CHAPTER TWO
THE GIRL BEHIND THE VOICE
Nobody spoke.
Elara stared at the girl.
"My sister?"
Lyra nodded.
"I know it sounds impossible."
"It is impossible."
Kael moved between them.
"How do you know Elara?"
Lyra looked at him.
"Because I remember the night she was born."
Elara felt dizzy.
"You weren't there."
"I was."
"Where?"
"Here."
Lyra touched the dark portal.
"In the world beyond the Last Door."
Elara looked at Kael.
He looked equally confused.
"Why didn't anyone tell me about you?"
Lyra's expression became sad.
"Because everyone believed you were safer without knowing."
"Who is everyone?"
Lyra looked toward Aetheria.
"The people who built the first portal."
A cold feeling entered Elara's chest.
"Why was I sent to Veyra?"
Lyra whispered,
"Because they were afraid of what you would become."
Elara stepped back.
Kael caught her hand.
Lyra continued.
"You weren't supposed to become the Heartbearer."
"What does that mean?"
"You were supposed to become the next Guardian."
Silence.
"Guardian of what?"
"The Last Door."
Suddenly, the portal began shaking.
Something enormous moved behind it.
Lyra looked frightened.
"We don't have much time."
Kael raised his sword.
"What is coming?"
Lyra whispered,
"The Hollow."
The portal cracked.
Darkness spilled through.
Elara felt something inside her awaken.
Golden light surrounded her.
Lyra looked at her.
"Now you understand why I came."
Elara stared into the darkness.
"What do you need me to do?"
Lyra answered,
"Open the door."
* * *