Chapter 5: The
Stonekeeper’s Tale
The
creature’s gemstone eyes glimmered warmly as Rhea stepped forward, her heart
pounding with a mix of awe and determination. “We’ll trust you,” she said, her
voice steady despite the nerves threatening to overwhelm her. “But you have to
help us understand what this place is… and why we’re here.”
The
creature inclined its head, its crystalline lattice shimmering like a prism.
“You are wise to trust. I am called Selan, a Stonekeeper of the Luminal Realm.
This world exists deep beneath the surface of yours, hidden and ancient. It is
alive, just as the stones that surround you are alive.”
“Alive?”
Mira repeated, wide-eyed. “You mean… the stones can think?”
“In their
way, yes,” Selan replied. “They whisper their knowledge, their warnings, and
their desires. Few can hear them. Fewer still can answer their call. You
three—” Selan paused, the golden light of its eyes intensifying. “You are
attuned to the stones. That is why you were brought here.”
Rhea
glanced at her friends. Kiran looked skeptical, arms crossed defensively, but
Mira’s face was alight with cautious curiosity. “What do you mean by attuned?”
Rhea asked.
Selan
gestured toward the crystalline trees. “You each carry traits that resonate
with the heart of the Luminal Realm: courage, curiosity, and loyalty. These
traits are vital, for our world faces a great danger. The Stones of Balance,
the core of our existence, are fractured.”
“What
happens if they stay fractured?” Kiran asked, his skepticism giving way to
concern.
“The Luminal Realm will collapse, taking your surface world with it,” Selan said gravely. “But with your help, the stones may yet be healed. Come.”
