The air flickered with pure energy as Elara and her dark version collided with a huge bang. Their swords crossed, sparks sparked through the air.
"You're fighting yourself, Elara," the dark version hissed. "But what if you know I'm the stronger half?"
Elara gritted her teeth and pressed her sword harder against that of the dark figure. "I will not be controlled by the darkness!"
"Control?" Her dark version laughed coldly. "You think you're in control? You deny your true nature! You're powerful, Elara. And you know that power always demands sacrifices."
With a lightning-fast movement, the dark version pulled her sword to the side, forcing Elara to retreat, and taking advantage of the moment to launch an attack.
Black blades of pure shadow energy shot out of the ground, racing at Elara.
She jumped to the side, swirled around and countered with an explosion of golden light. The darkness hissed when it met the energy, but it was not completely extinguished.
"Why are you fighting back?" the dark version asked as she slowly walked towards Elara. "Look at you. Every fight, every pain, every decision you made – they brought you here. Why do you deny it?"
Elara breathed heavily. Her hands were shaking.
The words of her dark version gnawed at her. Deep down she knew... there was a truth in it.
How many times had she wondered if her power really made her a heroine? Or if it was just a ticking time bomb that would eventually destroy everything?
But then she remembered.
To the people she had protected. To Kael. To all the battles she had waged – not for power, but for hope.
Elara raised her sword. Her gaze was determined.
"I'm not perfect," she said. "I made mistakes. I doubted."
She stepped one step closer.
"But I will never give up hope."
Her dark version hesitated. For the first time, Elara saw a trace of uncertainty in the red eyes.
"I accept you," Elara said softly. "You're a part of me. But you won't define me."
Suddenly the dark version began to tremble. Her figure became unstable, as if she was collapsing into herself.
"No... that can't be...!"
Elara let her light shine, gently but strongly
"You're not my enemy," she said. "You are a part of my story. But you will not rule over me."
A loud bang shook the world around them. The darkness broke apart, became particles of light that rose into the sky.
Then... everything was quiet.
Elara opened her eyes and found herself again in the Hall of the Elders.
Kael knelt next to her, worry in his eyes
"Elara? Are you okay?"
She sat up, took a deep breath.
Then she nodded. "Yes. I did it."
The elders looked at them in silence. Then one of them said:
"The exam is passed."
With a wave of the hand, the ground opened in front of them – a secret chamber became visible.
"Then it's time for you to find out why you're really here."