The mist that covered the earth before dawn seemed like a living organism, moving according to its own plan. Light, cold air currents dragged the darkness along with them, and although the night was ending, the light was in no hurry to drive away the shadows. They absorbed everything around, even the earth itself, which seemed incapable of shedding their influence. Melania remained in the old stone courtyard, surrounded by tall trees with fallen branches. Her gaze wandered across the horizon, where the light had yet to conquer the darkness, and she knew: what she held in her hands would lead her to something that would change everything. But how?
The book in her hands was warm, as if it absorbed all her thoughts, feelings, and desires. Each chapter felt like a portal to another reality, and with every new word, she fell deeper into the grip of this mysterious work. Its content was difficult to comprehend: it seemed that each page was written to pose new questions rather than provide answers. It opened before her an entire universe — a universe where magic was not just wonder, but a complex science, where every choice echoed with deep consequences for the future.
Just yesterday, she couldn’t even imagine that there were places where magic and time intertwined, creating cycles that, it seemed, could last forever. But this book, like a guide to unknown paths, opened for her a new dimension of reality, one she had to learn to control. Here, in the library that consumed her existence, Melania began to understand that fate itself was just a thread in the multi-layered fabric of time.
Suddenly, a small fragment of text on the last page caught her attention. It was a passage that spoke of the choice that lay before her family. A choice that would not only affect her future but the fate of the entire world. Her heart raced as she read: “Only those who can pass through the shadow of eternity will gain the right to change the course of time. Only the path through destruction will allow the balance between the past and the future to be preserved.”
These words exploded in her mind, filling her thoughts. How? How could one pass through destruction without destroying everything? And did she have the right to decide what would happen to time, to the entire world, where her choice would become final?
The answers to these questions could only be found in the place where time would become her ally, not her enemy. But what was she to do with this knowledge? Every instinct screamed that each step brought her closer to the inevitable end, to a point of no return.
That same day, she set off to meet the Master — a person who had long studied ancient books and magical artifacts. He was the last one who might know more about the magic of time, and he could provide the answer to the question that tormented her soul.
Melania left the old library, her steps growing more determined. She was heading towards a crossroads that would define her fate. And although there was a certain anxiety in her heart, she knew: this was the only path left, the path that would lead her to a true understanding of eternity.
The sky was already beginning to lighten, and although the morning light dispersed the mist, its cold gleam only deepened the sense that the world was on the verge of a great change. Melania slowed her steps and raised her head, seeing before her the silhouette of the Master, who was already waiting for her at the end of the road. What awaited her now, she didn’t know, but she was sure of one thing: the choice had already been made. Now all that remained was to walk it.