My Mysterious Ring

moved at a brisk pace, the weight of the crystalline shard heavy in my pocket. Though we had escaped the S

" I asked, brea

centuries ago. Each was hidden in a place tied to the power of the Aurelion Circle. If th

peated. "I've ne

a beacon of civilization. But when the Circle was shattered, Solendir fell. S

not from the cold.

'll need to find a guide who knows the terra

nto this dangerous world was daunting, but the shard in my pocket

land was barren, the crops long dead, and the air carried an eerie stillness. Kael kept her

a while. "There's an inn not far from

f time made me uneasy. The Shadows had found us once;

nestled at the edge of a dense forest. Its sign, hanging

. A few patrons sat scattered across the room, their heads low as they nursed their

d, sliding a few coi

ngering on me for a moment before nodd

respective rooms, I found myself alone for the first time since the Shadows' attack. The qui

danced within it, shifting in mesmerizing patterns that seemed almost alive.

ity. At the center of the hall stood a group of figures, their faces obscured but their presence commandi

They were chosen to protect the balance, to wield the power of

es turned on one another, their artifacts clashing in bursts of light and shadow.

my heart pounding. The shard's glow had dimme

tled me. "Come in," I ca

expression grave.

shard back into my

"There's someone downstairs-a guide who knows the wa

do you

known for dealing in dangerous circles. But they

en we don't have muc

stay close to me, and don't let your guard down. People

clad in dark leather, his face partially obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. A scar

guide?" I whis

s Lorian. He's helped me befor

ng across his face. "Well, well. Kael, as sharp and d

Kael replied flatly. "We

then. I like that. But Solendir is no easy d

but firm. "You'll get your payment

t me warn you-the path to Solendir is treacherous, even for s

asked, unable to keep the fea

on turning serious. "The kind tha