As Elizabeth, Boma, and Ada continued their discussion, the door creaked open. Their father, Daniel, stepped in, his face heavy with exhaustion. His eyes moved from Elizabeth to Boma, then settled on Ada.
"What's going on?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with concern.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Dad, there's a new instruction on the book."
Elizabeth needs "A true love before she could become the Keeper"
Daniel's face changed from confusion to shock. "True love"
His hands clenched at his sides. "Where will Liszt find what Helen and I shared?" His voice broke, and his eyes filled with tears.
Elizabeth felt a lump form in her throat. She had never seen her father this vulnerable. Helen had been his anchor, his one true love. How was she supposed to find something like that?
Ada stepped forward. "We don't have time to dwell on the 'how.' The river's Queen is waiting, and she will tell us how long Elizabeth has to find true love."
Daniel turned to Ada, his gaze sharp. "The River's Queen?"
Ada nodded. "She is the guardian of the waters and the keeper of fate. If anyone can guide Elizabeth, it's her."
Silence filled the room. Then, Daniel sighed and wiped his eyes. "For the sake of Christian, then we must follow it."
Elizabeth's heart pounded. The next step in her journey was about to begin.
Ada straightened. "We leave for the river now."
The night air was thick with moisture as Elizabeth, Ada, Daniel, and Boma walked toward the river. The moon cast a silver glow, making the water shimmer. The sound of waves filled the silence.
Elizabeth's heart pounded. She wasn't sure what to expect. Would the River's Queen be a spirit? A god? A vision?
When they reached the riverbank, Ada stopped. "From here, you must step forward alone."
Elizabeth's breath hitched. "Alone?"
Ada nodded. "The River's Queen will only speak to the one who seeks to become a Keeper."
Elizabeth looked at her father and Boma. They gave reassuring nods. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.
A gust of wind swept across the river, and the water began to glow. A figure emerged - tall, regal, and draped in flowing garments made of water.
The River's Queen smiled. "You have come, child of the Keeper."
Elizabeth swallowed hard. "Yes... I need to know what I must do."
The Queen studied her. "To become a Keeper, you must prove yourself worthy."
Elizabeth's fingers curled into fists. "How?"
The Queen's gaze deepened. "You must find true love."
Elizabeth's heart sank. "But... how will I know it's real?"
The Queen lifted her hand, and the water rippled. "True love is not simply found, Elizabeth. It is tested. It is chosen. It is earned."
Elizabeth frowned. "How much time do I have?"
The water swirled, forming a glowing number: 30 days.
Elizabeth's stomach clenched. One month.
The Queen's voice was gentle but firm. "If you fail, the river's balance will be lost. Darkness will rise and you will lose what's most precious to you."
Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I'll do it."
The River's Queen smiled before fading back into the water.
Elizabeth turned back to her family, determination burning in her chest. "I have thirty days."
Daniel exhaled slowly. Boma's brows furrowed. Ada nodded.
"Then let the search begin."