Beyond the archway, Kael and Lira entered a vast chamber carved directly into the mountainside. The air was cool and damp, the walls lined with glowing blue runes that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat. The chamber seemed to stretch endlessly, and at its center stood a solitary figure cloaked in gray.
The figure's face was hidden beneath a hood, but its presence was commanding. It leaned on a staff, the top of which held a crystal that shimmered like starlight.
"Seeker," the figure said, its voice deep and resonant. "You have come far, but your journey has only just begun."
Kael stepped forward cautiously, the compass in his hand glowing faintly. "Who are you?"
"I am the Keeper," the figure replied. "Guardian of this threshold and witness to those who seek the Heart of Eternity."
Lira folded her arms, her expression skeptical. "And what exactly is the Heart of Eternity?"
The Keeper turned its hooded gaze toward her. "A power beyond mortal comprehension, capable of shaping worlds and rewriting fate. It is a gift, but also a curse, for not all who seek it are worthy."
Kael tightened his grip on the compass. "Why was I chosen?"
The Keeper was silent for a moment, the runes on the walls pulsing brighter. "You were not chosen. You were tested, and the compass found you worthy of its guidance. But worthiness is not permanence—it can be lost."
Lira took a step forward, her hand resting on her bow. "What's the next test, then? Another shadow monster? More cryptic riddles?"
The Keeper's staff glowed, and an image appeared in the air—a vast labyrinth made of shifting stone, its walls moving like living things.
"The Labyrinth of Ages lies ahead," the Keeper said. "It is a trial of both mind and spirit. Within its walls, you will face your greatest fears, your deepest regrets, and the truth of who you are. Only by confronting these can you find the path forward."
Kael swallowed hard, his chest tightening. "And if we fail?"
The Keeper's voice grew somber. "The labyrinth does not forgive failure. Many have entered, but few emerge."
Lira groaned. "Fantastic. Sounds like a death trap."
The Keeper ignored her, turning to Kael. "You hold the compass, seeker. Its light will guide you through the labyrinth, but it cannot protect you from yourself."
Kael felt the weight of the Keeper's words settle heavily on his shoulders. He looked at Lira, who gave him a small nod, then back at the glowing labyrinth.
"We'll face it," he said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.
The Keeper raised its staff, and the chamber began to shift. The walls melted away, revealing the entrance to the labyrinth—a massive stone archway covered in intricate carvings. The air around it was thick with energy, and the sound of grinding stone echoed from within.
"One last warning," the Keeper said as Kael and Lira approached the entrance. "The labyrinth will show you the truth, but it will also seek to break you. Trust in the light of the compass, and in each other."
Kael glanced at Lira, who smirked despite the tension. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't get yourself killed."
Kael managed a small smile. "I'll hold you to that."
Together, they stepped into the labyrinth, the entrance sealing behind them with a deafening crash.
---
The Labyrinth of Ages
The air inside the labyrinth was oppressive, the walls glowing faintly as they shifted and twisted. Paths appeared and disappeared, and the floor beneath their feet seemed alive, pulsating with energy.
Kael held the compass tightly, its light cutting through the darkness. The needle pointed ahead, but the glow flickered, as if struggling to maintain its strength.
"This place feels... wrong," Lira said, her voice echoing eerily.
Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the ever-changing walls. "Stay close. We can't afford to get separated."
As they moved deeper into the labyrinth, whispers began to fill the air. At first, they were faint, like the rustling of leaves, but they grew louder with each step.
"You are unworthy," the voices hissed. "Turn back, or be consumed."
Kael shook his head, trying to block them out. "Don't listen," he said.
But the whispers grew more personal, targeting each of them.
"Kael, you are weak. You abandoned your home. You will fail again."
"Lira, you are selfish. You care for no one but yourself. You will leave him behind."
Lira froze, her hand tightening around her bow. "How do they know that?" she whispered.
"They're trying to get into our heads," Kael said, gripping her arm. "We have to keep moving."
The compass's glow flared suddenly, and the whispers ceased. A new path opened ahead of them, its walls lined with mirrors.
"What now?" Lira asked, her voice shaky.
Kael hesitated, staring at the mirrors. His reflection stared back, but something was off. The eyes in the mirror glowed faintly, just like the shadow stalker's.
"This is another test," he said quietly.
The compass pulsed, and the path through the mirrors beckoned.
_________________________________________
Visit out patreon for more episodes. Exclusive only on patreon
https://patreon.com/YOGAGANESH_2103