The huge gates opened with a crunching sound that sounded like the treshing of time itself. Elara and Kael stood in front of it, side by side, ready to face the unknown.
The air was heavy, as if they were entering another dimension – a place where time and space no longer had any meaning. An eerie wind brushed her skin as the gates broke open completely.
„What will await us?" Kael asked softly.
Elara didn't know, but she felt the indefinite feeling that this exam would change everything. „Are you reat?"
Kael nodded, his silver eyes shining with determination.
„Done."
Together they went through the gates.
The Garden of Lost Souls
What they found behind the gates was a garden - but not an ordinary garden. The floor was covered with black roses, whose petals shimmered in the darkness. Everywhere stood ancient trees, their branches like the threads of a lost destiny.
In the center of the garden was a water basin. The water was still, but as Elara stepped closer, she could see her own reflection - but she was different. The Elara she saw there had no sparkle in her eyes. It was empty, without hope, without light.
„That's... not my reflection," whispered Elara.
„It's yours, but not yours."
A new voice sounded, deep and mysterious. A shadow emerged from the trees - a man whose eyes shone like liquid silver.
„So you are the chosen one."
„Who are you?" asked Kael, strengthening the grip of his sword.
The man shook his head. „I am the guardian of this garden. And you're here to understand who you really are."
Elara stared at the man. „Understand? What do you mean by that?"
„Everyone who steps into this garden must face the truth. The truth about yourself. You two are permeated by fate and darkness, and you will never escape without knowing who you really are."
Kael stepped forward, his voice firm. „We are who we decide to be."
The guard laughed softly. „Maybe. But what if your decisions are not really your own?"
The words hit Elara like a punch. Her heart was pounding faster as the visions of her dark side came back to her head - the Elara she could have become.
„The darkness is not your enemy, Elara," said the guard calmly. „She's a part of you. You've always carried her in you. But what do you do when you accept them? If you assume your true power?"
Elara felt the darkness stir in her, as if she understood the words, as if she felt the desire to unfold.
„It's not too late to destroy yourself," whispered the guard. „You have the choice."