The mysterious figure stepped into the room, its features illuminated by the soft candlelight. Emilia saw that it was a woman with long, flowing hair and piercing green eyes – eyes that seemed to see right through her.
*Who are you?* Emilia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman smiled.
*I am Arianna, a guardian of ancient secrets. And you, Emilia, are a descendant of the powerful Blood Moon Clan.*
Liam stepped forward, his eyes narrowing.
*What do you want with Emilia?* he asked, his voice firm.
Arianna's smile grew wider.
*I want to help her unlock her true potential. Emilia, you possess magic beyond your wildest dreams. Magic that could change the course of history.*
Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine. Could it be true? Did she really have such power?
*What kind of magic?* she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Arianna's eyes glinted with excitement.
*The magic of time itself. You have the power to manipulate the very fabric of reality. To bend time and space to your will.*
Liam's eyes widened in shock.
*That's impossible,* he whispered. *Only the gods possess such power.*
Arianna nodded.
*Yes, but Emilia is no ordinary mortal. She is a direct descendant of the goddess Lyra herself.*
Emilia's mind reeled. A goddess? Her ancestor was a goddess?
*Why are you telling me this?* she asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Arianna's expression turned serious.
*Because, Emilia, you are in grave danger. The Shadow King, a powerful sorcerer, seeks to destroy you and claim your magic for himself. You must learn to control your powers, and quickly, if you hope to survive.*
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from outside the room. Arianna's head snapped toward the door.
*It seems the Shadow King's minions have found us,* she said, her voice low and urgent. *We must leave, now.