The stone staircase led Elara and Kael deeper into the darkness. The air became cooler, and a musty smell rose to their noses. Elara felt the energy in her react to the environment, as if something ancient and powerful lurked in the depths.
"Do you feel like we're being watched?" Kael whispered, instinctively reaching for his sword.
Elara nodded. "Yes, but it's more than that. It feels like this place is... alive."
Finally they reached the foot of the stairs, where there was a long, narrow corridor in front of them. On the walls, faint light sources flickered, which had no apparent origin, and cast ghostly shadows.
"What kind of light is that?" Kael asked, trying to identify the source.
"It could be magical," Elara replied. "We should be careful."
They continued on their way, and the corridor finally opened into a large chamber. In the middle of the room there was a pedestal on which an old, dusty mirror rested. Its surface was cloudy, and yet it seemed to exert a peculiar attraction.
"A mirror?" Kael frowned. "What's he doing down here?"
Elara stepped closer and looked at the artifact. "I have read about such mirrors. They should reveal the deepest secrets and fears of a person."
Kael snorted. "It doesn't soom very inviting."
"Maybe it's a test," Elara thought out loud. "The guardian said that I have to find the balance in myself. Maybe I have to face my own demons."
Before Kael could say anything, Elara stepped in front of the mirror. Her own reflection stared at her, but suddenly it changed. Her eyes turned black, and a vicious smile distorted her face.
"You think you can find the balance?" Mocked the mirror image. "You are nothing but a child who plays with forces that he does not understand."
Elara felt doubts rise in her, but she forced herself to remain calm. "I may still have a lot to learn, but I won't let the darkness rule me."
The reflection laughed coldly. "You cannot deny the darkness. It's a part of you. The more you fight, the stronger it gets."
Elara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She remembered the words of the guardian: the balance is the acceptance of both sides in its entirety.
"I'm not going to fight," she said softly. "I will accept."
When she opened her eyes, the reflection was back to normal. A sense of calm flowed through her, as if a burden was taken from her shoulders.
Kael stepped up to her. "Everything okay?"
She nodded. "Yes. I think I passed."
Suddenly, the floor began to vibrate, and a hidden door opened on the opposite wall of the chamber.
"Looks like we have a new way," Kael remarked.
Elara smiled weakly. "Then let's see where he's leading."
They entered the new aisle, ready for the next challenges that awaited them.