The Shattered Realms

Chapter 7: Secrets

As the day drew to a close and the inhabitants of Persephone's Garden retired to their dwellings, Eliana walked silently back to her own quarters. The events of the day weighed heavily on her mind. She knew she had to act quickly and discreetly.

Eliana entered her modest yet elegant home, filled with plants and artifacts from different parts of the Enchanted lands. She moved purposefully to a cupboard hidden behind a tapestry. Opening it, she carefully pulled out a light purple crystal, its surface smooth and glowing faintly. She held it gently, closing her eyes and focusing her energy.

"Persephone," she whispered into the crystal, "it's Eliana."

The crystal's glow intensified, and a moment later, a familiar, graceful voice responded, "Eliana, my dear sister, how have you been?"

"I have news," Eliana replied, her voice steady.

"Is that right? What's happened?" Persephone's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Elric. He's here in the garden," Eliana said, her heart pounding.

There was a pause, then a sigh of relief from Persephone. "How is he?"

"As far as I can tell, he's a bright and healthy young man. I can feel his compassion, his energy. It's curious... it's faint," Eliana replied, her brow furrowing.

"That's not right," said Persephone, her tone shifting to one of worry. "It doesn't align with my visions."

"You have to feel it for yourself," Eliana insisted.

"I can't," Persephone said, her voice tinged with regret. "Not yet. He must not know I'm alive."

"Why?" Eliana asked, the question hanging heavily in the air.

"He will need every bit of light he has for what's to come. Revealing I'm alive may alter that path," Persephone explained. "You must promise me, Eliana, not a word to anyone."

"I promise with my life," Eliana vowed, her voice firm.

Persephone's voice softened. "I highly doubt he's been trained. He definitely shows signs of ability. He had a premonition of you the day you created the garden. He was able to recite the words you cried out."

A moment of silence passed before Persephone responded. "Well, I'll leave the rest of his story to you."

"I'll see to it," Eliana promised. "Until then, stay well."

"You too," Persephone replied before the crystal's glow dimmed and faded.

Eliana placed the crystal back into the cupboard, her mind racing with the implications of their conversation. She knew the burden she carried was great, but so was the trust Persephone had placed in her. Eliana sighed, feeling the weight of her promise.

The next morning, Eldric, Kara, and Gareth awoke to the sounds of the garden once more. They joined the other inhabitants for breakfast, the peaceful atmosphere a stark contrast to the tension that had dominated their lives for so long.

As they ate, Eliana approached their table. "Good morning," she greeted them warmly. "I trust you slept well?"

"We did, thank you," Eldric replied, a smile on his face.

Eliana nodded, her gaze lingering on Eldric for a moment longer than usual. "Eldric, if you have a moment, I'd like to show you something."

Curious, Eldric nodded and stood, following Eliana away from the gathering. Kara and Gareth exchanged a glance but remained seated, trusting Eliana's intentions.

Eliana led Eldric to a secluded part of the garden, where the air seemed to hum with energy. "This place is special," she said softly. "Your mother often came here to meditate and connect with the energies of the garden."