gaze locked on Elara. "You're... different."
Elara nodded, the weight of her experience evident in her posture. "It wasn't just a test. It was a revelation—a reminder of who I am and what I'm fighting for. And now, we have what we need to face the Shadow Shard."
Thorne crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "What exactly did you see in there? What truth did it show you?"
Elara hesitated, the memories still raw. "It showed me my past—my guilt, my fears—and forced me to confront them. But more than that, it revealed the role I play in this battle. I'm not just a piece on the board. I'm the key to stopping the Shadow Shard."
