THE ETERNAL QUEST

The mirrored path loomed before Kael and Lira, the reflections shifting unnaturally as though the glass itself was alive. Each step they took brought an eerie sense of disconnection, as though they were being watched from within the mirrors.

Kael clenched the compass, its glow flickering but persistent. "Whatever happens, stay focused," he said, glancing at Lira.

She nodded, her bow drawn. "Let's get this over with."

As they stepped deeper into the corridor, the mirrors began to ripple like water. Kael's reflection grinned at him, though his own face remained stoic. Lira's reflection mirrored her movements perfectly, but its eyes held a cold, unfeeling glare.

"I don't like this," Lira muttered, keeping her gaze ahead.

Suddenly, the mirrors darkened, and the air grew heavy. The reflections began to move on their own, stepping out of the glass and into the corridor.

Kael's double stood before him, its features twisted into a cruel sneer. "You're a coward," it spat. "Always running, always hiding. You'll never be enough."

Kael gritted his teeth, his hand tightening around the compass. "You're not real."

The reflection laughed, its voice a mocking echo. "Aren't I? I'm every fear you've buried, every failure you can't forget."

Lira's double emerged beside her, its bow drawn. "You're no hero," it hissed. "You only care about yourself. The moment things get tough, you'll abandon him."

"Shut up," Lira snapped, loosing an arrow at the reflection. The arrow passed through it harmlessly, embedding itself in the mirror behind.

"Kael, what do we do?" she asked, backing closer to him.

The compass pulsed in Kael's hand, its light flaring as if in response. "The light—it's the only thing that's worked so far," he said.

He raised the compass toward the reflections, its glow intensifying. The doubles shrieked, their forms distorting as the light engulfed them.

But the corridor began to shift again, the mirrors shattering one by one. The shards floated in the air, forming a swirling vortex around Kael and Lira.

The voices returned, louder this time. "You cannot escape yourselves. The truth will find you."

Kael struggled to focus, his grip on the compass slipping as the energy in the room seemed to sap his strength. Lira grabbed his arm, pulling him upright.

"Kael, focus!" she shouted.

The compass pulsed once more, and Kael felt a surge of clarity. He took a deep breath, raising the compass high. Its light erupted, flooding the corridor and silencing the voices.

When the light faded, the mirrors were gone, replaced by a new path—a narrow bridge suspended over a chasm that seemed to stretch endlessly into darkness.

"Another test," Lira muttered, glancing over the edge. "Of course."

Kael nodded, his heart still racing. "Let's keep moving. We can't stop now."

---

The Bridge of Truth

The bridge was made of thin stone slabs, each one etched with glowing runes. As they stepped onto it, the air grew colder, and the sound of the abyss below was deafening—a howling wind that seemed alive.

The compass's needle pointed forward, steady and unwavering. Kael took the lead, his steps careful and deliberate.

Halfway across the bridge, the runes began to glow brighter, and a figure materialized before them—a robed man with piercing silver eyes.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded, gripping the compass tightly.

The man smiled faintly. "I am a fragment of the one who guards the Heart. You may call me the Sentinel."

Lira raised her bow. "Are you another obstacle? Because we're really getting tired of those."

The Sentinel chuckled. "Not an obstacle, but a guide. This is the Bridge of Truth, and to cross it, you must each answer a single question."

Kael and Lira exchanged a glance.

"What happens if we fail?" Kael asked.

The Sentinel's expression grew serious. "Failure means the abyss will claim you."

"Of course it does," Lira muttered.

The Sentinel turned to Kael first. "Seeker, your question: Do you believe you are worthy of the power you seek?"

Kael froze, the weight of the question pressing down on him. He thought of his past, his failures, the people he had lost. He wanted to say yes, but doubt gnawed at him.

Finally, he met the Sentinel's gaze. "No, I don't think I'm worthy. But I'm willing to fight for it. To earn it."

The Sentinel nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "An honest answer. Step forward."

Kael took a shaky step past the Sentinel, the compass glowing faintly in his hand.

The Sentinel turned to Lira. "And you, huntress. Your question: Will you stay by his side, even if the path leads to your doom?"

Lira hesitated, her jaw tightening. "What kind of question is that?"

"The kind that reveals the truth," the Sentinel replied calmly.

Lira looked at Kael, who was waiting for her on the other side. She thought of her life before meeting him—solitary, safe, and uncomplicated. But she also thought of the journey they had shared, the bond they had formed.

Finally, she sighed. "Yes. If it comes to that, I'll stay."

The Sentinel stepped aside, a faint smile on his lips. "Then the path is yours to walk."

Lira crossed the bridge, joining Kael. The Sentinel faded into mist, leaving them alone once more.

Beyond the bridge, a grand stone door loomed, its surface etched with intricate carvings. The compass's light flared, pointing directly at it.

"We're close," Kael said, his voice filled with determination.

Lira nodded, drawing her bow. "Then let's finish this."

_________________________________________

Visit out patreon for more episodes. Exclusive only on patreon

https://patreon.com/YOGAGANESH_2103