The moonlight shone brighter as Ethan and Elena stepped through the threshold of the tomb. The air was still, yet carried a resonance of power ancient, familiar, and deeply intertwined with Elena's bloodline. The stone corridor curved downward, its walls engraved with celestial patterns, ice lilies, and crescent moons. Each step echoed softly, as if disturbing slumbering memories.
Behind them, Lady Seraphina and the Blue Moon Elders stood watch at the entrance, respecting Elena's right to lead this discovery. This was her past her legacy to uncover.
As the pair descended deeper, a gust of cold wind rushed past, extinguishing their spirit lanterns. But the walls glowed softly, illuminating a vast inner chamber that opened like the heart of a moon temple. At its center stood a massive crystal sarcophagus, suspended above a pool of frozen spiritual essence. Around it, murals stretched from floor to ceiling.
Elena walked toward the mural first. Her breath caught.
That's my mother,
She whispered.
The mural depicted a regal woman with violet eyes and a silver crescent mark on her brow wielding a sword made of starlight and frost. Around her stood guardians cloaked in celestial armor, battling a host of shadow beasts spilling from a rift in the sky.
Ethan stepped beside her. Your clan was part of a celestial lineage… one that fought against the Abyss.
Another panel showed the woman sealing a creature with black wings and a thousand eyes, trapping it in a crystal coffin possibly the one now before them.
A pedestal lit up behind them, drawing Elena's attention. A small orb moonsteel rose from the altar, enveloped in a protective barrier.
She reached out instinctively and the moment her hand touched the orb, memories surged into her mind.
Visions.
Her as a child, hiding beneath snowy cliffs. Screams. The same woman her mother fighting a golden-cloaked traitor. Her being carried away by a masked guardian who whispered We'll hide you until the stars awaken again.
Elena collapsed to her knees, tears brimming.
Ethan caught her, steadying her with both arms.
What did you see?
I was supposed to inherit this legacy,
My clan was one of the Guardians of the Celestial Divide. But we were betrayed by someone close. That's why I have no memory before the age of seven.
Suddenly, the sarcophagus trembled.
A voice soft, maternal, ancient resounded in the chamber,
Daughter of the Moonglade step forth.
Elena looked at Ethan.
I'll be right behind you,
He said, nodding.
She stepped onto the glowing platform beside the sarcophagus. The lid opened slowly, revealing a perfectly preserved figure inside a woman identical to Elena, though older, more divine. Her sword, made of frozen stardust, hovered above her.
This is the final piece, the voice echoed again. Awaken the memory, accept the burden, and the inheritance shall be yours.
Elena reached forward.
But the moment her hand touched the sword, a blinding force knocked her back. The spirit of the guardian appeared elegant and watchful.
To wield the legacy, you must prove your heart is unshaken.
A trial circle formed in the air, glowing with lunar patterns. Ethan stepped in only to be blocked by an invisible force.
Only she may walk this path.
He clenched his fist, frustration bubbling but he knew this was her moment.
Elena stepped into the trial circle, her eyes filled with resolve.
Whatever waited within her bloodline's legacy she was ready to face it.