Soon, we journeyed to the temple, as we were traveling, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were being watched. I glanced around, and saw nothing but dense foliage and towering trees.
My parents seemed to sense my unease
"We're almost there." Mother said, her voice reassuring.
Suddenly, the trees parted, and I gasped, I was surprised of what was before me.
Before me stood an old, mysterious building covered in vines and moss. The air felt strange and magical.
"Welcome to the Temple of the Elements," Father said, his eyes reflecting deep devotion.
I caught my breath again, and then felt a chill as they stepped inside the temple. The temple was dark, except for a faint glow coming from the walls.
"Here, you'll learn to harness your powers," Mother said, leading me to a glowing crystal.
"But, you will have to prove yourself first, you need to show you are worthy."
"How?
To prove that I have magic inside me?" I asked, curiously.
Father stepped forward, answering my question.
"Yes," he nodded.
"And to check your magical resilience. That's how powerful the magic inside you is, how it contain too, It extend.
It will reveal everything to be sure you are really the chosen one." He explained.
"To that extent? Why? I thought you said I was the chosen one already, and this temple is where I will learn to master my powers, why the doubt now." I asked. and then took a glance at my mother, our eyes locked in a silent understanding.
Though, I felt mother was kind of suspicious but didn't take any meaning to it.
Then I asked, after brushing off my thoughts, perhaps to please my parents.
"What do I need to do to prove that?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
"Touch the glowing crystal before you." Mother replied.
I took a glance at my father and he gave a gentle node of acceptance, followed by a warm smile to put me at ease.
My heart pounded as I reached out to touch the crystal. Suddenly, the temple was filled with a blinding light which surrounded me after touching the crystal. and I felt myself being lifted off the ground.
As the light surrounded me, I felt my senses expand, as if I could see and hear everything around me with perfect clarity. I saw my parents, their faces were filled with a mix of hope and anxiety.
I saw the temples ancient stones surging with energy. And saw myself and my powers growing, expanding, becoming something more.
But that did not lasted long, soon the light faded, and I found myself back on the ground, panting heavily. My parents rushed to my side, helping me up.
"What just happened?" I asked, my voice shaking.
Mom smiled. "You passed the first test. You're one step closer to unlocking your true potential."
"What?!" I exclaimed. My eyes widened as I looked around the temple and saw strange symbols carved into the walls, full with energy. I saw ancient artifacts, their power were calling to me.
"What's next?" I asked, my heart pounding.
Father's expression turned serious.
"Now, you must face the trials. There are three challenges, each one designed to test your power, your courage, and your heart."
I braced herself, seeming ready to face whatsoever situation I might find herself.
"The first trial is the Labyrinth of Reflections.
It's a challenging test to push one to their limits, to confront their innermost thoughts, fears and desires."
Father announced, his voice echoing off the temple walls.
"You must overcome its paths and confront your deepest fears." He added.
I summoned my courage and stepped forward to the labyrinth that stood before me, it has a dark entrance which seemed to threaten me. But I gathered my courage in.
As I entered, the walls began to shift and twist, reflecting my own memories and doubts.
I saw myself failing, and my parents disappointed in me, then saw how I'm lost and alone.
Still, I pressed on, using my powers to illuminate the path and push back the shadows by confronting my fears. I faced my fears one by one, until I reached the center of the labyrinth.
There, I discovered a mirror with a watery surface. And gazing into it, I saw my true self, including my strengths, weaknesses, my heart and soul.
Suddenly, a voice whispered in my mind while still gazing at the mirror of truth.
"Don't trust them, Aria. You have to escape now or it's never. you'll never be able to leave this place."
I turned around, but saw no one. The voice seemed to come from within my own mind.
"What do you mean?" I thought back, my mind racing.
"They're using you, trying to figure everything about you." the voice replied.
"They're manipulating you for their own purposes. You're in grave danger."
My eyes darted to my parents who were watching me with proud smiles. But now, saw them in a different light.
"Why should I trust you?" I thought, unsure of the situation.
"Because I'm the part of you that knows the truth, I am your inner self, the real you that faces the truth, I'm your brave side." The voice replied.
"You're running out of time. Escape now, or you'll be trapped forever." It added.
My heart pounded as I hesitated. Pondering whether to trust the voice, or my parents?
My eyes locked onto my parents, searching for any signs of dishonesty. But they seemed genuinely proud and supportive.
"Why should I trust you?" I thought again, my mind racing.
"Look for the symbol of the Eclipse," the voice replied.
"It's the mark of the Shadow Order. If you see it, you'll know the truth."
I had a secret revealed to me in a dream before.
A mysterious voice told me that the Shadow Order was created by a creature named Lazarus, who killed powerful magicians and took their powers. The voice warned me to keep this secret hidden, even from my parents. I had kept this secret for years and remembers the warning to stay away from the forbidden place when the day comes.
My gaze wandered through the temple, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw the symbol etched into the wall, hidden behind a tapestry.
My parents' smiles faltered as they noticed my expression and both exchanged a nervous glance.
"Aria, what's wrong?" Mother asked, her voice trembling.
My mind reeled as I realized the truth. My parents were indeed manipulating me, using me for some purposes.
"I have to get out of here," I thought, my heart pounding.
"Run," the voice urged.
"Now!" It screamed.
I ran quickly towards the exit. Immediately, my parents cried out worriedly, they tried to follow me but I was too fast, they couldn't. Now, their voices were fading. I didn't listen and kept focusing on escaping the temple.
My heart raced as I saw skeletons, their empty eye sockets seeming to watch me as I fled.
Shortly, I heard a loud, angry voice echoing off the temple walls,
'Lazarus!'
The voice sent chills down my spine.
"So, there was really someone else here," I said, breathing heavily.
"Get her!" Lazarus screamed, his voice growing fainter as I ran.
I didn't dare look back, fearing what I might see. My parents' betrayal hurts deeply, but Lazarus evil intentions terrified me more.
When I came out of the temple, the outside looked different from where we had entered, as if the temple had multiple exits. I saw a dark forest in front of me with trees that seemed to be hiding secrets and dangers. I had to keep running to find help and learn more about myself and this so called powers.
As I ran, I could still hear Lazarus' fading voice in my mind.
"I must have her powers... I've waited for years."
I knew I was far from safe, and ran as fast as I could, the darkness closing in around me,
"I must escape from them no matter what." I muttered to myself while panting.
Suddenly, a hand grasped my arm, pulling me into a narrow alleyway. I struggled to break free, but my rescuer held tight.
"Wait, I'm trying to help you!" The rescuer whispered, before I became calm, then turned and saw it was a man with a scar above his left eyebrow.
"My name is Elias," he said, still holding my arm.
"I used to be an Oracle.
But, Lazarus took my powers as an oracle and left me to die."
My eyes widened in surprise. "You're the one they call the Lost Oracle?
Wow, you do not look age at all." I said, seeming lost in awe.
I have heard about him before in a book.
Elias nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I'm no Oracle now. Just a survivor. I've been hiding in the shadows, trying to stay alive."
My gaze softened, seeing the pain in Elias's eyes.
"Thank you for helping me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elias gave a small wry smile.
"I know what it's like to be hunted. Let's get out of here first."
And with that, Elias guided me through the winding road, to ensure my safe escape.
"What brought you to the temple?" Elias asked, seeming curious.
My eyes dropped, my voice barely above a whisper as I recounted the events that led me to the Temple.
"My parents. They said I was chosen for a great honor, and that I would be trained to unlock my true potential..."
My words trailed off, and Elias's expression softened in understanding.
"It might not be your parents fault," Elias said, gently.
"They might be manipulated, or perhaps... they might not be who they claim to be." He added.
I looked up, confusion etched on my face.
"What do you mean?"
Elias's eyes turned serious.
"Dark powers can manipulate people, control their minds. If your parents were influenced, they might not be acting of their own free will."
I became determined to uncover the truth.
Pondering whether my parents were being manipulated or just an impostors? And if they were under someone's control, how could I save them?
"The palace is the only safe place," Elias said firmly, interrupting my thinking.
"You should go there for now. Stay calm and worry about finding the truth later."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination, and ready to face whatever came next and find the truth. Elias's words gave me a small sense of hope.
"Let's go," I said, firmly.
Thinking to myself, "I need to find out who I really am."
Elias nodded, with a small smile on his face.
"Then, you should start your journey to the palace." Elias said, giving me a map, compass and an already written letter.
****
I took a deep breath, holding the compass, map, and letter Elias had given me. I felt determined, knowing I had to be cautious about the palace I'd been warned, it was full of secrets and dangers.
"Thank you, Elias," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I'll never forget your help." I added.
Elias nodded, his eyes seeming serious.
"Remember, trust no one and love no one. The palace is full of deceit and betrayal." He warned again, emphasizing the danger.
I nodded, tucking away the letter and map.I saw the sincerity in Elias's eyes and promised,
"I'll be careful." I said, and also asked him for a favor regarding Caius which he agreed to it.
As I turned to leave, Elias called out,
"I will keep my promise, your favor will be granted. Stay safe Aria!"
I smiled, brushing off the thought of how Elias knew my name even before releasing it to him.
I felt hopeful, eventhough I knew the journey to the palace would be long and challenging.
But with Elias's help, I felt more confident.
with a mix of excitement and fear, I set off towards the palace.
As I walked, I remembered Elias's warning not to trust or love anyone. It was a tough truth, which I must hold onto and stay cautious.
After hours of walking, I saw the grand palace in the distance, its towers and spires reaching for the sky. I felt awestruck, but stayed focused. My mission was clearly to uncover the truth about my parents and myself.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, approaching the palace gates with determination, gathering my courage to face whatever awaited me.
****