Kael walked along the village’s stone paths, gripping the crystal shard tightly in his hand. Night still ruled over the land, cloaking everything in darkness. The light within the crystal illuminated his steps, guiding him as if it knew the way.
With every step, the crystal whispered:
“Go east. The source of the light you seek is there. Hurry. Your time is running out.”
Kael stopped when he reached the old stone gate at the edge of the village. It was the only passage leading beyond the Plains of Nivareth. Crossing it was not just a physical departure—it was a break from the past itself.
He looked back. His home, his family, everything he had ever known lay behind him. A wave of sadness passed through his heart.
Then he heard a voice.
“Kael!”
He turned around and saw Lira standing there.
Lira was the smartest girl in the village. Her eyes always seemed to be searching for answers to things no one else could see. She held a book in her hands. On its cover was an ancient symbol: three interlocking crystal rings.
“I knew you were leaving,” Lira said. “The night the Glass cracked, I saw you in my dream. The Light was calling to you.”
Kael was surprised, but at the same time relieved. Knowing he was not alone made the burden on his shoulders feel lighter.
“I’m coming with you,” Lira continued. “According to this book, the crystal’s call is part of a prophecy. And the prophecy begins with the journey of two people.”
Kael nodded.
There was no turning back now.
Together, they passed through the stone gate. The road ahead was hidden beneath a veil of mist. But the crystal shard opened a path of light through the fog.
The journey had begun.
Note: Translation and image were generated using artificial intelligence.
