Determined to understand her newfound powers, Aria left the palace with Prince Kael, her closest friend and confidant. Their destination was the Forbidden Forest, a place few dared to enter. Eldric had told her that the Oracle, a mystical being of great wisdom, lived deep within the forest and could reveal the path forward.
As they ventured into the dense woods, mist curled around them, and strange sounds echoed between the ancient trees. Every shadow seemed to watch them, and the air crackled with a potent, eerie magic. Aria clutched her cloak tightly, feeling the crown's energy pulsing within her, as if guiding her steps.
After hours of navigating twisted roots and enchanted brambles, they reached a hidden clearing where an ethereal figure awaited them. The Oracle's eyes glowed with a light that seemed older than time itself. "Princess Aria," the Oracle spoke in a voice both ancient and kind, "you are the bearer of the Crown of Light, destined to counter the darkness."
"What darkness?" Aria asked, though she feared she already knew.
"Malvaris, the dark sorcerer, seeks the Crown of Shadows to claim Eldoria's power," the Oracle replied. "You must grow stronger, or all will be lost."
With the Oracle's warning heavy in her heart, Aria knew there was no turning back.