The Shattered Realms

Chapter 10:Unravled

The trio was awakened not by the sound of children's laughter but by urgent murmurs and a flurry of activity outside their dwelling. Eldric rubbed his eyes and sat up, immediately sensing the tension in the air.

"What's going on?" Gareth asked, already on his feet and peering through the window.

"I'm not sure," Eldric replied, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. "But something's wrong."

Kara was the first to step outside, her senses on high alert. The usually serene garden was filled with hushed voices and hurried movements. She caught sight of Eliana, who was speaking urgently with several of the garden's inhabitants.

"Eliana!" Kara called out, hurrying over to her. "What's happening?"

Eliana turned, her expression grave. "We have sensed Mundane forces approaching. They're close, and we don't have much time."

Eldric joined them, his heart pounding. "How close are they?"

"Too close," Eliana replied. "We need to prepare for the worst. The garden's protective enchantments will hold them off for a while, but not indefinitely."

A chill ran down Eldric's spine. "What should we do?"

Eliana took a deep breath, her mind racing. "We need to gather everyone and head to the sanctuary's deeper chambers. They're fortified and should keep us safe for a while. Eldric, Kara, Gareth—help me organize everyone."

The trio nodded, their fear giving way to determination. They quickly moved through the garden, informing the residents and guiding them toward the sanctuary's inner sanctum.

As they worked, Eldric couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety emanating from everyone around him. The emotions crashed over him in waves, making it hard to think, let alone focus.

"Eliana!" Eldric called out, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I can't... I'm feeling everyone's fear. It's too much."

Eliana hurried over, her face etched with concern. "Eldric, you need to focus. Try to center yourself. We need your help with the protective spells."

Eldric nodded, but his hands were trembling. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the torrent of emotions swirling around him. It was like trying to hold back a flood with his bare hands.

"Focus on your breathing," Eliana instructed, her voice calm but firm. "Let the energy flow through you naturally."

Eldric took a deep breath, but the fear and panic around him made it hard to concentrate. He extended his hands, but the glow that usually came so easily flickered and faded.

"Eldric, we need you!" Kara shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "You can do this!"

Eldric gritted his teeth, trying again. He could feel the garden's energy, but it was like trying to grasp water with his fingers. The barrier shimmered weakly, then dissipated.

Frustration and fear clawed at him. "Why can't I do this?" he shouted, his voice cracking.

Eliana's eyes narrowed in determination. "Our abilities are often tied to our emotions. Learning to control and channel those emotions is key to mastering your abilities. You can do this, Eldric. Trust in yourself."

Eldric took another deep breath, trying to push aside the fear and guilt that wasn't his own. He focused on the warmth of the garden, the connection he felt to his mother and the legacy she had left him.

"Come on, Eldric," he whispered to himself. "You can do this."

Slowly, he felt a warm sensation wash over his entire body. The emotions around him were still there, but he began to filter them out, focusing on the core of his own strength. He extended his hands again, and this time, the glow was steady and bright.