Kira stood shakily, her legs trembling from the aftermath of the burst of light. The figure offered her a hand, his glowing eyes studying her with what seemed like a mix of caution and curiosity.
"You've tapped into your power," he said, his voice steady. "But you have no control over it yet. That's dangerous."
She ignored his hand and got to her feet on her own. "I didn't ask for this," she snapped. "I don't even know what's happening to me!"
"You'll have answers soon," the figure replied, turning toward the glowing trees. "But for now, we must move. It's not safe here."
"Wait." Kira grabbed his arm, and the strange warmth in her chest flared again. He flinched, as though her touch burned. "You can't just drag me through this without explaining anything. Who even are you?"
He hesitated, his gaze locking with hers. "I am Aeryn, a Guardian of the Forgotten Realm. My duty is to protect the Keepers, even if they don't know who they are."
Kira crossed her arms. "Well, Aeryn, how about you start by telling me what exactly a Keeper is? And don't just say I'm connected to this place. I want real answers."
Aeryn sighed, the faint glow around him dimming. "A Keeper is someone born with the power to maintain the balance between realms. Long ago, humans and the beings of this world—Elementals, Spirits, and others—created the Tree of Balance to seal the Forgotten Realm. Only Keepers have the ability to channel its energy and repair the seal when it weakens. There haven't been any Keepers in centuries… until now."
Kira took a step back, her mind spinning. "So, you're saying I'm some kind of… chosen one? Why me?"
"Why anyone?" Aeryn shrugged, his tone neutral. "The Forgotten Realm doesn't explain itself. It simply acts."
Before she could argue, a distant howl echoed through the forest. Aeryn stiffened. "We've lingered too long. More Corruptors will come."
He began walking briskly, not looking back. Kira hesitated but reluctantly followed, her curiosity outweighing her fear.
As they walked, the forest seemed to pulse with life. Trees shimmered with colors that shifted like the northern lights, and strange, glowing creatures darted between the branches. Despite the beauty, a sense of unease settled over her.
"So," Kira began, trying to break the silence, "this Tree of Balance… where is it?"
Aeryn didn't stop walking. "Far from here. It's hidden deep within the heart of this realm, protected by wards and barriers. But with the seal weakening, those protections are failing. The Corruptors are drawn to it, and if they reach it…"
"Both worlds collapse," Kira finished, remembering his earlier warning.
Aeryn nodded. "That's why we must reach the tree before they do. And why you must learn to control your power."
They reached a clearing where the ground sloped downward into a wide valley. At its center stood a massive crystalline lake, its surface glowing faintly under the strange sky. A small wooden structure—half ruin, half shelter—stood near the water's edge.
"This is a safe haven, for now," Aeryn said, gesturing for her to follow him down.
Inside the shelter, Kira sat on a worn bench while Aeryn rummaged through a chest in the corner. He pulled out a small, silver orb that glowed faintly and placed it on the table between them.
"This is a focus stone," he explained. "It will help you control your energy. Hold it and concentrate."
Kira hesitated but picked up the orb. The moment her fingers touched it, the warmth in her chest flared again, and the orb began to glow brighter.
"Good," Aeryn said. "Now focus on the light. Draw it out slowly. Don't let it overwhelm you."
She closed her eyes, her breathing steadying as she tried to follow his instructions. The warmth spread through her body, gentle this time, like sunlight on a winter morning. The orb glowed steadily in her hands.
"Impressive," Aeryn muttered. "Most Keepers struggle on their first try."
Kira opened her eyes, the light fading as she lowered the orb. "Why do I feel like I've done this before?"
"Perhaps you have," Aeryn said cryptically. "The power of a Keeper is ancient. It's as much a memory as it is a gift."
Before Kira could ask more, the shelter shook violently. Aeryn was on his feet in an instant, his blade drawn.
"They've found us again," he said grimly. "Stay behind me."
But Kira felt the warmth stir once more, stronger than before. She stood beside him, gripping the focus stone tightly.
"No," she said, her voice firm. "I'm not hiding anymore."
Aeryn glanced at her, a flicker of approval in his glowing eyes. "Then let's see what you're made of, Keeper."
The door burst open, and the shadows surged inside. Kira took a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next.