The silver path led them deeper, until the air grew thick with moisture. A hidden cavern revealed itself—its walls glistening with emerald light as water streamed endlessly from the ceiling into a vast underground lake.
The sound of rushing water echoed like a heartbeat, steady and ancient. And there, across the lake, lay a scene both wondrous and terrifying.
Dragons.
Not one, but many.
Small ones, no larger than children, with scales that shimmered like dawn. Old ones, their wings folded, their scales dulled yet dignified. And at the center, upon a throne of obsidian stone, rested a dragon vast beyond measure—its horns curved like crescents, its presence suffused with sacred calm.
Allara's breath caught. "A sanctum… sealed by dragon magic."
Rafael tried to step forward, but the air hardened before him like invisible glass. He struck it with his fist, but the barrier did not yield. His eyes widened. "I can't… enter."
Yet when Prava moved, the barrier melted like mist. Allara followed, her steps unhindered. Only they were permitted.
From the obsidian throne, the great dragon opened its eyes—ancient, glowing like suns behind storm clouds. Its voice rolled through the cavern:
"Daughters of memory. You have crossed the path, and now stand in the heart of the sanctum. I am Kaelthar, Chieftain of the Dragon Tribes."
Prava's knees nearly buckled under the weight of his gaze. She felt small, fragile, yet inexplicably connected to him—as though his voice resonated in her very blood.
"Why… why can we enter, when Rafael cannot?" she whispered.
Kaelthar's eyes burned brighter.
"Because only those bound by fate may step within. You, child of scattered blood… and you, witch of the old memory. You both are tied to this trial. Others… would perish if they crossed the threshold."
Around them, the younger dragons gazed curiously, while the elder ones lowered their heads in solemnity. The air thickened, heavy with reverence and judgment.
Kaelthar's wings shifted, stirring the cavern wind.
"But to be recognized by the forest, and by us, you must prove yourself. This trial is not of strength, but of spirit. You will face the reflections of your heart—your fears, your sins, and the truth you would rather deny."
The water beneath them began to glow, ripples forming into a circle of light. It spread outward until the entire lake shimmered like liquid crystal.
Kaelthar lowered his head, his breath stirring waves across the lake.
"Step forward, Prava of broken lineage. The trial begins now."