Hearts Of Darkness

*THE JOURNEY*

CHAPTER 5

Tarn's smile widens as he looks at Soleil. You'd have to figure it out yourself, he said.

As Soleil and Tarn were talking, Soleil noticed that Tarn's eyes were starting to glow red. The color of his eyes shifted from a deep brown to a bright scarlet. And as the color changed, Soleil could see a look of concentration on Tarn's face, as if he were trying to reach someone or something through sheer force of will. Suddenly, the room grew quiet, and a chill filled the air. And then, the mirror on the wall began to glow with a crimson light.

Soleil stepped back from the mirror, her heart racing. Tarn looked at her, and then back at the mirror. He seemed to be holding his breath, as if he were waiting for something to happen. And then, Soleil saw a face appear in the mirror. It was a man's face, stern and severe, with dark hair and piercing eyes. He looked directly at Soleil, and spoke in a voice that sounded like thunder. You are the one we have been waiting for, he said.

Soleil felt frozen in place, as if her feet were rooted to the floor. The man's eyes seemed to see right through her, and she felt as if he could read her thoughts. You have a great task ahead of you, he said. You must help Tarn return home. You are the only one who can open the portal to the underworld. Do you understand? Soleil nodded, even though she felt more confused than ever. Who are you? she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I am the Guardian of the Portal, the man said. I am the one who stands between the world of mortals and the underworld. I am the one who decides who may pass through the portal, and who must remain behind. I am the one who has chosen you for this task. Soleil felt her legs shaking, and she leaned against the wall for support. She wasn't sure if this was real, or if she were dreaming. Why me? she asked.You have a pure heart, the Guardian said. You are filled with compassion and kindness. You care for others, and you are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of those you love. This is what makes you worthy of this task. And more than that, you have a gift. You have the ability to see beyond what others see, to understand things that others cannot. You have the power to open the portal, if you are willing to accept this responsibility. Soleil took a deep breath. She still wasn't sure if this was real, but she knew that she wanted to help Tarn.

I am willing, she said. I will help Tarn return home. The Guardian nodded. Then you must prepare yourself, he said. You must travel to the edge of the world, to the place where the sky meets the sea. There, you will find what you need to open the portal. Soleil felt a surge of energy run through her body. She knew that she had to do this, no matter what the cost. I will do it, she said. I will not fail. The Guardian smiled. I know you will not, he said.

But there is one more thing you must know, the Guardian said. You must be aware of the dangers that await you both on the journey. You will face many challenges, and you may be tempted to give up. But you must persevere, no matter what happens,Tarn will protect you at all times, Do you understand? Soleil nodded. I understand, she said. I will not give up, no matter what. The Guardian smiled again, this time with pride in his eyes. Then your journey can begin, he said.