Lyra slowly opened her eyes. She flinched from the bright light that was coming from the window. She scanned the place.It was unfamiliar, and she struggled to remember how she had gotten there. As she tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her head, causing her to wince in discomfort.''It's good to know you are awake already.''She looked for the owner of the voice and was met with the familiar smirk of the white-haired woman, Gabrielle, sitting in the old medieval castle-like window, her right leg hanging on the floor while her left foot was propped up on the window sill. Her glowing eyes bore into Lyra's eyes, which caused Lyra to look down at her lap."Where are we? What happened?" Lyra asked, her voice barely above a whisper.The room was so spacious, elegant, bright, and clean that it could put her whole apartment inside.Gabrielle sighed and answered, "You passed out, that's what happened."Just then memories flashed in Lyra's mind confusion reflected in her face," The shadow thing, what are those? What do they want from me?"''Clean yourself. You have everything that you need in this room; no need to ask for anything else,'' Gabriele replied, her voice smooth and calming.Lyra noticed a luxurious bathrobe hanging on a hook next to the door, along with a full set of toiletries on the vanity.''You haven't answered me yet. Where am I, what are those things that are chasing me tell me what's the hell is happening first' Lyra demanded.Gabrielle just sighed and looked at Lyra wearily; she looked like she hadn't slept for a week.''You need to eat first; I'll wait for you downstairs.''With that, Lyra's stomach growled.Defeated, she picked up the bathrobe and headed towards the bathroom.''There are clothes in the closet for you to change into after your bath,'' Gabrielle called after her before she heard the door being closed."Where on earth is the bathroom?" Lyra muttered under her breath, glancing between the two mysterious doors in front of her, a mixture of frustration and urgency flashing across her face.She chose the right door, and it was indeed the bathroom, a very huge and expensively elegant bathroom she had never encountered in her entire life on earth.The bathroom is a vast, luxurious space with a vaulted ceiling, stone walls, - polished dark wood floor with plush, velvet rugs. A stunning chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting colorful lights around the room. A carved stone bathtub sits atop a raised dais. A beautifully crafted wooden vanity with an ornate mirror and crystal chandelier complements the bathtub. A separate shower area.Lyra's stomach growled again, snapping her out of shock, and she finally opened the elegant glass door of the shower."These rich people have the most complicated things," Lyra muttered as she examined the shower's intricate controls. After adjusting the temperature, she stepped in, letting the warm water wash away her worries.She hurried through her shower, dried off with a plush towel, and wrapped herself in a fluffy robe, feeling grateful for this moment of indulgence.''Where's the closet? There's nothing here,'' Lyra sighed."Don't tell me it's in here!" She opened the door beside the bathroom, and her eyes couldn't believe what she was seeing.''Just how rich is the owner of this house?'' Inside is a gallery of luxurious clothes.Full of high-end coats, shoes, glasses, and hats, but this room looks old but highly maintained.''I bet the owner of this house is an old person,'' Lyra concluded, for there are parts where there are vintage gowns displayed like a gallery or museum of fashion history.'It can't be Gabrielle's she's too young to have all this, Lyra's conclusionBut with all these clothes, she chose to wear one of the few T-shirts she found. The simplicity of the t-shirt stood out among the extravagant pieces in the room.Lyra felt more comfortable in something casual, despite being surrounded by luxury.And of course, she paired it with a pair of jeans and sneakers, embracing her style amidst the opulence surrounding her. The contrast between her laid-back outfit and the lavish surroundings only highlighted her individuality and confidence.But honestly, she's just not used to wearing luxurious things.Relief was written on Lyra's face when she entered the dining area.Finally, after being lost she now sees Gabrielle, sipping her wine on the long table.Food was set on the long table, and Lyra's stomach growled in anticipation of the delicious meal.But Gabrielle was shocked when Lyra just put a few on her plate, carried it with her water, and sat on the chair on the right side of Gabrielle as both of them were sitting on both ends of this long table.''This is better now; I can see your face clearly without having to look past that plant in the middle of the table. This way, we can finally talk." Lyra said in a serious toneGabrielle was taken aback by Lyra's informal behavior, but Lyra was determined to get answers. "Can you now please explain to me what happening and what they are and what do they from me ?" she asked.''You are in my home, which is highly protected with the divine energy shield house. The shadow army of the realm Aramania will not find you here." Gabrielle's words have taken Lyra aback.''What did you say again? ''Lyra asked just to make sure she heard it right."I said you're staying here. I already told you you need to be protected; you're not safe in your apartment,'' Gabrielle clarified what she said in case Lyra didn't catch it.Lyra's eyes blink a few times. ''You mean you live here? This is all yours? Just how rich are you?''Gabrielle gave her a poker face and sighed just when she thought Lyra passed the first phase of the test of being chosen when she chose to be simple rather than being allured by all the material things in this castle.Now this woman seems amazed by it and not just showing it.But she still gave her a chance and answered, ''Yes, and no.''''Okay. I thought this was owned by an old woman, for these things are old and dull; it's boring.''Gabrielle chuckled, realizing that Lyra's initial reaction was not what she had expected. She decided to give her a chance to see beyond the surface and discover the true beauty of her heart.Wait, did she just call me old and boring? Gabrielle just realized what Lyra said. ''I'm not old.''''Are you? Boring then,'' Lyra said teasingly.Gabrielle laughed, realizing that Lyra's bluntness was quite refreshing.Lyra's demeanor turned serious.'' So what about this Aramania thing? Why send an army for me? What do they want? ''Gabrielle was amazed by the fact that Lyra was actually listening to her the first time.''Armania is one of the realms of the seven realms of the universe, each ruled by a different powerful being. But that's beyond your understanding; I can only tell you about the realm of the kingdom of Aramania. There is a prophecy in the kingdom of Aramania that says two chosen souls with pure hearts will be able to unlock the ultimate power that lies within the realm. You are one of those chosen souls, Lyra." Gabrielle's words sent a chill down Lyra's spine, making her realize the magnitude of her role in this mysterious prophecy but there are so many holes in that story and it's so cliche .Lyra's eyes narrowed. ''That's it? ''In uninterested tone.Gabrielle looked at Lyra with disbelief hearing the uninterested tone of Lyra.'' I have been here in your world for many generations just to find the chosen one. I have found hundreds of Chosen like you, but you are the only one who showed me such power without even trying.''Lyra just looked at Gabrielle with awe and got up from her chair. ''That's a really interesting story and a very heavy responsibility for you, but it's not my problem. I don't think I am what you are looking for. I just want to go home and get my normal peaceful life back.''''You will save a lot of lives, not just one generation but the many generations to come if you embrace your destiny. They need you, Lyra,'' Gabrielle replied with determination. ''The power within you is greater than you realize, Lyra. Think about it before making a decision.'' Lyra hesitated, feeling the weight of Gabrielle's words as she considered the impact she could have on the future.Lyra chuckled, ''I can't even save myself when I was bullied at school; my parents died because of me. I was unable to save my grandfather too, but now you are telling me to save beings who are not even my race and in another realm? If you said they were beings with powers, why don't they save their race and not depend on a helpless human like me?''But you are chosen by the gods, the almighty one. This is your fate; you cannot abandon this responsibility,'' Gabrielle insisted.Lyra just looked Gabrielle dead in the eyes and said with a determined expression, ''If that's the case, then your gods are irresponsible and hypocrites. They have forsaken me; they have fooled you and all those who believe in them. I refuse to be a pawn in their game of power and manipulation."Gabrielle sighed, ''Now I am sure you are not it; you are probably just one of those chosen but not the right one.Lyra's brows creased. ''I am not the right one, so you bring me back to my old normal life now.''''My faith in the Almighty will not be shaken by your words. You may choose to reject the gods, but I will continue to believe in their wisdom and guidance,'' Gabrielle responded calmly. Lyra's expression softened as she realized the depth of Gabrielle's faith. ''I may not understand it, but I respect your beliefs.''''Free will is given to everyone by the almighty, so I am letting you go.'' Gabrielle chanted softly, "May you find your true path and purpose, guided by the divine light within you."And with that, a portal appeared before Lyra, leading her back to the mortal realm where she could make her own choices and forge her destiny.''Don't worry; even if you choose to refuse your destiny, you will still be protected.'' Lyra nodded before entering the portal.Gabrielle watched silently as Lyra stepped through the portal, feeling a sense of peace knowing that she had stayed true to her beliefs while also granting Lyra the freedom to choose her own path.