As Elara's fingers finally brushed against the cool, vibrating surface of the crystal, a sudden jolt of energy surged through her veins. It wasn't painful, but it felt as if her soul was being flooded with memories that weren't hers. Images of burning skies, ancient wars, and kings with crowns of starlight flashed before her eyes.
"So, the prophecy is true," a cold, sharp voice echoed from the darkness behind her.
Elara spun around, her heart hammering against her ribs. Standing near the entrance of the cavern was a man draped in a midnight-blue cloak. His eyes reflected the unnatural glow of the crystal, and in his hand, he held a silver dagger marked with the same symbols her grandfather had drawn in the sand.
"Who are you?" Elara managed to whisper, her voice trembling but defiant.
The stranger didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step into the light, revealing a face scarred by years of battle. "I am the one who was sent to stop you," he said, his gaze fixed on her glowing hand. "Or to make sure you survive what's coming next."
Outside the cavern, a thunderclap shook the mountain. The Great Crystal had awakened, and now, the rest of the world knew it too.