gift

Emily's mind was spinning. The figure's words echoed in her head, repeating in an endless loop. "The relic is not a gift. It is a curse. And you, Emily, are bound to it." She could still feel the energy coursing through her, that dark, untamed power barely contained within her grasp. Her thoughts raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened, but all she could feel was a growing sense of dread.

Calem was watching her closely, his eyes searching hers for answers. "Emily, what did it mean? What is it talking about?"

Emily shook her head, unsure of how to respond. She could barely understand it herself, let alone explain it to Calem or Mara. The relic throbbed faintly against her chest, a constant reminder of the dark force she had just encountered.

"We need answers," she muttered, more to herself than to anyone else. "We can't keep wandering in the dark like this."