HEAVENLY REALM
In the endless expanse of the Heavenly Realm, the Moon Goddess sat high on her throne, bathed in a soft silvery light that emanated from the surrounding stars. Beside her stood her second-in-command, Elara, a wise and battle-worn sage with eyes that had seen countless ages of both peace and chaos.
The Moon Goddess gazed downward, her serene face shadowed by a hint of sorrow. "The fate of Aria weighs heavily upon me, Elara. She is bound by a destiny that none should have to face alone."
Elara inclined her head, her voice calm but with a sense of urgency. "There is no avoiding what lies ahead, Goddess. A darkness stirs, greater than any before, and only Aria has the strength to help Magnus conquer it. If she falls now, Magnus will be overwhelmed, and darkness will consume the realm of the mortals."
The Moon Goddess closed her eyes as if trying to reach out to Aria through the veil of reality. "Her spirit is strong, yet it wavers. Already, the forces that oppose her have set their plans in motion, and they will stop at nothing to see her fail."
"Send me," Elara offered, her voice resolute. "Let me walk among them as a guide, a sage in disguise. If I can reach Aria, I will stand by her side and help her find her way back to her purpose."
The Moon Goddess hesitated, knowing the risks of dispatching her second to the mortal plane. "You realize, Elara, that once you cross over, your powers will be limited. The darkness is not bound by the rules we hold to."
Elara straightened, her gaze fierce. "I know, my Goddess. But I have never faltered in your service, and I will not now. Aria has a great task ahead of her, one that will test her in ways she cannot yet comprehend. I will see her through it."