Shadow of darkness

daughter about the crystal, its significance, and her role in wielding its power. But Elara was stil

art swelled with love and concern, knowing that her daughter's carefree days were numbered. The weight of the crystal'

. The crystal's power was not to be taken lightly, and Elara's innocence was precious. Aria longed to shield her

ystal's history, its significance, and the ancient language that held the secrets of its power. It would be a long and winding j

g for something. Aria and Elara were sitting at the table, surrounded by

a?" he asked, his voi

n her eyes. "Just some teachings, Thorne.

n that old magic nonsense? I thoug

's not nonsense, Thorne. I

ant Elara getting mixed up in tha

derstand, Thorne. Elara has a gift

t you're filling her head with foolish ideas. She's just a

Elara, sensing the tension, looked dow

al palpable. "I think it's time for me to take a closer look

ne's presence seemed to fill the room, his skepticism and disappro

out the crystal or the secret. He wouldn't understand, and Aria feared he

ne was out fishing or tending to his duties, then she would ta

ing the crystal up to the sunlight. "It holds gre

ith wide eyes, but Aria could

?" Elara asked, her voic

s. "It's like a key, Elara. A key to unlock great things. But you

in her mind. She was still too young to unde

ples to help Elara grasp the concept. But no matter how

had to find a way to make Elara understand, but it seeme

zed that she was pushing Elara too hard. She

have to understand it all right now. Just know that the crystal is s

crystal, her mind racing with questions. "Mother, why doe

"That's a great question, Elara. The crystal

n thought. "But why does it

is trying to talk to you, Elara. It's try

idened. "Secre

"Like how to make the flowers bloom with just a

t up. "Really?

innocence and curiosity were a reminder o

saw the world with fresh eyes. She asked why the trees swayed in the wind, and why the rivers flowed to th

ugh Elara's eyes. And as they explored the mysteries of the crystal, Elara's p

d to Aria with a look of deep understanding. "

kipped a beat.

hisper. "Because it's trying to sh

e greatest magic lay within. And in that moment, Aria knew that Elara's potential for

figure it out together. But for now, Aria knew she had to be patient and t