Enemy Of Time

Chapter 3: The Elder Of All

The questions swirled in her mind, but one thing was clear: her journey had only just begun, and the answers she sought would take her deeper into the mysteries of time and her own extraordinary abilities. With Zack's words guiding her, Sarah made her way to the outskirts of Draminia, where the Elder of All Power resided.

The grand, glistening building loomed before her, its icy walls shimmering in the fading light. Towering columns of translucent ice flanked the large crystal doors. Sarah hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath before pushing the heavy, cool doors open.

Inside, the atmosphere was markedly different. The halls were lined with bookshelves carved from ice, filled with volumes that seemed to hum with untold wisdom. The scent of old parchment and a faint chill permeated the air. As she walked through, she could feel the history and power seeping from the frozen walls.

Finally, she reached a large, dimly lit room. In the center stood a massive ice desk, behind which sat an elderly man with a stern yet kind expression. His eyes, though clouded with age, sparkled with the knowledge of centuries.

"Dr. Graves?" Sarah asked, her voice wavering slightly.

The man looked up, his gaze piercing through her. "Ah, Sarah Enderson. I've been expecting you."

Sarah felt a shiver run down her spine. "You know who I am?"

Dr. Graves nodded slowly. "I know more than you can imagine. Your family, your powers... the burden you carry."

Sarah swallowed hard. "Zack said you could help me understand my abilities. I'm... I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do."

Dr. Graves rose from his chair and walked around the desk, his movements slow but deliberate. "Your power is unique, Sarah. Time manipulation is a gift and a curse. It can be a force for good, but it can also lead to great destruction if not controlled."

Sarah nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I want to use it for good. But I don't know how."

The elder smiled faintly. "That is why you are here. To learn control, to understand the balance. You must be patient and disciplined. Your journey will be long and arduous, but it is necessary."

He gestured for Sarah to follow him. They walked through the library until they reached a hidden door. Dr. Graves pushed it open, revealing a small, serene courtyard bathed in the soft glow of twilight. In the center of the courtyard, a swirling portal hovered, its edges flickering and unstable.

"Here," he said, "is where you will begin your training. Focus, meditate, and let your power flow naturally. Do not force it. The portal to nowhere represents the boundless potential and the unknown paths your power may take. In time, you will understand."

Sarah looked around, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "Thank you, Dr. Graves. I won't let you down."

Dr. Graves placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Remember, Sarah, the greatest power is knowing when not to use it. Now, go. Your training begins."

As Sarah settled into the courtyard, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The mysteries of time and her own abilities were daunting, but with Dr. Graves' guidance, she was ready to face whatever came her way.

Suddenly, the world around her shifted. The courtyard blurred, and she found herself standing once again at the grand crystal doors of the icy building. Her heart raced as she pushed the doors open and walked inside, everything unfolding exactly as it had moments before. Dr. Graves' piercing gaze met hers once again, and her eyes widened in shock.

To be continued ~