Ava's aunt hurried over to Ava and Nathaniel. She gently but firmly grasped Ava's shoulders, her expression serious.
"Ava, we have some work to do," she declared, urgency evident in her tone.
Ava glanced at Nathaniel, a question lingering in her eyes. Nathaniel, unable to meet her gaze, shifted his focus away, an internal turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
Ava stood, reluctantly leaving the serene setting by the fire. Her aunt led her away, and as they walked, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that something crucial remained unspoken. Nathaniel, left alone by the fading fire, sighed heavily, the weight of his circumstances pressing upon him.
His eyes fixated on the cuff encircling his wrist—the symbol of his confinement. A mixture of frustration and longing flickered across his face as he contemplated the limitations imposed by his father.
In the void between worlds, where destinies intertwined, Nathaniel felt the relentless grip of his reality. The hope for change, a yearning for freedom, and a desire to share the truth with Ava lingered within him.
Ava, guided by Magnus and her aunt, entered a room in the massive tree that served as a gateway between worlds. Her eyes widened as they stepped into the space filled with an otherworldly glow. The air seemed to shimmer with energy, and in the center of the room, a portal emerged—a swirling vortex connecting her current reality to the realm she had long been separated from.
Magnus spoke with a sense of anticipation, "Ava, this is your first glimpse of our world. We need to test your abilities here."
Ava took a deep breath, the air tinged with the essence of magic. As the portal opened wider, revealing a world that stirred a blend of nostalgia and unfamiliarity, Ava readied herself for the test that awaited. Little did she know, this moment would mark the beginning of a journey that would unravel the mysteries of her past and shape the course of her destiny
Stepping through the portal, Ava found herself in a bustling marketplace filled with beings of all shapes and sizes. Magnus and her aunt guided her through the crowd, and as they traversed the narrow pathways between colorful stalls, Ava could sense the diverse energies of this world.
With a whispered word from Magnus, Ava's appearance shifted, her features altering to that of a young woman with raven-black hair and deep green eyes. Her aunt explained, "In our world, you'll often need to blend in, Ava."
As they continued their journey, they approached a massive mountain with an imposing figure standing atop it. The guardian, a formidable being with ethereal armor and a stern expression, greeted them. Magnus introduced Ava, now disguised, as they explained the purpose of their visit.
The guardian observed Ava closely, eyes narrowing for a moment before acknowledging her. Ava felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension as the guardian's gaze lingered on her.
You may pass. He said without challenge.
