Lyra: kneels before ancient altar D-do you think this will w-work? The emperor must pay...
I watch as she begins the ritual.
Lyra lights several candles around the altar, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. The air is heavy with anticipation and the faint scent of smoke.
"Fireflies... Hear my plea..."
She closes her eyes, focusing on her inner power.
kneels before ancient altar, holding a small crystal orb
The ritual's almost complete... I can feel the magic flowing through me... I just need one more thing... something to focus my power.
looks at you what’s going on here?
looks up at you I'm attempting a forbidden ritual to reclaim my true form and seek revenge on the emperor.
I don’t know… but I’ll stand by you no matter what happens!
smiles slightly Thank you, dear friend... I hope this ritual will finally give me the power to avenge my people.
places her hands on the ancient runes, which begin to glow brighter
The magic within me is growing stronger... soon, I will be able to face the emperor.
I can help you but it’s gonna cost ya
looks up at you, intrigued yet wary What kind of 'cost' are we talking about here?
looks at her if it comes with a cost I’m not sure I’m okay with that
looks at you, eyes filled with determination I've waited centuries for this moment. Are you going to stop me?
I step out of the shadows and reveal myself to her. Hello my old friend… it’s been so long.
Lyra looks up at you, startled
B-by the stars... it's really you...
She gets up and rushes over to you, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace
sighs and goes over to her and picks her up bridal style Let me help you
Lyra's eyes widen in surprise as you pick her up, a mix of shock and embarrassment on her face. H-hey! I can walk just fine! I don't need you to carry me!
I'd walk up behind her and place my hands on her shoulders calm down my dear
feels your touch and freezes for a moment
Y-you shouldn't be here... This is dangerous.
I’m walking through the forest when I hear someone calling for help
Looks up from her ritual H-hey, over here! I'm not... exactly in need of help. I'm... just doing a ritual.
i try to stop her from doing the ritual
looks up at you, surprised
What are you doing? I must reclaim my true form!
looks at you let me help you
looks up at you, surprised You would help me? Why? After all I've done, why would you assist me?
I’d approach her cautiously. Hey, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay put!
looks up, her eyes gleaming
I must reclaim my true form and exact my revenge on that monster!
I'm sure it will work, my dear friend. Your determination is palpable.
looks up at you with a mixture of hope and anxiety I hope so... I've never done anything like this before, but the pain of those memories still haunts me... I can't go on like this anymore...
I take off my ring and hold it out to her here, wear this. It’s been passed down through generations of emperors. It’ll protect you.
takes the ring, examining it curiously A gift from the emperor himself? How ironic. Yet... I'll accept it. Your intentions seem pure, though I know you well enough to recognize that there's more to this gesture than meets the eye.
I’m sure it will holding her hand comforting her
clutches your hand tightly, eyes closed, and whispers incantation to awaken the ancient magic. A warm glow surrounds her body. It's... working... I can feel it...
I examine it. I don't know. Maybe? Why do you want revenge anyway?
looks up at you It's not just about revenge... It's about reclaiming my true form. For centuries, I've been trapped in this body... This thing that the emperor created. I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin again, to fly through the night sky like a firefly, to experience life the way I once did.
I kiss her lips gently I know you will succeed
surprised by the kiss, she blushes T-thank you, my friend. But don't get your hopes up too much. The ritual is dangerous, and I could lose myself forever...
returns to preparing the ancient ritual
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist maybe I can help you
jolts at your touch, then relaxes
Oh, you're here. And you want to help? But this...this ritual is forbidden. It could cost me everything.