Elayne's ordinary life takes a drastic turn when she discovers she is part of an ancient prophecy tied to the mythical kingdom of Elyssanar. Guided by Solaris, a unique companion with secrets of his own, Elayne embarks on a journey fraught with chal...
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The journey to Elyssanar began in silence, broken only by the steady rhythm of footsteps and the occasional crackle of the campfire as we trudged through the wilderness. The guards kept a close eye on us, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons, while Rhea walked ahead, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Solaris and I were bound, our wrists tied with enchanted rope that sapped our strength, leaving us too weak to resist.
I couldn't stop the bitterness from welling up inside me. Every time I glanced at Solaris, the weight of his decision pressed down on me like a heavy stone. He had made a choice to save me, but at what cost? Elyssanar was supposed to be a sanctuary, a place of safety—and now it was about to become a battleground.
"Keep moving," one of the guards barked, pushing me forward as my pace slowed. The ropes dug into my wrists, but I kept my head down, focusing on each step, trying to tune out the pain.
Rhea had used her magic to transport us near the forest where the portal was located. Solaris had given them a far-off location, buying us time to walk and figure out our next moves. But with my weakened state, the trek became a test of endurance. Every step was heavier than the last.
Solaris had made it his mission to apologize, but I struggled to accept it.
"We need the location of the Necklace anyway," Solaris linked me, his voice soft, trying to soothe. "If they lead us there, we can find a way out and take it for ourselves."
"Yeah, but at what cost?" I shot back, my frustration palpable. "Rhea could have another plan. And you heard her—she'll kill me if we try anything. You bargained for more time, but that doesn't change my fate. Sacrifices are inevitable." I gave him a sharp glare from the corner of my eye.
"Would you just be quiet for a moment?" His words were urgent, tinged with a growl. "I can't lose you. Elayne, you've become too important to me, more than anything else."
Before I could respond, a guard shoved him forward, cutting off the intensity of the moment. I sighed, my heart heavy. "You'd rather save my life over Gaia's? Gaia, who sustains the world itself? I'm just a descendant—another piece on the board that can be replaced."
Silence stretched between us as Solaris absorbed my words. For a moment, I thought I had finally made him see the bigger picture. But then, he spoke again.
"I would let the world die if it meant I could stay with you."
I froze, even as a guard roughly pushed me from behind. My knees buckled, and I fell to the ground, stunned. I turned to look at Solaris, but he was already watching me. The guard behind him brandished a weapon, impatience clear in his stance.
