The Queen of the Underworld reached out and took the Crystal of Souls from its pedestal. She held it out to me, and I felt a surge of power run through me as I took it.
Thank you, I said, feeling the crystal's energy pulsing through me.
The Queen smiled, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of the woman she once was, before the weight of her duties as Queen consumed her.
I will hold you to your promise, she said. You must help me be with the God of Life again.
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. I will, I said. I promise.
The Queen nodded, and with a wave of her hand, the underworld began to fade away. We found ourselves back in the mortal realm, the Crystal of Souls still clutched in my hand.
Ariana turned to me, a smile on her face. We did it, she said. We got the first artifact.
I smiled back, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Yes, we did, I said. But we still have a long way to go.
Ariana nodded. The next artifact is the Chalice of Life, she said. It is hidden in the Garden of Eden.
I raised an eyebrow. The Garden of Eden? I asked. But isn't that...?
Ariana nodded. Yes, she said. It is the paradise created by the gods for the first humans. And it is guarded by powerful angels.
I felt a surge of excitement. Then let us go, I said.