The morning sun bathed the academy in a soft golden light, but I hardly noticed it. My mind was already focused on the task ahead. The weight of what I had learned the day before—what I had shared with my friends—was heavy, but in a way, it was also a relief. At least now I wasn't facing the unknown alone.
Today, we would begin our search for answers.
I had spent the night thinking of where we could start. The knowledge I needed wasn't in any of the books I had read, nor in the teachings of the academy. This was something deeper—something that reached beyond the borders of the Mortal Realm, something connected to the very fabric of the Spirit World and the prophecy that had been hanging over me for as long as I could remember.
"Sky, are you ready?" Aerin's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present.
I glanced up to see my friends standing together in the doorway of our shared dorm room. They looked as determined as I felt, each of them ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.
"We'll need to find someone who knows more than we do," I said, standing up from the desk where I had been making my notes. "Someone who can help us understand what the prophecy really means, and what it has to do with the Soul Sphere."
Caius, as always, remained calm, his dark eyes focused on me. "I think the first place we should check is the Temple of the Goddess. It's the one place in the kingdom that might hold answers about the ancient prophecy."
I nodded. The Temple of the Goddess was a revered site, known for its sacred relics and connection to the divine. It seemed like the most logical place to start. But there was one problem: getting in would not be easy.
"The temple is heavily guarded," Mira said, her voice low. "It's not just a place of worship. It's a place of power. They won't let anyone in without a good reason."
I bit my lip, thinking. "We'll have to find a way in. There has to be someone there who knows something about the prophecy, someone who can guide us."
Aerin smiled, her usual mischievous glint in her eyes. "Leave the sneaking part to me. I know a few tricks."
I raised an eyebrow. "You don't mean—"
She winked. "You'll see."
We gathered our things and set out for the Temple of the Goddess, the city streets bustling around us as we made our way through Seven Star City. It was a beautiful city, with towering spires and colorful marketplaces, but today it felt like a maze of distractions—every corner hiding secrets, every person a potential obstacle.
The Temple of the Goddess stood at the far edge of the city, its towering white marble columns visible from nearly every part of the city. It was an imposing structure, a blend of elegance and divine power, its vast grounds surrounded by high walls. The closer we got, the more I could feel the energy in the air, a tangible weight that pressed down on me.
As we approached the entrance, I could see the guards standing at attention, their expressions unreadable, their eyes sharp. It was clear that no one would be allowed entry without proper authorization.
"We'll have to be careful," Mira said quietly, glancing at the guards. "If we're caught…"
"We won't be caught," Aerin interrupted confidently. "Trust me."
With that, Aerin led us to a small, less-traveled side entrance, hidden by thick vines and the shadow of a nearby tree. She moved with ease, slipping past the guard's watchful eyes, her every step calculated. It was almost like she had done this before.
As we made our way deeper into the temple grounds, the atmosphere grew more sacred, the air thick with a kind of reverence. I could feel the presence of something ancient, something powerful, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
We reached the main building without incident, and Aerin led us through a side door into a quiet, dimly lit hallway. The sound of chanting could be heard faintly in the distance, and the soft glow of sacred candles illuminated the stone walls.
"Now what?" I whispered, feeling the weight of the situation settle over me.
Aerin smiled and nodded toward a set of large double doors at the end of the hall. "That's the High Priestess's chamber. She's the one who knows everything about the prophecy."
I hesitated, glancing at my friends. "Do you think she'll help us?"
Caius stepped forward, his expression serious. "She will. The High Priestess is not one to ignore those seeking the truth. But be prepared. She won't give us answers easily."
I nodded, steeling myself for whatever was to come. This was it. This was the moment that could change everything.
As we approached the doors, Aerin reached out and gently pushed them open, revealing a large, circular chamber bathed in the warm glow of golden light. The High Priestess sat at the center of the room, her back straight and her eyes closed in deep meditation. The air around her shimmered with divine energy, and I could feel the pull of her power even from where I stood.
She opened her eyes slowly, as if sensing our presence before we even stepped inside. Her gaze fixed on me, and for a moment, I felt like she could see straight through me—into the very core of my being.
"You seek answers," she said, her voice soft yet commanding.
I swallowed, taking a step forward. "Yes. We need to know about the prophecy. About the Soul Sphere. About the forces at play in this world."
The High Priestess's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes—something old and knowing. "The prophecy is not something to be taken lightly. It is not a story. It is a warning."
I felt a chill run through me at her words, and I exchanged a glance with my friends. This was it—the moment we had been waiting for.
"The prophecy speaks of a chosen one," she continued, her voice steady. "One who will unite the realms, restore balance, and face the darkness that threatens them all. The Soul Sphere is the key to unlocking that power, but it is also the weapon that could destroy everything."
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "What do we need to do? How do we stop the darkness?"
The High Priestess stood, her movements graceful and purposeful. "The path is not clear. But you, Sky, are not alone in this. There are others who will help you. And together, you will find the answers you seek."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. The darkness was coming, but I was ready to face it—whatever it took.
"The trials have only just begun," the High Priestess said, her voice echoing in the chamber.
And with that, I knew that the battle for the future of the realms had truly begun.