Through Light and Shadow

Chapter 13

Aether. The name alone hums with a weight I can feel.

"But... I thought the Breath of Elanoir—" I falter. "Isn't that what this is?"

Caelia's expression turns wistful. "Aether is not the Breath of Elanoir, child. It is something older. Born from Eralion itself—birthed to guard the heart of each realm. The essence of the elements, the thread binding creation."

My mind reels. "Then why me? Why my family?"

"Because Light is the purest of them all," she answers. "To wield Aether, one must possess a mind unclouded by greed, a heart unmarred by darkness. Kindness. Compassion. Clarity. These are the pillars upon which Aether rests. And it is for this reason that, throughout history, the royal bloodline of the Light Realm was chosen. Your bloodline."

Her words sink in—deep, undeniable. Chosen. Not by chance, but by design.

"But what about the others? The orbs—the fragments—why do I see them?" I ask, confusion swirling.

Caelia's gaze drifts to the shimmering void. "What you see are the elemental fragments—the world's breath manifested. Most wielders connect to one, perhaps two. But you... you stand at the convergence. As a Light Wielder and a sorcerer, your magic bridges realms, senses threads others cannot. That is the mark of Aether's chosen."

My pulse quickens. "And the evil creature..."

Her smile fades. "It knows. It has always known. Immortality is but one desire... but the true hunger lies in claiming the protector's power. Your power. If Aether falls into darkness—if you fall—the realms will crumble. The seals the sorcerers uphold, the barriers forged by the Shattering Star..."* Her voice lowers, grave, "...they will shatter."

I swallow hard. "But aren't there guardians? Protectors in each realm?"

"Yes," Caelia nods. "Each realm has its guardians. But the true protector—the heart of the realms—is the Aether. Without it, guardians fail, seals break, and darkness seeps through. That is why your bloodline has been shielded in secrecy. Not even the Shadow Wielders' records hold this truth."

My chest tightens—this is too much. Me? A protector of realms? This can't—

"I know it overwhelms," Caelia murmurs. "But the choice isn't about readiness, Aveline. It's about acceptance. Aether is part of you—woven into your very being. Reject it, and you risk letting darkness claim what it seeks. Embrace it... and you hold the power to mend or destroy."

Silence stretches between us. My thoughts swirl—fear, awe, responsibility. But beneath it all... resolve.

"What do I have to do?" I whisper.

"Awaken fully. Accept the Breath. Let the Aether become you. Only then can you face what stirs." Her form begins to fade—silver threads unraveling into the void. "And remember—light is pure not because it is flawless... but because it chooses to shine despite darkness."

Light flares again—searing, consuming—pulling me back.

Gasp!

I jolt upright, breath ragged, heart pounding. Sweat slicks my skin, muscles trembling. The world feels... heavier. Brighter. Alive.

bove me, the orbs hover—gentle sentinels of color and light.

White. Blue. Green. Their familiar glow calms me, a quiet pulse echoing my breath.