Eira's eyes widened as she stared at Ryker, her mind racing with questions. The Eldrid bloodline? What did that even mean? She had always thought she was just an orphan, a nobody with no family or legacy. But Ryker's words hinted at a much larger story, one that she was desperate to uncover.
"What do you mean?" Eira asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What throne?"
Ryker's expression turned serious, his eyes scanning the surrounding area as if checking for potential eavesdroppers. "The Throne of Eldrid," he said quietly. "A kingdom hidden in the mountains, where magic and power are intertwined. Your ancestors ruled over Eldrid, Eira, and their legacy still echoes through the land."
Eira's thoughts swirled as she tried to process the information. A kingdom? Magic? It sounded like a fantasy tale, but Ryker's words carried a conviction that made her believe there was truth to his claims.
"Why didn't I know about this?" Eira asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and frustration.
Ryker's expression softened. "Your parents hid your true identity to protect you," he explained. "They were powerful figures in the kingdom, and their enemies would stop at nothing to claim the throne. By keeping your heritage a secret, they hoped to keep you safe."
Eira's eyes welled up with tears as she thought about her parents. She had always felt a void in her life, a sense of not belonging. Now, she was beginning to understand why.
As Ryker continued to explain the history of Eldrid and her family's role in it, Eira felt a sense of wonder and trepidation. She was being pulled into a world she didn't fully understand, a world of magic and power struggles.
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from within the orphanage, followed by the sound of footsteps. Ryker's eyes snapped towards the door, his expression alert.
"It seems we have company," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We need to leave, now."