Lyra stood at the edge of the windswept cliffs, her long, dark hair whipping around her face like a tempest.
The ocean below crashed against the rocks, sending spray high into the air, where it mingled with the mist. She closed her eyes, letting the gale buffet her, and breathed deeply. The air was alive with whispers – ancient secrets, forgotten lore, and hidden paths.Lyra's gift, passed down through her family for generations, allowed her to sense these whispers. She could hear the echoes of the past, whispers that others couldn't perceive. As a child, she'd struggled to control the constant barrage of information, but years of practice had honed her skills. Now, she could tune in and out at will.The whispers grew louder, more urgent, and Lyra's eyes snapped open. She felt it – a pull, a tug on her senses. Something was stirring, something big. The whispers seemed to be drawing her toward the east, toward the mysterious mountains that loomed in the distance.Lyra's thoughts turned to the old tales her grandmother used to tell her – stories of the lost city of Eldrida, hidden deep within the mountains. A city of ancient magic, where the air was said to be sweet with the scent of knowledge and power. Lyra had always been skeptical, but the whispers seemed to be hinting at something more.As she stood there, the wind dying down, Lyra felt a shiver run down her spine. She sensed eyes on her, watching her from the shadows. She spun around, but there was no one in sight. The feeling lingered, though, and Lyra's hand instinctively went to the dagger at her belt."Who's there?" she called out, her voice carrying on the wind.The silence that followed was oppressive, and Lyra's senses went on high alert. She knew she wasn't alone on the cliffs. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist, their features obscured by the fading light."You're listening to the whispers, aren't you?" the stranger asked, their voice low and husky.Lyra's grip on her dagger tightened. "Who are you?" she demanded.The stranger stepped closer, and Lyra saw piercing green eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Someone who knows what you're searching for," they replied, their gaze locking onto Lyra's. "You're looking for Eldrida."Lyra's heart skipped a beat. How did this stranger know? She took a step back, her mind racing with questions and warnings. But the stranger's next words stopped her cold.
"You're not the only one searching for it. Others are, too. And they'll stop at nothing to get there first."