The final trial was the Trial of Earth. The chamber was filled with towering stone columns that moved and shifted like living things. At the center, the last key waited, embedded in the ground.
As Elara approached, the earth trembled beneath her feet. The columns shifted, revealing carvings on the walls—images of her ancestors, their faces familiar yet distant. One figure stood out among the rest: her mother, Aeloria, but younger, standing beside a figure Elara had never seen before.
A voice filled the chamber, deep and resonant. "Your bloodline is more than you know, Elara. The magic of the elements is tied to your family—your mother made a pact with the Ancients to protect the kingdom. But that pact has a cost."
The ground beneath Elara's feet shook harder, and a vision flashed before her eyes—her mother, standing in this very chamber, promising the Ancients that her descendants would bear the responsibility of the kingdom's protection. Elara's power was no accident; it was the result of a pact made generations ago.
"Your legacy is one of sacrifice," the voice continued. "The more power you claim, the greater the burden you must carry."
Elara's heart pounded. "What does this mean for me? For my people?"
But the voice faded, leaving her with more questions than answers. She retrieved the final key, her mind swirling with the revelation of her family's ancient pact.
As the group exited the chamber, Marcus's gaze lingered on Elara. He now understood the depth of her power, but instead of quelling his jealousy, it only fueled his resentment. The journey ahead would be more dangerous, not just because of the challenges they faced but because of the growing divide within their group.