Chapter 36: The Message from the Ancient Ones
Sophia's eyes narrowed as she regarded Aria warily. "What message?" she asked, her hand instinctively going to the Moonbloom pendant around her neck.
Aria's smile grew wider. "The ancient ones have been watching you, Sophia," she said. "They are pleased with your progress, but they warn that the journey ahead will be fraught with danger."
Sophia's grip on the pendant tightened. "What kind of danger?" she asked, her mind racing with possibilities.
Aria's expression turned serious. "The Shadow is not the only enemy you face," she said. "There are those who seek to claim the Crystal of Light for themselves, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goal."
Sophia's eyes widened as she realized the implications. "Who are they?" she demanded.
Aria hesitated, as if unsure how much to reveal. "They are a secret society," she said finally. "One that has been hiding in the shadows for centuries, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
Sophia's mind reeled as she tried to process the information. A secret society? It sounded like something out of a nightmare.
"What do I need to do?" she asked Aria, determination burning within her.
Aria's smile returned. "The ancient ones have given me a gift to pass on to you," she said. "A gift that will aid you on your journey and help you defeat your enemies."
Sophia's eyes locked onto Aria's, eager to know what the gift was. Aria reached into her cloak and produced a small, delicate box.
"This is a box of starlight," Aria said. "It contains the essence of the stars, and it will give you the power to heal and protect yourself and those you care about."
Sophia's eyes widened as she took the box, feeling a surge of energy and wonder. She knew that this gift would be invaluable on her journey, and she was grateful to the ancient ones for their trust in her.
But as she looked up at Aria, she saw a hint of sadness in the woman's eyes. "What is it?" Sophia asked, sensing that there was more to the story.
Aria's smile faltered. "The gift comes with a warning," she said. "The power of the starlight is great, but it is also fragile. You must use it wisely, Sophia, for the consequences of failure are dire."
Sophia's eyes locked onto Aria's, her mind racing with the weight of the warning. She knew that she had to be careful, that the power of the starlight was a double-edged sword.
"I understand," Sophia said finally, her voice firm. "I'll use the power wisely."
Aria's smile returned, and she nodded in approval. "I know you will, Sophia," she said. "You have the heart of a true warrior."
As Aria spoke, the cavern around them began to shake and tremble. The sound of falling rocks echoed through the air, and Sophia knew that it was time to leave.
"I have to go," Sophia said, tucking the box of starlight into her pocket.
Aria nodded. "May the power of the starlight guide and protect you on your journey," she said.
Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Aria. "Thank you," she said. "I won't forget your warning."
With that, Sophia turned and made her way back through the portal, leaving Aria and the cavern behind. As she emerged back into the forest, Sophia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was one step closer to finding the Crystal of Light, and she was ready for whatever lay ahead.
But as she looked down at the box of starlight in her hand, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Shrugging it off, Sophia tucked the box into her pocket and continued on her journey. She had a long way to go before she found the Crystal of Light, and she was determined to get there as quickly as possible.
As she walked, the trees seemed to grow taller and the shadows deeper. Sophia felt a sense of unease growing within her, and she knew that she had to be careful.
Suddenly, a figure stepped out from behind a tree. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she saw who it was.
"Matteo," she breathed, relief washing over her. "What are you doing here?"
Matteo's eyes were serious. "I've been tracking you," he said. "I knew you were in danger."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" she asked.
Matteo hesitated before speaking. "I mean that I've seen something," he said. "Something that makes me think that you're in grave danger."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" she demanded.
Matteo's eyes locked onto hers. "I've seen a figure following you," he said. "A figure with eyes that glow like embers."