Chapter 172: Chapter 172: The Weight of History

As Elara blinked, her vision clearing, the world around her solidified once more. The ancient tree, the shimmering pool, and her companions—all were as they had been before the vision. Yet, something within her had shifted, a new understanding settling in her bones.

Morgana crouched beside her, concern etched on her face. "Elara, are you all right? What happened?"

Elara took a deep breath, her heart still racing from the encounter. "I... I saw someone. A guardian of this world. She told me that the Heartstone's power isn't just mine to wield—that it can create and destroy, and it will test me."

Morgana's eyes widened slightly. "A guardian? The old legends speak of them, but I never thought... Elara, this is serious. If the Heartstone is linked to them, it means its power is even more ancient and dangerous than we imagined."

Lyra and Seraphina exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions reflecting the gravity of Morgana's words.