The figure nodded once, a faint smile touching its lips.
"You have passed the first trial. The path to the 'Second Petal' lies ahead—but remember… every step from here will demand more than courage."
The walls of the labyrinth slowly parted, revealing a path bathed in a soft golden glow, its light beckoning her to step forward.
Elara's chest tightened with determination. Whatever awaited her… she was ready to face it.
Elara stepped into the golden light.
A gentle warmth embraced her, like the arms of someone dear—yet within that warmth lingered a faint metallic scent, like freshly spilled blood.
With her very first step, the golden light began to tremble, like glass touched ever so lightly before shattering into floating shards. Each shard revealed fleeting visions—a little girl weeping in the rain, an old man collapsing beside a dying fire, and a pair of eyes staring at her without blinking.
A chime rang once… and then fell silent.
"Second Petal…" she whispered softly.
From the golden mist ahead, a tall figure slowly emerged—clad in a cloak seemingly woven from pale, withered petals. His eyes were filled with profound sorrow.
"If you wish to claim this petal, you must return to me the thing you hold most dear."
Elara's heart pounded hard—she still didn't know what that thing was… but she knew that from this point on, there would be no turning back.