The next morning, Maera handed Elara a lantern unlike any she had seen before. Its glass was clear, its wick unlit, yet it pulsed faintly as if waiting. "A soul is lost," Maera said. "It wanders the forest, unable to find peace. Tonight, you will guide it."
Elara's breath caught. "Me?"
"You are ready," Maera replied simply.
As dusk fell, Elara walked the Lantern Path alone. The forest whispered, its branches bending low, its mist curling around her. She held the lantern close, waiting. Then, through the shadows, she saw it—a figure, pale and flickering, eyes filled with confusion.
The soul drifted toward her, its presence heavy with longing. Elara raised the lantern, whispering softly. "You are not alone. The path is here. Follow the light."
The flame sparked, glowing faintly. The soul hesitated, then moved closer. With each step, the lantern brightened, its glow steadying. Elara walked slowly, guiding the figure along the path, her heart pounding with both fear and compassion.
At the edge of the forest, the lantern flared, and the soul dissolved into light, carried upward like a star. Elara gasped, tears streaming down her face. She had done it—she had guided a lost soul home.
When she returned to the cottage, Maera's eyes shone with pride. "You are no longer just a student," she said. "You are a keeper."