The Prison of Lies

The Elders' Verdict

Elara and Kael were led through the glowing streets of the village, their footsteps soft against the luminous stone paths. The silver-skinned beings watched them with curiosity and caution, their eyes following their every move. The village felt alive, as if the very air hummed with magic, and Elara couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the place. But her mind was on the looming encounter with the Elders. Her heart pounded with a mixture of fear and hope. Would these beings welcome them or see them as a threat?

The leader who had addressed them walked ahead with an air of authority, his long, flowing robes swaying with each step. The villagers parted respectfully as they approached a grand structure at the heart of the village. It was larger than the other buildings, its walls adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to shift and change under the light of the twin suns.

"This is the Hall of the Elders," the leader said in his deep, melodic voice. "They will decide what is to be done with you."

Elara glanced at Kael, who remained calm but alert, his eyes scanning their surroundings. She could see the tension in his posture, the readiness to act if things went wrong. She squeezed his arm gently, trying to draw strength from their shared resolve. Whatever happened, they would face it together.

The leader gestured for them to follow as they stepped into the hall. Inside, the air was cooler, filled with the scent of ancient incense. The space was vast, with high ceilings and pillars of shimmering stone that seemed to pulse with energy. At the far end of the hall, seated on raised thrones, were the Elders—five regal figures, their silver skin glowing softly in the dim light. Each of them wore garments of deep blue and gold, and their eyes, brighter than the rest, glowed with ancient wisdom.

The leader bowed before them, and Elara and Kael followed suit. One of the Elders, a woman with long silver hair and eyes like molten gold, spoke first.

"Who are these travelers?" she asked, her voice echoing through the hall with an ethereal quality. "And why have they come to our world?"

The leader stepped forward. "They came through the forest, from a portal that does not belong to us. They claim to seek refuge. The male says they mean no harm."

The Elders murmured amongst themselves, their glowing eyes fixed on Elara and Kael. Finally, the elder in the center, an older man with a crown of silver leaves, raised his hand for silence.

"You are not of our kind," he said, his voice carrying an authority that made the air seem heavier. "You have crossed into a world that is not yours, and our laws demand that outsiders be judged with caution. Tell us, why did you flee your world?"

Kael stepped forward, his voice respectful but firm. "We come from a place of danger. We were hunted by a powerful being—one who seeks to destroy anyone he views as a threat. We had no choice but to flee, and the portal brought us here. We ask for your mercy and protection."

The Elders remained silent for a long moment, their eyes flickering as they exchanged glances. Elara felt her heart tighten with anxiety. She feared they would turn them away, or worse, see them as enemies.

One of the younger Elders, a man with bright silver eyes, leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "What kind of being hunts you? And why should we involve ourselves in the conflicts of another world?"

Elara stepped forward this time, her voice soft but full of conviction. "He is called the Master," she said, her words trembling slightly. "He's a monster, powerful and cruel. I was trapped in his world, raised by those who served him. But I escaped, and Kael helped me. Now, the Master hunts us both because he believes we are a threat to his power. He will stop at nothing to destroy us."