The corridor beneath the academy stretched into shadow, stone walls etched with faint, glowing runes that pulsed in rhythm with Lira's heartbeat. Lady Thalyris gave her a reassuring nod at the threshold before stepping back, letting the girl descend alone.
As soon as Lira crossed the threshold, the air shifted. It was warmer here, a subtle heat brushing against her skin, carrying faint hints of charred earth and smoke. Her palms tingled. The stone dragon's whispers echoed softly in her mind:
"Trust yourself. This is the first step. The ruins will test your fire… and your will."
She stepped forward cautiously. The doors behind her hummed and closed with a resonant thud, sealing her path. There was no fear—only anticipation. The runes along the walls flared, illuminating her path as if guiding her deeper into the heart of the ruins.
