Back in Eldenreach, the village was in chaos. Livestock were missing, plants were wilting, and a dark mist hovered at the edges of the forest.
The Elder, a wise old woman named Serenya, summoned Liora privately.
Serenya studied her with sad, knowing eyes.
"You touched the ruins, didn't you?" she asked softly.
Liora nodded. "Elder… what's happening to me?"
Serenya took a deep breath.
"You carry the bloodline of the EmberGuardians, the last defense against the Shadow King. They fought him centuries ago and sealed him away. But when the Red Comet rose… so did he."
Liora's heart pounded. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"Because your parents wanted you to live a normal life," Serenya whispered. "But destiny has found you."
She handed Liora a small, glowing crystal pendant.
"This belonged to your mother. It will protect you—if you learn how to use it."
Liora swallowed the lump in her throat.
She had never felt destiny pull so heavily on her shoulders.
But she couldn't turn away.
Not anymore.