The obsidian lineage

Previously

…A single, dark petal detached itself from the Obsidian bloom and drifted slowly towards Elara. As it neared her, it dissolved into a cascade of shimmering dust, which settled onto her outstretched hand. The dust, cool and strangely invigorating, seemed to seep into her skin, leaving behind a faint, tingling warmth. She looked at Kaelen, then at Lyra. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger. But for the first time since discovering her lineage, Elara felt a flicker of something other than fear. It was a nascent strength, a quiet determination. The Obsidian blood was awake, and it was hers. The trials had begun, and she would face them.