Bella's mind reeled as she tried to process the old man's words. She was the last living heir of the ancient magic bloodline?
"What does it mean?" Bella asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The old man smiled. "It means that you have the power to restore the ancient magic to the kingdom," he repeated.
Prince Kieran stepped forward. "How is that possible?" he asked.
The old man's eyes twinkled. "The ancient magic was once a powerful force in the kingdom," he explained. "But it was lost centuries ago, when the royal family was overthrown."
Ariana's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" she asked.
The old man's expression turned serious. "The royal family was not just any family," he said. "They were the guardians of the ancient magic."
Bella's eyes widened. "And I'm the last living heir?" she asked.
The old man nodded. "You are," he said. "And with your power, you can restore the ancient magic to the kingdom."
But as Bella stood there, trying to process the old man's words, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story.
"What secrets are you hiding?" Bella asked, her eyes locked onto the old man.
The old man's expression turned guarded. "There is one more thing," he said. "A powerful artifact that has been hidden away for centuries. It is the key to unlocking your true power."
Prince Kieran's eyes narrowed. "What artifact?" he asked.
The old man's eyes twinkled. "The ancient tome," he said. "It holds the secrets of the ancient magic and the key to restoring it to the kingdom."
Ariana's eyes widened. "I've heard of that tome," she said. "It's said to be hidden in a temple deep within the heart of the kingdom."
Bella's heart pounded. She knew that she had to find that tome.
"I'll do it," Bella said, her voice firm. "I'll find the ancient tome and restore the ancient magic to the kingdom."
The old man smiled. "I knew I could count on you," he said.
But as Bella stood there, ready to embark on her quest, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was in grave danger.
And that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and obstacles.
But she was determined to succeed.
For the kingdom.
For the ancient magic.
And for herself.