Elara stared at the two objects in front of her.
The black crystal pulsed with dark energy. She felt him call for her, how he could strengthen her new strength.
The silver amulet, on the other hand, shimmered in pure light. It felt reassuring, as if it could protect her from the darkness.
Kael looked at her. "What do you feel?"
Elara swallowed. "That both have their price."
The guardian stepped closer. "This choice will not only affect your strength - but also your soul."
She knew it.
The black crystal would strengthen their dark side, make them more powerful - but also bring the danger of losing control.
The silver amulet would strengthen her light power, her connection to the pure - but it could prevent her from using her newfound darkness.
The decision
Elara closed her eyes.
Remembered the fight against her dark self.
Remembered the moment when she had not defeated the darkness, but accepted it.
Then she opened her eyes - and reached for...
...Both.
Kael opened his eyes. "Elara, what are you doing?!"
The guard looked surprised. "This is... unusual."
Elara felt the energy of the two artifacts flowing into her – light and darkness, united in her body.
It was as if an indescribable force was flowing through her, but she was not overwhelmed by it.
"I accepted both sides," she said calmly. "Why should I choose one?"
A moment of silence.
Then the guard laughed softly.
"Interesting... Very interesting."
Kael still looked at her like she was crazy. "I hope you know what you're doing."
Elara smiled slightly. "I hope so too."
The gateway to the next world
Suddenly, the ground below them began to change.
A huge, golden gate appeared before them. Engravings of light and shadow ran over the surface as if they had just been created.
The guard stepped aside. "You have chosen your path. Step through - and see where he leads you."
Elara and Kael glanced at each other.
Then they walked through the gate together.