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I was peaceful. Nestled between the endless worlds that stretched out beyond me.

I spiraled in a dance of diamonds, dust, and moonlight. Infinity surrounded me as I floated on a sea of stars.

Had I always been like this? I tried to remember, but I let the thought drift away like petals on a pond. This existence was peaceful. There was no more pain, anxiety, or betrayal.

An echo fluttered at the edge of my awareness, stirring something within me. I hummed at the presence, sending a gentle wave in return before turning away. This peaceful bliss was all I wanted. All I was.

Nothing could hurt me within this chrysalis of time and space. I was safe here.

But then, it happened again—that echo that pulled me away from my serene void. Whatever it was, it threatened to create waves on the smooth surface of my existence. I had no intention of being disrupted, so I turned away and fled.

But the hum found me again and slowly morphed into a pleading whisper. Keira, it seemed to say, but the word held no meaning. It was an elusive glint, vanishing each time I tried to grasp it.

A caress rippled through my being, igniting the innermost flame within me.

Wait. I’d ached for this touch. Reveled in it, even.

It was someone I once cared deeply for, but who?

Suddenly, this solitude felt unbearably calm. I desperately yearned for ripples and waves and hands that knew how to handle me, touch me.

Rowen!

He was calling to me.

I spun to where I felt his touch, confusion overwhelming me as painful memories broke through my protective shell.

I remembered now—flashes of how I came to be here hit me like a tidal wave.

Erovos thought he tore my power from my body, but he hadn’t. He’d just altered my state of being. I was still me. Changed and altered, yes , Rayal had said deep in the belly of the Crystal Crypts. But never taken .

I’d sealed the Dark Spirit deep within the crevice, but it wouldn’t hold him forever. It was only a matter of time before he escaped. I had to get back and warn the others. This battle was far from over.

I needed to pull away from these tranquil waters and return to the life I knew. Yes, there would be pain and heartbreak but also unspeakable love and joy.

And Rowen.

I would claw my way back to him if I had to. I could still feel him there, feel his pain. I wanted to go to him, comfort him, but my new form held me back.

Suddenly, another sound echoed through me, soft yet layered with the harmony of several voices intertwined. Light Bearer, you wish to return to Luneth? Even though you shall lose this peace?

My Light instantly recognized its maker. I need to get back. No matter the cost, I pleaded to the Elder Spirits.

When our Light found you in the forest, you were just a youngling, yet you contained more compassion and courage than many who have lived beyond your years. They hummed in accord. That is still true of you.

The Spirits confirmed I hadn’t been born with the Light. It had found me. I just wanted to help.

One nebulous entity flickered beside me, but many voices spoke. Yes, and we will need your help yet, but your body has been broken beyond repair. You will not be able to return as you were.

Something in me shifted in agreement. I couldn’t stay here a moment longer.

Very well. With what little power the Elder Spirits possess, we will grant you a gift. Thanks to the noxlily petals beneath your skin, we have anchor points to restore your body. You will not merely carry the Light. You will be reforged in it.

An astral gateway appeared before me.

I gathered my incorporeal self, summoned my courage, and pushed through the silver veil of light.