Love Beyond Time

CHAPTER TWENYTONE

Lily's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the speaker. She had been expecting a guardian or a priestess, someone who would congratulate her on reaching the Crystal of Light.

But instead, she saw a figure she had never expected to see again.

Max.

Lily's eyes widened in shock as Max stepped forward, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Max, what are you doing here?" Lily demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

Max chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I've been waiting for you, Lily," he said. "I knew you'd come for the Crystal of Light eventually."

Lily's mind was racing with questions. How had Max gotten here? And what did he want?

But before she could ask any questions, Max raised his hand, and a blast of energy shot out, striking the woman who had been guiding