Dorian's eyes scanned the cavernous space, his senses on high alert. The dark presence lurked in the shadows, its gaze piercing through the dim light. Lyra's hand brushed against his, a gentle reminder of her presence.
"What's out there?" Dorian whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of energy.
Lyra's gaze followed his, her eyes narrowing as she searched the darkness. "A sentinel," she replied, her voice low and measured. "A guardian of the Heart, tasked with ensuring that only those worthy may pass."
The dark presence took a step forward, its features still shrouded in shadow. Dorian felt a shiver run down his spine as the sentinel's eyes locked onto him.
"What does it want?" Dorian asked, his hand instinctively reaching for the artifacts in his pocket.
Lyra's grip on his arm tightened. "It wants to determine your worthiness," she said, her voice filled with an air of caution. "Are you prepared to face the trial?"
Dorian hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead. But something within him stirred, a spark of determination that urged him forward.
"I'm ready," he said, his voice firm.
The sentinel took another step closer, its presence filling the space. Dorian felt the energy of the Heart surging around him, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to accommodate the trial.
"The trial will test your resolve, your courage, and your heart," the sentinel declared, its voice like thunder in the cavern. "Are you prepared to face your own darkness?"
Dorian steeled himself, his mind racing with the possibilities. He knew that he had to face whatever lay ahead, no matter the cost.
"I'm ready," he repeated, his voice unwavering.
The sentinel nodded, its features still hidden in the shadows. "Then let the trial begin."
As the sentinel spoke, the cavern began to shift and change, the walls closing in around Dorian like a vise. He felt himself being pulled into a vortex of darkness, the trial awaiting him at its center...