The energy Ayla released did not go unnoticed.
The moment it surged through the clearing, it rippled across Aetherion through trees, through air, through the very bones of the realm itself.
Something… ancient felt it.
And followed it.
Eriol stood still, her gaze lingering on Ayla as the last traces of energy faded into the air.
Ayla swayed slightly on her feet.
Ryker reached out instinctively, steadying her.
"You need to sit," he said quietly.
Before she could respond
A presence entered the clearing.
Old.
Heavy.
Watching.
Eriol didn't turn immediately.
"I was wondering how long it would take you," she said calmly.
A man stepped forward from between the trees.
His hair was silver, his presence quiet but commanding. His eyes, however, were sharp ancient with knowledge.
His gaze moved past Eriol… and settled on Ayla and Ryker.
"They've just come from war," he said, his voice firm. "And already you push them?"
Eriol finally turned to face him.
"They don't have the luxury of time," she replied. "Her power is growing. Every moment we waste"
"is a moment she could lose control," the old man finished. "Yes, I know."
He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"But look at them."
Eriol's gaze flickered back to Ayla and Ryker.
He was right.
Ayla's breathing was uneven, her strength barely holding.
Ryker, though standing, looked just as exhausted his movements slower, his focus strained.
Eriol exhaled softly.
"…You're right," she admitted. "I pushed too soon."
The old man gave a small nod.
"For once, you listen."
Eriol shot him a look but said nothing.
Instead, she turned back to them.
"We'll continue later," she said. "For now… you rest."
The old man stepped forward.
"Come," he said gently. "I'll take you somewhere safe."
Too tired to argue, Ayla and Ryker followed.
The forest shifted as they walked.
Light bent.
Space stretched.
And then
A palace appeared.
It rose from the heart of Aetherion like something out of a dream walls of shimmering crystal, glowing faintly with soft light. Water flowed in delicate streams through open halls, and gardens bloomed within its very structure.
Ayla's eyes widened.
"It's… beautiful," she whispered.
"This is where you'll stay," the old man said.
Inside, the air felt calm, soothing, almost healing.
He led them into a quiet chamber with two resting beds.
"Lie down," he said. "Your bodies need it."
Ayla didn't argue.
Neither did Ryker.
The moment they lay down
Sleep took them.
The old man stood there for a moment, watching them.
Then he turned to Eriol.
"They have a long road ahead," he said quietly. "Are you certain they're ready?"
Eriol crossed her arms slightly.
"They have to be."
Her gaze softened just a little as she looked at Ayla.
"If she doesn't learn control… her power will destroy her."
The old man studied her.
She isn't the only one with power.
"And you?" he asked. "Are you the one to teach her?"
Eriol raised a brow.
"You doubt me?"
"I question your patience," he corrected.
For a moment… silence.
Then Eriol smiled faintly.
"I'll learn," she said. "Because I don't have a choice."
The old man held her gaze for a long second.
Then nodded.
"…Very well."
He turned to leave
"Orion."
Eriol's voice stopped him.
He paused.
"You said something," she continued. "That she isn't the only one with power."
Orion didn't turn immediately.
When he did, his expression was serious.
"I wasn't meant to say anything," he said.
Eriol stepped closer.
"Say it anyway."
A pause.
Then
"It's the boy."
Eriol frowned slightly.
"Ryker?"
"He hasn't awakened fully," Orion said. "But he will. And soon."
Eriol's eyes narrowed.
"I already know he has visions," she said. "Foresight. Sensitivity to danger."
Orion shook his head slowly.
"That's only the beginning."
Eriol went still.
"What do you mean?"
Orion exhaled quietly.
"The boy's power is… layered," he said. "Rare. Dangerous."
Eriol's voice lowered.
"Explain."
Orion finally turned fully toward her.
"He will wield the elements."
Silence.
Eriol blinked.
"…That's not possible."
"No one has done it in generations," Orion agreed. "Not fully."
Eriol shook her head slightly.
"That kind of power"
"will rival hers," Orion finished.
Eriol fell silent.
Her gaze instinctively moved toward the sleeping pair.
Ayla.
And Ryker.
Side by side.
Unaware of what they were becoming.
"How?" she asked quietly.
Orion's expression darkened slightly.
"They are connected," he said.
Eriol looked back at him.
"…Connected how?"
Orion shook his head.
"I've already said too much."
"Orion"
"Eriol."
His tone stopped her.
"Just know this," he said. "Whatever she becomes…"
His eyes flicked briefly toward Ryker.
"…he will not stand behind her."
A pause.
"He will stand with her."
Silence settled heavily between them.
Eriol looked back at the two sleeping figures.
Something about them
Felt inevitable.
"Then I suppose," she said softly, "everything is about to change."
Orion didn't respond.
He only turned
And disappeared into the light of Aetherion.