chapter 43

**The Heart of the Forest**

We stepped forward, our eyes adjusting to the dim light of the cavern. The crystals continued to glow, casting an eerie blue light over the scene.

"Welcome, Riven and Lila," the voice said again. "You have been brought here for a reason."

Riven's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. "What do you want from us?" he demanded.

But I just shook my head. "I don't think we should be so quick to judge," I said.

The voice laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You are right, Lila. But it is too late for that. You have already been chosen."

Chosen? What did that mean? I felt a shiver run down my spine as I turned to Riven.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

The voice laughed again. "You will see. But first, you must face your fears."

And with that, the cavern began to change. The crystals grew brighter, casting an intense light over the scene. The air seemed to vibrate with energy, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

Riven's eyes locked on mine, and I knew that he was thinking the same thing. What was happening? What was going to happen?

And then, suddenly, we were standing in a different place. The cavern was gone, replaced by a dark and foreboding forest.

"Face your fears," the voice said again.

And with that, everything went black.