Their journey continued, leading them to a crumbling temple hidden deep within the forest. The air inside was thick with ancient energy, and the walls were lined with faded murals depicting battles, heroes, and a great calamity.
"This place is older than Eldarion itself," Eldrin said, his voice reverent. "It's said the hero Ardyn first learned of the curse here."
As they explored, Kai felt a strange pull toward one of the murals. It depicted a lone figure standing against a wave of darkness, holding a glowing crystal aloft. The image sent a chill down his spine.
"That's you," Lirae said quietly, standing beside him. Her tone was no longer mocking. "Or at least, it was."
Before Kai could respond, ghostly whispers filled the air. Figures began to materialize—spectral echoes of the past. They spoke in fragmented sentences, their voices filled with anguish.
"The curse… it consumes all…"
"The Tear of Elara… the key…"
The whispers grew louder, their words overlapping until they became unbearable. Kai clutched his head, the pain overwhelming him. Just as he thought he would collapse, Lirae grabbed his arm, grounding him. "Stay with me. Focus."
The whispers subsided, leaving an eerie silence in their wake. Eldrin approached, his expression grave. "The Tear of Elara. It's real. And it's the only way to break the curse."
Kai's heart sank. Another piece of the puzzle had fallen into place, but the path ahead only seemed more daunting.