The bridge stretched out before Lina like a fragile thread of light suspended between two worlds. Its woven vines shimmered faintly in the dim glow of the canyon, stretching from one craggy wall to the other. Below, the river roared and churned, white water crashing against sharp stones far beneath her feet.
Her heart hammered fiercely in her chest as she stepped onto the bridge. Each footfall made the vines creak and sway, threatening to snap in the slightest gust. Lina gripped the key of first light tightly, feeling its warmth pulse steadily in her palm. The mark on her wrist throbbed in time, as if encouraging her forward.
Ahead, the glowing butterfly hovered just beyond reach, beckoning her on. The air around her seemed charged with anticipation. She knew crossing this bridge was more than just a physical trial—it was a test of her courage and resolve.
Suddenly, the wind stilled. The roaring river quieted to an eerie hush.
A shadow flickered on the far side of the bridge. The tall, masked figure Lina had glimpsed earlier stepped forward, his dark feathers rustling softly in a breeze that wasn't there.
"Who dares cross the Veilbridge?" His voice was low and layered, like a chorus of whispers echoing through the canyon.
Lina swallowed hard but stood her ground. "I am Lina Evermere, bearer of the Wing-Sigil, Seeker of the Veiled Paths. I carry the key of first light."
The figure's masked head tilted slowly, studying her with eyes that seemed to pierce through the thin veil between realms.
"The mark is new. The key untested. The balance fragile." His voice carried both caution and a strange kind of respect.
"I don't want to break the balance," Lina said, stepping forward despite the trembling vines beneath her boots. "I want to understand it. To help."
The air grew colder. Dark shapes emerged from the canyon walls—creatures woven of shadows and feathers, their eyes glowing red like burning embers. They slipped onto the bridge, encircling Lina with silent menace.
Her breath caught in her throat.
The butterfly flared, its wings radiating a blinding golden light.
Lina tightened her grip on the key. She could feel the warmth spreading through her fingers, filling her with a steady strength. The mark on her wrist glowed brightly in response.
A sudden surge of golden light burst from the key, rippling outward like waves of sunlight. The shadow creatures hissed and recoiled, their forms flickering like dying flames.
The bridge shook violently, vines creaking as if on the brink of snapping.
Lina staggered but steadied herself. She raised the key high, letting the light flood around her.
The creatures shrieked and dissolved into sparkling dust, vanishing into the air.
The masked guardian stepped forward, his voice calm yet commanding.
"You have passed the trial, Seeker."
Lina's legs trembled but she stood tall, breath ragged but steady.
"Does this mean I may pass?" she asked, holding out the key.
The guardian inclined his head and stepped aside.
The butterfly darted forward, landing on a glowing web of light stretched between two great roots—the entrance to the next realm.
Beyond, the canyon river rushed and roared, bathed in crystal light.
Lina took a deep breath, clutching the key close.
With cautious steps, she crossed the bridge's last span and entered the shimmering web.
The world shifted instantly.
Gone was the canyon. Instead, she found herself on a rocky ledge overlooking a vast river lit by glowing crystals embedded in towering cliffs. Across the gorge was a narrow bridge woven from vines and wood, its ancient timbers creaking under invisible weight.
A figure stood there—tall, draped in dark feathers, its face hidden beneath a mask shaped like butterfly wings. It turned slowly, sensing her presence, then vanished into thin air.
Lina's heart pounded with a mix of fear and curiosity.
The butterfly fluttered forward, landing lightly on the bridge.
She glanced at the key in her hand, the glowing mark on her wrist, and the dizzying drop below.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the bridge.
Each step felt like a journey between worlds, a thread of fate pulling her forward.
The Veilbridge was only the beginning.