The air inside the Forgotten Tower was thick with magic. Every step Lyra took echoed off the stone walls, carrying a faint hum that made her skin tingle. The orb she had connected with in the previous chamber pulsed softly in her hands, as if responding to her heartbeat.
"This is it," Eldrin said quietly. "The heart of the tower. Here, the secrets of your bloodline and your mother's power lie waiting. But beware—the tower does not give its knowledge freely."
Lyra swallowed. She could feel the weight of what she was about to face pressing down on her. She wasn't afraid of failure—she was afraid of what would happen if she succeeded. Could she handle the truth hidden within the tower? Could she truly become the heir Eldoria needed?
Selene's eyes gleamed. "Enough doubts. Focus, Lyra. You've made it this far. Let's see what you're really capable of."
Kael nodded. "And remember—we're here. You're not alone."
The group entered a circular chamber at the center of the tower. The walls were lined with glowing runes that shifted and shimmered as they stepped inside. In the middle of the room floated a sphere of pure light, larger and brighter than anything Lyra had ever seen. It radiated a calm yet powerful energy.
Lyra took a step forward. The orb reacted instantly, floating higher and spinning faster. She felt a strange pull—as if the light were alive, reaching for her.
Eldrin's voice broke the silence. "The Heart tests the heir's essence. You must prove your worth, Lyra. Only your true self can awaken its secrets."
Lyra's hands trembled. She pressed the crystal to her chest, letting the warmth flow into her. "I… I'm ready," she whispered.
The orb shot a beam of light at her. Instantly, visions exploded in her mind—her mother standing in this very tower, her face serene yet commanding. She saw battles, shadowy figures, and moments of sorrow and triumph. The tower demanded that Lyra confront not just her power, but her fears.
A shadow detached itself from the orb. It took the shape of a figure, tall and indistinct, with glowing eyes. "Heir of Eldoria," it whispered, its voice like wind through glass. "Do you accept the responsibility you were born for?"
Lyra steadied her breath. Her hands tightened around the crystal. "I do," she said firmly, though her voice shook slightly. "I accept it. I will protect Eldoria, no matter the cost."
The shadow lunged, testing her resolve. It wasn't attacking with force—it was probing her mind, her emotions, her courage. Lyra closed her eyes, letting the crystal guide her. Light surged outward, wrapping around the shadow, not in anger but in command. Slowly, the form began to dissolve, leaving only the radiant sphere in the center of the room.
Selene stepped forward, impressed. "You didn't just survive the test—you controlled it. That's rare for any heir, let alone one just awakening her power."
Kael gave a small nod. "And the more you learn, the stronger you'll become. But remember, this is only the beginning."
The orb hovered in silence for a moment longer, then a warm light poured into Lyra's crystal. Knowledge and understanding flowed into her mind—techniques, runes, and spells she had only glimpsed before. Her magic felt more alive, more connected to her than ever.
Eldrin's hand rested on her shoulder. "The Heart has acknowledged you. You are ready to face the next trials. But the darkness is patient. It watches. It waits. And it grows stronger every day."
Lyra exhaled, the tension leaving her body. She looked at her companions—Selene, Kael, and Adrian. For the first time, she felt fully confident. She was no longer just the last heir in name; she was becoming the heir who could shape Eldoria's fate.
Outside the chamber, the tower groaned softly, as if approving her determination. The path ahead was uncertain, dangerous, and full of mysteries—but Lyra knew one thing for certain: she would not face it alone.
And somewhere deep within the shadows of Eldoria, eyes glowed. The enemy had noticed the heir's awakening. The game had begun, and Lyra's true trials were only just beginning.