The woman nodded. "He is not merely a shadow of the past. He is bound to the cycle of conflict, rising again each time the flame's power is disturbed." She gestured to the ruins. "This valley was once a sanctuary. A place where the balance between light and dark was preserved. But the war changed everything. The flame was hidden, its Keepers lost. And now, after centuries of silence, the cycle begins again."
Jude's mind reeled. "Then the artifacts, they're pieces of this cycle?"
The woman nodded. "Each one is a key, unlocking what was sealed. But they are also a test."
Lyara crossed her arms. "A test for what?"
The woman's gaze darkened. "To see who is worthy of wielding the flame."
Jude's grip tightened on the satchel. "And if the wrong person gets them?"
The woman didn't answer immediately. She merely turned and continued walking, leading them deeper into the valley. The silence was more telling than any words.
