Arachne's eyes seemed to bore into the companions' souls, as if searching for any weakness or hidden motive. Her presence was imposing, and the companions couldn't help but feel a sense of unease in her presence.
"So, you're the ones who seek to claim the Starheart Crystal," Arachne said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I must say, I'm impressed. You're either very brave or very foolish."
"We're not here to play games," Arin said, his voice firm and resolute. "We need the Starheart Crystal to defeat Lyra and save the realm."
Arachne raised an eyebrow. "Lyra, you say? Ah, yes. I know of her. She's a powerful sorceress, to be sure. But do you really think you can defeat her with the Starheart Crystal?"
"We have to try," Lirien said, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "We can't just sit back and let Lyra destroy the realm."
Arachne nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I see. Well, in that case, I'll let you pass... but only if you can answer my riddle."
The companions exchanged wary glances. They had heard of Arachne's riddles, and they knew that they were not to be taken lightly.
"What's the riddle?" Arin asked, his voice cautious.
Arachne's smile grew wider. "Ah, my dear mortal, the riddle is this: What can be broken, but never held? What can be given, but never sold?"
The companions thought for a moment, trying to come up with an answer. But it was Xaren who finally spoke up.
"The answer is a promise," he said, his voice confident.
Arachne's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the companions thought they had failed. But then, a small smile played on her lips.
"Very good," she said. "You are indeed clever mortals. I will let you pass... but be warned, the trials ahead will be far more difficult than my riddle."
With that, Arachne stepped aside, revealing a hidden door behind her. The companions exchanged nervous glances, knowing that they were about to face the unknown.