The figure stepped forward, radiating an otherworldly aura. Eli felt an inexplicable connection, as if her very existence depended on this encounter.
"Who are you?" Eli asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I am the Architect," the figure replied, its voice like celestial music. "Creator of realms, shaper of destinies."
Aethon's eyes narrowed. "Why did you help Malakar?"
The Architect's expression turned enigmatic. "Balance requires darkness and light. Malakar's ambition served a greater purpose."
Eli's mind reeled. "But at what cost? Innocent lives, destroyed realms..."
The Architect's gaze locked onto Eli. "Your compassion is admirable, but simplistic. The cosmos demands balance, not sentiment."
Lyrien stepped forward. "You manipulated events, using Malakar and the Ancient Order. Why?"
The Architect's smile hinted at secrets. "To guide Eli to this moment. Her magic holds the key to restoring balance."
Aethon's determination flared. "We won't let you use Eli for your purposes."
The Architect chuckled. "You misunderstand. Eli's destiny is her own. I merely provided...nudges."
As the Architect spoke, visions flooded Eli's mind: her childhood, her magic's awakening, and her journey with Aethon.
"You've been guiding me," Eli whispered.
The Architect nodded. "Preparing you for the ultimate choice."
Eli's heart pounded. "What choice?"
The Architect's gaze turned solemn. "To restore balance or forge a new path. The cosmos hangs in the balance.