The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting a spectral glow over the forests that bordered the kingdom of Dareth. Elara stood at the edge of the ancient woods, her cloak clutched tightly around her. The wind rustled through the trees like soft murmurs, as if the forest were whispering secrets only she could hear.
She had followed the markings—symbols older than time—etched faintly into the stones that led deeper into the forest. Each one pulsed faintly under the moonlight, guiding her to a place long forbidden by the elders. A place even the bravest warriors spoke of only in hushed tones—the Forgotten Realm.
A twig snapped behind her. Elara spun around, her fingers ready with the incantation Kael had taught her in case of danger.
"Easy, it's me," came the low voice of Kael as he emerged from the shadows. "You shouldn't be out here alone."
"Neither should you," she replied, her breath visible in the cold air. "But you're here. That must mean you believe me now."
Kael stepped closer, his eyes reflecting the silvery moonlight. "I saw it too. The same markings appeared in my dream. The same voice calling to me. It's not a coincidence."
Elara nodded. "Then we have to go. Whatever lies in the Forgotten Realm—it's the only way to uncover the truth. About my mother. About who I am."
Kael's jaw clenched. He had always been protective of Elara, but the unknown power within her terrified him. "We go together. But we tread carefully."
They stepped into the woods. Each step brought a chilling sensation, as though the very trees were watching them. As they ventured deeper, the air thickened with magic. Time seemed to slow, and reality warped.
"Look," Elara whispered, pointing to a clearing bathed in moonlight. In its center floated a stone archway, adorned with glowing runes. Beneath it, a swirling vortex shimmered.
Kael approached it, his hand reaching toward the runes. "These... these are names. Elven names. I can read them. One of them... it's yours."
Elara's eyes widened. "That's impossible. I'm human."
"Are you?" Kael asked, voice trembling.
She stepped closer, the vortex pulling at her senses. A wave of warmth washed over her as memories surged—flashes of a woman with silver hair and a voice like wind chimes, a lullaby in an ancient tongue, her mother's eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
"This is the truth," Elara whispered. "My mother came from here. And this realm... it's calling me home."
Kael drew his blade. "Then let's find out what secrets it hides."
Together, they stepped into the portal, unaware that far above, in the palace of the High Council, a dark figure watched their journey unfold through a shimmering scrying mirror.
"So... the child returns," the figure whispered, fingers tightening on the armrest. "Let the game begin."