"Aria!"

  The sound of my mother’s voice shattered the silence, pulling me from the abyss of my dream. I woke up with a start, only to feel the air rush past me as I fell, plummeting toward the bed. I hit the mattress with a thud, gasping as the air rushed out of my lungs.

  Levitating again.

  There was panic in her voice, a rare crack in the ever-calm facade she wore. The next thing I knew, I was falling—plummeting toward the bed. I hit the mattress with a thud, gasping as the air rushed out of my lungs.

  I blinked, trying to orient myself, but my mother was already beside me, her hands on my shoulders, her eyes wide with fear. "Aria, what was that? I—" She broke off, staring at me like she couldn’t believe what she’d just seen.

  "It’s fine, I’m fine," I mumbled, trying to sit up, but the look on her face stopped me in my tracks. Elara never panicked. Ever. Seeing her like this, pale and shaken, made my own fear bubble up.

  "No, it’s not fine," she said, her voice sharper than I’d ever heard it. "You were levitating."

  I winced, rubbing the back of my neck. "I... I didn’t realize you’d be here so early." It was a weak deflection, and we both knew it.

  "Aria, answer me." Her voice softened, but the worry in her eyes didn’t waver. "What’s going on?"

  I sighed, knowing there was no way out of this. My mother wasn’t just any Celestial—she was Elara. Calm, calculated, protector of Aether. But right now, she was just my mother, and that made it even harder to hide the truth.

  I glanced at her, really looking at her. Though she’d recovered enough to leave the hospital a few days ago, something was off. She wasn’t quite the Elara I had always known. Her strength, her vitality—though returning—wasn’t fully restored. And while she tried to hide it, the toll of what had happened in the sanctuary still lingered. She was fragile, something I wasn’t used to seeing.

  "It’s been happening for a few nights," I finally admitted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "I keep having this dream, and when I wake up... I’m floating. I don’t know why."

  Elara sat down on the edge of the bed, her brow furrowed in thought. "This... how long, exactly?"

  "Four nights," I answered, my voice small. "And it’s always the same dream."

  She studied me, her gaze intense. "Tell me about it."

  I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I’m in Aether, but it’s not like how we know it. There’s this forest... dark, but familiar. And there’s always this presence watching me. I can’t see who it is, but I know they’re there."

  Her grip tightened on my shoulder, and for the first time, I saw real fear flicker in her eyes. "Aria, this is not just a dream."

  I nodded, the weight of her words settling over me like a shroud. "I know. But I don’t know what to do."

  Elara stood, pacing toward the window, her fingers tracing the edge of the sill as she stared out into the distance. "This shouldn’t be happening. Not to you. There are old forces in Aether, things that even I don’t fully understand. But this..." She turned back to me, her expression one of deep concern. "Something is waking inside you."

  The room felt too small, the air too thick. "What do you mean?"

  "You’ve always had strong magic, Aria. But this is something else. Something... older." Her voice was quiet now, almost as if she were talking to herself.

  I swallowed hard. "What does that mean? Is it dangerous?"

  Elara’s lips pressed into a thin line. "It could be. Or it could be the key to something bigger. But we need to figure it out before it becomes uncontrollable."

  I nodded, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something monumental had just shifted in my life. "I’ve felt it... for a while now. Something watching me, even when I’m awake. Especially after Valenthis, when I blacked out underwater."

  My mother’s face went pale. "You didn’t tell me that."

  "I didn’t want to worry you," I said quickly, wincing at how feeble the excuse sounded now.

  "Aria." There was an edge to her voice now, her worry sharpening into something sterner. "This isn’t something you can keep from me. If you’re in danger—"

  "I know," I cut her off, feeling the panic rising in my chest. "I know. I just... I thought it would stop."

  Elara sighed, running a hand through her hair. She looked tired, more than I’d seen her in a long time. "This... whatever this is, it’s not going to stop, Aria. You need to be prepared."

  I stared at her, fear gnawing at the edges of my resolve. "Prepared for what?"

  She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she moved back to the bed, sitting beside me once more, her hand reaching out to cup my cheek. "For whatever comes next."

  Elara’s hand lingered on my cheek, her touch cool and steady. "Stay calm," she said softly, though I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. "I’ll take care of everything."

  "Take care of what?" I asked, sitting up straighter. "What’s going on, where are we going?"

  Elara stood, moving with the grace I always admired, though there was a slight hesitation in her step now, a subtle reminder that she wasn’t quite the same after the incident in the Sanctum. She turned back to me, her expression calm but with a new sense of urgency.

  "We need to leave," she said, her voice measured but firm. "There’s someone who can help. Someone who understands these... awakenings better than anyone else."

  "Awakenings?" I repeated, my heart picking up pace. "Who are you talking about? And why now?"

  Elara moved to the wardrobe, pulling out a simple travel cloak for herself and a heavier one for me. "I can’t explain everything right now, but it’s important we don’t waste time. This person—" she paused, her brow furrowing as she fastened the cloak at her neck, "—they’ve dealt with things like this before. With Celestials who experience... changes."

  "Changes?" I echoed, feeling like I was three steps behind her in this conversation. "What do you mean by 'changes'? Why are we talking about this now?"

  Elara hesitated, then sighed. "Because I didn’t realize it would come to this. I didn’t know something like this was even possible. But now that I’ve seen it with my own eyes... we can’t ignore it any longer."

  I stood up, pulling on the cloak she handed me, my mind racing. "But where are we going? Who is this person?"

  Elara's gaze met mine, calm but serious. "We’re going to see Althea."

  I blinked. "Althea? I’ve never heard of her."

  "You wouldn’t have," Elara replied softly. "She’s a Psionic. It’s a rare ability, and those who have it tend to keep to themselves."

  I stared at her, surprised. "I’ve only ever read about Psionics. I’ve never met someone who could use that kind of power."

  Elara nodded. "Most haven’t. They’re not common, and they prefer to stay hidden. But Althea... she’s different. She might be able to help us."

  Without another word, we left the house, stepping into the cool morning air. Elara led the way, moving with a sense of urgency I hadn’t seen in her before. We passed through the outskirts of the city, heading toward the dense forest that bordered the far edges of Aether. My mind was spinning with a million questions, but I kept silent, sensing the weight of the situation.

  The trees thickened as we moved deeper into the forest, their towering branches casting long shadows across the narrow path. The air grew cooler, and a mist began to settle on the ground, swirling around our feet as we walked. It felt like we were leaving the familiar world behind, stepping into something older, more mysterious.

  After what felt like hours, I realized with a start that it had only been around twenty minutes. The trees finally parted, revealing a small village nestled quietly in a clearing.

  The houses were simple, crafted from wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. It was quiet—almost eerily so—and I wondered if the people who lived here were as isolated as Althea.

  Elara didn’t pause. She moved toward the far end of the village, where a small, hidden cottage stood, partially concealed by thick vines and overgrown trees. It looked like it had been deliberately placed out of sight, almost as if its owner wanted to remain forgotten.

  "This is it," Elara said quietly, her hand resting on the gate. I could feel the tension radiating from her, a stark contrast to the usual calm confidence she exuded.

  We approached the door, the silence of the village pressing down on us.

  The door creaked open, though no hand touched it, as a soft voice echoed from inside, “Come in.”

  I hesitated for a moment, glancing at Elara, but she was already stepping through the threshold. The cottage was bathed in a strange, almost ethereal glow. It wasn’t from any visible light source, but rather, the air itself seemed to shimmer with a faint luminescence, as if the walls and objects within were softly vibrating with energy. The wooden beams overhead twisted in ways that defied natural design, and the air felt dense, like every breath was tinged with magic.

  Standing in the center of the room, a woman materialized—or perhaps manifested was the better word—her form flickering slightly before stabilizing. She was medium in height, with hair that cascaded down her back, almost reaching her ankles. A white gown draped over her frame, embroidered with delicate, shimmering patterns that seemed to move as though alive. Her feet were bare, and her deep green eyes radiated wisdom that felt far older than her appearance suggested.

  I studied her carefully. There was something about her presence that was unsettling—not in a malicious way, but as though she existed between realities. Her entire being felt... transient, like she was here but not fully here.

  Elara gave a respectful nod, but there was tension in her body I wasn’t used to seeing.

  The woman, Althea, looked directly at me, her voice soft but clear, like a note struck from a distant bell. “Aria. Curious already, I see.”

  Caught off guard, I blinked and hesitated for a moment before speaking more carefully. “Forgive my curiosity, but could you explain what it’s like being a Psionic? How exactly does it work, and… where is your real form located?”

  Althea chuckled softly, an understanding smile spreading across her face. “Such curiosity is refreshing,” she said, her words warm. “Few are bold enough to ask such questions.”

  Elara, standing beside me, glanced between us but remained silent, letting the conversation flow naturally.

  “I exist between spaces,” Althea began, her holographic form shimmering lightly. “A Psionic’s mind transcends physical boundaries. My consciousness resides here, in this space, while my body rests elsewhere. It is... how should I say... preserved. I chose this path to extend my wisdom, to offer guidance and protection to Aether. In this form, I can interact with the world while conserving my physical self.”

  “So... you could live forever?” I asked, my mind racing to understand the implications.

  Althea shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “Not forever. Even this form has its limitations. But it does grant me time—time to help, to guide, and to learn.”

  I couldn’t help but admire the calm strength in her voice, the way she spoke with such assurance. It felt like she had seen and understood far more than I could ever imagine.

  “How long have you been doing this?” I asked, stepping forward slightly.

  “About two centuries,” she replied, as though it were the most casual thing in the world. “Though I was born five hundred years ago. I’ve witnessed Aether evolve, watched generations come and go. I chose this path to preserve the balance, to be a guardian of knowledge.”

  I paused, the enormity of her age and wisdom hitting me. “Five hundred years? Why would you choose to give up... everything? Your physical self, I mean?”

  Althea’s eyes softened, and she looked almost nostalgic. “Curiosity,” she said with a faint smile. “Curiosity leads to knowledge, and knowledge to understanding. For someone like me, the pursuit of wisdom is endless. And as a Psionic, I’ve found a way to continue that pursuit.”

  Her words stirred something in me. “You said your body is preserved... where is it?”

  Althea hesitated for a brief moment, as though considering how much to reveal. “It is well-guarded, resting deep within a sanctum, protected by the magic of Aether. In time, you may see it, but for now, you only need to know that I am fully present here, despite my body’s absence.”

  I nodded slowly, trying to absorb all the new information. The more she spoke, the more questions surfaced in my mind.

  “What... race are you?” I asked, another thought striking me.

  Her smile widened just slightly, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “I am Luminaris, a race older than most in Aether. We are known for our affinity to light and the mind. The path of a Psionic is not natural to our kind; it is a choice few make. My people live far from here, isolated, preferring the quiet balance of their lands. But I chose a different path, to lend my knowledge where it was needed most.”

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  "Luminaris..." I murmured, the name unfamiliar yet somehow fitting. "I’ve never heard of them."

  “We are few,” Althea said, her tone almost wistful. “And we prefer it that way.”

  Elara, who had been watching silently, finally spoke, her voice soft but full of respect. "Althea has been a guardian of Aether for many years. She’s helped guide countless leaders and has been pivotal in maintaining the balance."

  Althea inclined her head modestly. "I simply assist where I can."

  There was something calming about her, something that made it easy to trust her words. Still, it was a lot to take in.

  “Doesn’t it get... lonely?” I asked.

  Althea’s eyes flickered with something akin to sadness, but she smiled kindly. “Loneliness is part of the price we pay for understanding, for wisdom. But it’s not something I regret.”

  I exchanged a glance with Elara, unsure what to make of that answer.

  Althea took a step forward, her form still faintly shimmering as she moved. “Aria, you must have more questions. Ask freely, and I will answer what I can.”

  Her openness surprised me, but I felt a warmth spread through my chest at her encouragement.

  "I do... have more questions," I admitted, my voice softening. "But... can you help me? My dreams... this thing inside me. I don’t know what’s happening, and I don’t understand why."

  Althea’s gaze deepened, as though she could see directly into my thoughts. She placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch strangely solid despite her ethereal form. “We’ll begin soon. But first, you must understand something, Aria. What’s happening to you is... ancient. Very few have experienced it. But I will do everything in my power to help you find the answers you seek.”

  I nodded, my heartbeat steadying as her words settled over me. The weight of everything felt less suffocating now that I knew there was someone who understood.

  “Thank you,” I whispered.

  Elara smiled softly, her tension easing for the first time since we’d arrived.

  Althea gave a gentle nod and gestured toward the inner chamber. “Come. There is much we need to discuss.”

  Althea moved ahead of us, her form not quite touching the ground. She didn’t walk—she seemed to glide, her movements so fluid they felt unreal. I glanced at Elara, who gave me a small nod, as if to reassure me that we were in the right place. My mother was calm, but I could sense the tension beneath the surface, her hands gripping the edge of her cloak a little too tightly.

  We followed Althea into a small room at the back of the cottage. The air here felt different—thicker, charged with something I couldn’t quite identify. The walls were lined with ancient books, some of which looked like they hadn’t been touched in centuries. There was a small, round table in the middle of the room, with two chairs positioned across from each other. A soft light illuminated the space, though I couldn’t tell where it was coming from.

  Elara and I took our seats, while Althea remained standing, her ethereal form hovering just in front of us. She observed us both with a deep, piercing gaze, as though she could see beyond our physical selves into the very core of who we were.

  "I wish I had more concrete answers," she began, her voice gentle yet steady. "But what I do know... is rare. Very rare."

  I swallowed, my mind racing with the implications of what she was about to tell me. “What do you mean by rare?” My voice sounded stronger than I felt.

  Althea’s expression softened, but her eyes remained serious. “There are forces in this world that are ancient, older than most of the magic we know. Forces that, at times, choose to manifest through specific individuals when they deem it necessary.”

  Elara shifted slightly beside me, her posture still as composed as ever, but I could feel her energy bristle with concern. “Are you saying something is choosing my daughter?” she asked, her tone calm but laced with an undercurrent of fear.

  Althea turned toward her. “Yes, but it’s not that simple. These forces don’t choose recklessly. They choose in times of great need—times when Aether is in danger. And the individual... well, they become a vessel for something greater.”

  I glanced at Elara, her face unreadable but her jaw set tight. A vessel? My throat tightened at the thought. “So... what exactly is happening to me?” I asked, my voice quieter now, more uncertain.

  Althea’s gaze returned to me. “I can’t be sure yet. But it seems that one of the Guardians of the Aether may be waking inside of you.”

  A chill ran down my spine. I’d heard the stories—legends of the Guardians, beings of immense power that protected Aether from great threats. But they were just that—stories.

  “The Guardians are not mere myths, Aria,” Althea continued, as though reading my thoughts. “They are real, though they seldom intervene directly. They exist to maintain the balance of Aether, to protect it from forces that could disrupt or destroy it.”

  Elara's voice trembled, barely noticeable. "And when they wake within someone... what does that mean for Aria?"

  Althea hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “When a Guardian begins to stir, it is a sign of something greater on the horizon—something dangerous, something that threatens Aether itself. The fact that one is waking now... it means a storm is coming.”

  I took in a shaky breath, my fingers gripping the edges of the chair. “A... storm?”

  “A war,” Althea clarified, her voice heavy. “One that will shake the foundations of Aether, and perhaps beyond.”

  The room fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on all of us. Elara reached over, placing her hand on mine. I felt the warmth of her touch, but it did little to calm the storm building inside of me.

  “You said... the Guardians rarely intervene,” I whispered. “So why now? Why me?”

  Althea's expression grew more solemn. “The Guardians don’t simply wake for any reason. They only do so when they sense that Aether is on the verge of a catastrophe—one that could destroy everything we know. And when they choose a vessel, it is because that person is uniquely suited to carry their power, to help prevent the disaster.”

  Elara’s grip on my hand tightened. “So... what happens to her now?”

  Althea paused, her gaze flickering between us. “That depends. If the Guardian fully awakens within her, Aria will gain power beyond anything she has ever known. But that power comes with a cost.”

  I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “A cost?”

  Althea nodded. “The power of a Guardian is immense, too great for most to bear. If the Guardian fully manifests within you, Aria, you will become... something else. Not fully yourself, and not fully the Guardian. A blend of the two, which could be dangerous.”

  Elara’s breath caught, and I could feel the tension radiating off her. “Is there a way to stop it?” she asked, her voice tight with fear.

  Althea shook her head. “No. Once a Guardian has chosen, the process is inevitable. The only thing we can do is guide Aria through it, help her manage the power, so that she remains in control.”

  I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The room seemed to close in around me, and my vision blurred for a moment.

  Elara squeezed my hand again, harder this time, her voice low but steady. “You are strong, Aria. Stronger than you know. We’ll get through this.”

  I nodded numbly, trying to absorb everything that had just been said. But my mind kept going back to one thing.

  “If the Guardian awakens inside me, what happens if I lose control?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

  Althea's eyes darkened. “If the Guardian fully takes over and you lose control... it could destroy you. And worse, it could destabilize Aether itself.”

  I couldn’t speak. The weight of it was too much.

  Elara’s voice broke through the haze of my thoughts. “Is there any other way the Guardians manifest?”

  Althea sighed softly. “In rare cases, when even vessels are not enough, the Guardians themselves can fully intrude into our world. But such an event would be... catastrophic. Their power is too great for Aether to sustain. If that were to happen, it could cause devastation on a scale we cannot afford.”

  The room fell silent again, the gravity of the situation settling over us like a suffocating blanket.

  “I will help you, Aria,” Althea said finally, her voice warm and full of resolve. “You are not alone in this. I will teach you how to control the power, how to remain yourself even as the Guardian stirs within you. But you must be prepared—for what’s to come, and for the choices you’ll have to make.”

  I met her gaze, finding strength in her words, though fear still gnawed at the edges of my mind.

  I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I had to know. "Why me?" My voice came out quieter than I intended, a mix of frustration and fear.

  Althea met my gaze, her deep green eyes filled with a calm wisdom. “The Guardians are not arbitrary in their choices. They are beings born of balance, sustained by the harmony of magic—light and darkness, intertwined.” She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "The mistake the Arcanists, including the Council, have made for centuries is their fear of the dark."

  I furrowed my brow. "Fear of the dark?"

  Althea gave a slow nod. “Yes, they believe darkness is something to be vanquished, something inherently evil. But that’s not true. Darkness is beautiful. It’s vibrant, powerful. It gives light its meaning, just as light defines the darkness. One cannot exist without the other. Just as dark magic can be twisted for evil, so too can light. The corruption lies not in the magic itself, but in the hearts of those who wield it.”

  Elara let out a soft, almost disbelieving whisper. "The war... seventy-three years ago."

  Althea’s gaze sharpened, her face still calm but her tone taking on a heavier edge. “Yes. That war was a grave mistake. One that set the foundation for the conflict to come. The Guardians are angry. They’re coming now because their children—the Arcanists, the Celestials, all of us—have made a mess. And they intend to clean it up.”

  The room seemed to darken with her words, and I felt a coldness in my chest. I glanced at Elara, who was staring intently at Althea, her face pale. "And the vessel..." my mother began, the pieces slowly falling into place, "it must hold both magics. Light and dark."

  Althea gave a single, solemn nod. "Yes."

  I blinked, feeling the weight of those words crush me from the inside out. "But... I don’t have dark magic. I’m... I’m not—"

  "You do, Aria," Althea said softly, cutting me off. "It’s within you. It always has been."

  My breath caught in my throat. Elara’s face twisted with shock, her composure faltering for the first time in my life. "That can’t be right. She’s... she’s only ever had Aether’s light in her. I would have known."

  Althea’s expression didn’t waver. She glanced at Elara, then back at me. “Dark magic isn’t something that always shows itself, especially if it’s dormant. But it’s there, passed through your bloodline.”

  Elara inhaled sharply, her voice trembling as she echoed, “Bloodline?”

  The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at Althea, waiting for her to explain what that meant. But she spoke first, her voice fragile as she asked the question neither of us had dared think about.

  “What was... her father?

  The room fell deathly silent. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked at my mother. Her hands trembled in her lap as she tried to hold herself together. “He was... he was a man attuned to the magic of Aether. He had an extraordinary connection to the light, to energy. But—”

  Althea stepped in, her voice gentle yet insistent, guiding my mother’s thoughts like a beacon. “And what about his parents? His lineage?”

  Elara blinked, clearly thrown off by the question. "He never knew them. His mother died giving birth to him, and he never met his father."

  Althea tilted her head slightly, her gaze piercing through the silence. "That may be where the answer lies. Caelum’s power... his connection to the light—it was too strong, wasn’t it?"

  Elara nodded slowly, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes... He was always so... powerful. But he was kind, and—"

  “And he may not have been entirely what he seemed,” Althea finished, her tone unyielding but compassionate. “If his power was that strong, and he possessed such a rare connection to Aether, it’s likely his bloodline carries more than just light. The only way dark magic could have been passed down to you is through your father.”

  A heavy silence fell between us. I stared at the floor, my mind racing, trying to make sense of everything.

  "He could’ve been... part Shadow Celestial," I said, my voice shaky, barely believing the words coming out of my mouth. "That’s why... I have dark magic in me."

  Elara didn’t respond immediately. Her eyes were distant, lost in memories of the man she had loved, the father I had barely known. Her voice cracked when she finally spoke. "We thought... we thought Aria’s black hair was just... a trait. That’s all it was, just a physical trait."

  "His hair..." I whispered, looking at my own reflection in a nearby mirror, the same dark hair staring back at me. The same black that had always marked me as different. A difference we had chalked up to simple inheritance. But maybe it had always meant more.

  "That could explain why you’re the vessel," Althea said, her tone resolute. “You’re a bridge, Aria. You have the capacity for both sides—the light of the Celestials and the shadows of your father’s bloodline. The Guardians choose those who embody balance, and you... are the perfect representation of that balance.”

  I sat there, feeling the weight of it all press down on me. My father, the man I thought I knew, might not have been who we believed him to be. And now, because of him, I was being pulled into a destiny I never asked for, carrying magic I didn’t fully understand. Magic that, if I wasn’t careful, could destroy me.

  Elara’s hand found mine again, her grip tight but warm. I looked at her, seeing the fear in her eyes—the same fear I was feeling—but also an overwhelming sense of love. No matter what this meant for me, I wasn’t alone.

  Althea's voice broke through the haze of my thoughts once more. “This is why the Guardians chose you, Aria. You are their vessel, the one they believe can restore the balance. The power you hold is dangerous, yes, but it’s also a gift. A gift they only give to those they trust.”

  I stared at her, unsure if I should feel honored or terrified. Maybe both.

  Althea took a step closer, her voice soft but steady. "This is your path, Aria. You were chosen for a reason. And now, you must decide what you’ll do with it."

  I hesitated for a moment, my thoughts swirling with confusion and doubt. "But why me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know there are others... born from the mix of Celestials and Shadow Celestials. So why choose me?”

  Althea’s gaze softened as she regarded me. “Your lineage is powerful, Aria. Both your parents carried immense strength, and that strength was passed down to you. You have the potential to wield the power of a Guardian in a way that others, even those of mixed heritage, might not be able to handle. Your connection to both light and shadow is... balanced. It’s rare.”

  "So, what? If I fail... they’ll just find someone else?"

  Althea’s expression grew more serious. "It’s not that simple. You’re their best hope because of your unique balance. But if things take a dire turn—if the conflict escalates—they might not have a choice. They could force the hand of nature, as you put it, and awaken the potential in others with the same lineage. But that would be a last resort, a desperate move.”

  I looked down, feeling the burden of the truth settle in. The weight of responsibility pressed harder now, knowing that I wasn’t just a random choice but someone who might truly be the best hope for restoring balance.

  “But that’s not their plan,” Althea continued, her voice firm but gentle. “They chose you, Aria, because they believe in your ability to do this. You’re not just a vessel—you’re the one they trust to carry this power and use it for the right reasons. You’ve already shown your strength. Now it’s time to show your courage.”

  I swallowed hard, the reality sinking in even deeper. There were others, yes, but I had been chosen for a reason. I had to find that reason within myself.

  "I’ll do it," I said softly, more to myself than to Althea or my mother. "I don’t know how... but I’ll do it. I won’t let the Guardians down."

  Althea gave me a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Good. Because they’re counting on you."

  For a moment, the weight of her words settled between us, thick and heavy. I could feel my pulse in my ears, the enormity of it all pressing down on me. But there was something else gnawing at the back of my mind. I took a slow breath and steeled myself.

  “I have one more question,” I said, my voice hesitant but determined. “The war that’s coming... It’s not just about technomancers, is it? The Arcanists can handle them on their own. But I know more than just whispers… I've encountered it. The Entity. It’s from beyond the Veil, isn’t it?”

  Althea’s eyes flickered with a shadow of acknowledgment. "Yes," she said slowly, her voice calm but carrying an undeniable gravity. "The Entity is part of what’s coming."

  I felt my chest tighten as I pieced it together. "Part of it?" My voice was barely audible, my body going rigid with realization. "You mean… there’s more?"

  Althea nodded, her expression growing darker, more serious. "There is. The Entity is just one piece of the storm gathering over us. A far greater power is moving through the currents of the cosmos, Aria. Something ancient, something vast. And it is coming for Aether. And this world."

  Her words were like a cold hand gripping my spine. I had expected the threat of the Entity to be massive, but this... something worse, something even larger. "What kind of power?" I asked, the question trembling on my lips.

  Althea's voice lowered, thick with reverence and unease. “Who knows, child? Who truly knows? But it seems even the Guardians themselves fear it... that power, capable of shaking the very foundations of reality.”

  The weight of Althea's words hit me harder than I expected. A force beyond even the Guardians? My stomach twisted violently, and before I could control it, a wave of nausea surged through me. My hand flew instinctively to my abdomen as I bent forward, feeling like I might collapse.

  “Aria!” Elara’s voice was sharp with concern, her arm immediately wrapping around me for support.

  I tried to steady my breath, but the room felt like it was spinning. The air was too thick, too heavy. Before I could say anything, Althea’s calm voice cut through the haze.

  “It’s time,” she said, her tone resolute. “Elara, you and Aria must part ways here.”

  Both Elara and I straightened, staring at Althea in shock. “What?” Elara’s voice trembled slightly, disbelief evident. “You can’t mean that.”

  Althea met her gaze steadily, unflinching. “I do. Aria’s journey begins now, and every second matters. You need to go to the Council and inform them of what’s coming—no one else can do it. Meanwhile, Aria must come with me. Her training starts immediately.”

  “I... I’m not ready for this,” I stammered, the weight of everything crashing down on me all at once. “You can’t just—”

  “There is no time,” Althea interrupted gently, but firmly. “What’s coming won’t wait. You don’t have the luxury of hesitation, Aria. Neither of you do.”

  Elara’s face tightened with a mix of emotions—fear, worry, but also an understanding. She pulled me into a fierce hug, her voice soft but urgent. “You’ll be alright. I’ll be with you, no matter where I am.”

  I nodded against her shoulder, the overwhelming rush of emotion making it hard to speak. When she pulled away, her eyes lingered on mine, full of unspoken things.

  Althea stepped forward, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder, as if to guide me into the next step of this unknown path.

  “The path you choose next... will change everything.”