C15 Prerogative Privilege

Suddenly, as she still grasped the crystal in her two hands, an unexpected sight met her eyes. In the center of the stone structure, its top was encrusted with strange symbols that glowed a brilliant gold. Upon closer inspection, Theo noticed that atop the symbols was a small box with an intricate lock on it. She reached out to take it but as soon as her fingers touched the surface of the box, a blinding light consumed her and filled her being with warmth and power unlike anything she had ever experienced before.

Theo opened her eyes to find herself standing in front of an enormous set of golden doors - doors that somehow seemed familiar yet completely foreign at the same time. She stepped forward and placed her hands upon them, feeling a strange sensation ripple through her body as they slowly opened to reveal what lay beyond.

Inside stood a great hall filled with shimmering artefacts and ancient relics of every shape and size - some carved from marble, others fashioned from precious metals or adorned with jewels and gems. At the far end of the hall, in a circle of light surrounded by shadows, stood a figure cloaked in white.

Theo cautiously stepped closer, her heart pounding against her chest as she realized that this was no ordinary being but something else entirely - something not even of this world.

As she reached out to touch it, Theo felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over her. The figure welcomed her and spoke to her in a gentle voice full of wisdom and understanding. "Welcome to my realm, young one," said the sage in a voice that seemed as ancient as time itself. “You have found your way here at last - a place where time stands still and secrets are held deep within its walls. I am here to offer you some advice on your journey: Do not be afraid to take risks, for great rewards may come from them; remember that courage is not the absence of fear - it is facing it head-on; reach out for help when you need it; be brave enough to stand up for what you believe in; and finally, listen. Listen with both your ears and your heart."

The sage then solemnly began to speak, “For centuries, our kingdom of Ravensky has been shrouded in mystery - a mystery that I shall now reveal to you. Dark forces have come and gone, attempting to consume us. But we were saved by those brave and courageous warriors who sacrificed their lives for the safety of our people." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "There is a great prophecy that must be fulfilled - one I believe you can help us with. Though this journey will not be easy, and danger lurks around every corner; only those with courage and strength will survive unscathed." He paused as he looked Theo directly in the eye. "Are you sure you are willing to take this on?”

Theo gritted her teeth, every second of silence an eternity. "No one else can do this," she growled through clenched jaws, "I have to for my father's sake." The sage nodded solemnly and Theo spun on the spot, pushing open the golden doors with a burst of energy. She had her answer and with fierce determination burning in her chest, she strode forward towards the light, ready to face whatever destiny awaited her.

She stepped into the entrance of Ravensky with clenched fists and a jaw tight with tension. Crawford's eyes pierced her, looking for any sign of weakness.

"You doing all right?" he queried. Words couldn't form on her tongue. She simply nodded in response before marching forward into the tunnel Way Onyx had guided her through only days before. "Did you find anything else?" Crawford asked again. She spun around to see his gaze, eyebrow raised in inquiry. The urge to scream boiled up inside her chest but she remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together as if they'd been sealed shut. Her throat burned hot and swollen, like she was leaving home forever, certain that she would never return.

Tears of sorrow swelled in her eyes as she trudged through the mud. Home--long forgotten and lost, but oh how desperately she wished it was real; could it truly be home? An ache throbbed within her chest, conflicting emotions of longing and fear consuming her thoughts.