Aria's thoughts reeled as she grasped the true meaning of the Prophecy of Light. The weight of her destiny crushed her, the burden of sacrificing her love for Elijah unbearable. The shadows in the chamber seemed to deepen, as if sensing her turmoil.
"The prophecy demands sacrifice," Kael said, their voice echoing through the silence.
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Kael's expression turned grim.
"The prophecy speaks of a choice," Kael said. "A choice between love and duty."
Aria's mind raced.
"What choice?" she demanded.
Kael's eyes locked onto Aria's.
"You must surrender your heart's greatest desire," Kael said.
Aria's thoughts reeled.
"Elijah," she whispered.
Just as she thought she understood the prophecy, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"Aria, dear sister," the voice said.
Aria spun around, her heart racing.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
A figure emerged from the shadows, their features twisted into a grotesque grin.
"I am Arden," the figure said. "Your twin brother, thought to be dead at birth."
Aria's mind reeled.
"That's impossible," she whispered.
Arden's grin widened.
"The prophecy was never about Elijah," Arden said. "It was about us. Twin siblings, born of darkness and light."
Aria's eyes widened.
"You're the Shadow Weaver," she accused.
Arden chuckled.
"No, dear sister," Arden said. "I am the Architect of Destiny. And you are the key to unlocking the true power of the prophecy."
Aria's world turned upside down.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Arden's eyes gleamed.
"The prophecy was forged by our ancestors," Arden said. "A powerful spell that binds our fates together. And only by sacrificing Elijah can we unlock its true potential."
Aria's horror deepened.
"Why?" she demanded.
Arden's grin twisted.
"Because Elijah is not who he seems," Arden said. "He is the reincarnation of our ancestor's greatest enemy. And only by sacrificing him can we restore balance to the universe."
Aria's mind shattered.
"No," she whispered.
Arden's laughter echoed through the chamber.
"The prophecy is clear," Arden said. "And you will fulfill it, dear sister."
As Arden's words hung in the air, the shadows seemed to coalesce into a dark, living entity.
"You have a choice to make, Aria," Kael said, their voice barely audible.
Aria's heart pounded.
"What choice?" she asked.
Kael's eyes locked onto Aria's.
"Embrace your destiny," Kael said. "Or defy the prophecy."