Liara's dreams were filled with silvery light. She dreamed of floating between worlds, connected by thousands of thin threads to other fragments of herself. Each thread pulsated in its own rhythm, transmitting information, feelings, memories. She was simultaneously one and many, divided and united.

  She awoke to a strange sensation—as if someone was calling her name, not aloud, but on a level deeper than hearing. Liara opened her eyes and discovered that the room provided to her by the Keepers of Balance was bathed in a soft glow emanating from the walls. It seemed as if space itself was trying to communicate something to her.

  "I hear you," she said quietly, though she didn't know who she was addressing.

  The walls pulsed in response, and in this pulsation she discerned a message: The Council is gathering. They await you.

  Liara rose from her bed, which was something between a bed and a nest made of luminous substance that responded to her movements. Her new body—the result of merging with the shards in Veyrin—seemed to be becoming increasingly responsive to the energies of this strange place. She felt the subtle flows of power permeating the Primordial Garden, like the circulatory system of a living organism.

  Stepping into the corridor, she found Daren waiting for her. He looked tense, his usually relaxed posture replaced by the wariness of a man prepared for danger.

  "Good morning," she said, approaching closer. "If the concept of morning even exists here."

  Daren smiled weakly.

  "Time flows strangely in this place," he replied. "It seems like several hours have passed, but perhaps they were minutes or days." He looked at her intently. "How do you feel after yesterday's experience?"

  Liara pondered. Contact with the shard in Verdantis had left a strange sensation in her—as if part of her was still there, among the silvery trees, listening to the whispers of the forest.

  "Different," she finally said. "As if I've... expanded. Not physically, but on some other level." She shook her head, unable to find the exact words. "It's difficult to explain."

  Daren nodded, though a shadow of concern flickered in his eyes.

  "Tella says the Council of the Keepers of Balance is gathering. They want to meet with you officially."

  "I know," replied Liara. "The place itself informed me of this." Noticing Daren's surprised look, she added, "The walls spoke to me. Or, possibly, it was the energy flowing through them."

  Daren was silent, then quietly said:

  "You're changing, Liara. Faster than I expected."

  In his voice, she heard not only concern but also a subtle note of fear. Fear of losing her—not physically, but as a person, as the Liara he knew, whom he had sought for five centuries.

  "I'm still me," she said gently, touching his arm. "Just... more than before."

  Daren took her hand, squeezing it tightly, as if afraid she might disappear at any moment.

  "I know. And I believe you. Just... be careful with the Keepers and their ideas. Thousands of years of existence may give wisdom, but also a certain... rigidity of views. They may not understand what it means to be... human."

  Liara understood his concerns. The Keepers of Balance, with their silver bodies and ancient consciousness, indeed seemed distant from ordinary human concerns. But at the same time, she felt a strange kinship with them, especially with Tella—as if they shared some common understanding that transcended ordinary experience.

  "I'll be careful," she promised.

  At that moment, Tella appeared from around the corner of the corridor. Today, her silver form was more structured, resembling thin armor with elegant patterns, and her face was almost completely human, with clear features reminiscent of ancient statues.

  "The Council awaits you," she said, bowing slightly. "Follow me."

  They walked through the changing corridors of the Primordial Garden, where the architecture seemed to obey not physical laws but some other principles—perhaps aesthetic or emotional. Liara noticed that the space responded to their presence, slightly adjusting to their mood and expectations.

  Finally, they reached an enormous hall, much more majestic than the rooms they had seen the day before. The dome of the ceiling was lost in the heights, transforming into a night sky-like canopy, sprinkled with constellations that slowly moved, forming complex patterns. The walls of the hall were translucent, as if made of colored glass, but they pulsated and changed, creating the illusion of living tissue.

  In the center of the hall was a large round table, made of a material resembling liquid crystal. Seven figures sat at the table, including the Archivist whom they had met the day before. The other members of the Council were equally diverse in their manifestation—some had forms close to human, others were abstract compositions of light and color.

  Tella led them to the center of the hall and gestured for Liara to take a place opposite the Council. Daren remained standing slightly behind her, like a bodyguard.

  "We welcome you, Liara, bearer of the shard of Aeon," began the Archivist, his ancient face glowing with a soft golden light. "And you, Daren Vultar, seeker of shards and keeper of promises."

  Liara bowed slightly, feeling a strange reverence before this assembly of ancient beings.

  "Thank you for your reception and hospitality," she said.

  "We have gathered here," continued the Archivist, "to discuss your path and your place in the great dance of worlds. You are a unique phenomenon, Liara. A shard that has found a way to partial reunification without loss of individuality. This is... unprecedented in our history."

  One of the figures at the table—a woman with ivory-colored skin and hair resembling living flame—leaned forward.

  "Not all of us are convinced this is a good thing," she said, her voice melodious but with metallic notes. "Novelty does not always mean progress. Sometimes it means danger."

  "Oriana is always cautious," the Archivist noted gently, nodding toward the woman with flame-hair. "But there is wisdom in this. New paths require careful study."

  Another Council member—a being resembling a living crystal, constantly changing shape and color—produced a series of sound vibrations that somehow transformed into comprehensible speech:

  "We must explain to her the nature of who she was... and who she might become."

  The Archivist nodded and made a gesture with his hand. Above the table appeared a three-dimensional projection—an image of a being composed of pure light, with multiple wings or appendages resembling sun rays. The being constantly moved, changed form, but maintained a certain structure—a central core and streams of energy radiating from it.

  "Aeon," pronounced the Archivist. "In his original form, before the Great Separation. Keeper of Balance, one of the Seven Ancients, architects of primary reality."

  Liara looked at the projection with awe and a strange sense of recognition. Something in this being resonated with her at the deepest level, like the call of a long-forgotten home.

  "Is that... me?" she whispered.

  "You are part of this," replied the Archivist. "As a drop of water is part of the ocean. Not the entire ocean, but containing its essence."

  The projection changed, now showing seven beings of light, each of a different color, arranged in a circle.

  "The Seven Ancients," continued the Archivist. "Aeon, Chronos, Logos, Entropy, Anima, Nexus, and Void. Seven aspects of primary reality, seven forces maintaining the structure of the multiverse."

  "And what happened to them?" asked Liara, though part of her already knew the answer.

  "Conflict," replied the Archivist, and the projection changed again, showing something like a cosmic storm tearing apart the fabric of reality. "Different visions of the multiverse's future led to disagreements. Void and Entropy sought constant change, destruction, and recreation. Aeon and Chronos advocated for stability and harmony. The others took various positions between these extremes."

  The projection continued to show a catastrophe of cosmic scale—the rupture of a unified reality into myriad fragments scattering in all directions, and the seven great entities also dividing into countless fragments.

  "The Great Separation," Tella said quietly, standing beside Liara. "The moment when singular reality became the multiverse, and the Seven Ancients transformed into shards scattered across countless worlds."

  Daren, who had been silently observing until now, suddenly stepped forward.

  "All this is very impressive and poetic," he said, and Liara heard barely contained irritation in his voice. "But what does an ancient cosmic drama have to do with Liara's specific situation? With the fact that the Order of Guardians is hunting her and other shards, seeking to use them for their own purposes?"

  The Archivist looked at Daren with an expression that mixed understanding and condescension.

  "More than you think, Traveler," he answered. "To understand what is happening now, one must know what was at the beginning. The conflict that divided the Seven Ancients never truly ended. It continues in new forms, through the shards and their interactions."

  "And which side in this conflict do you represent?" asked Daren, crossing his arms over his chest.

  Oriana, the woman with flame-hair, laughed—a sound resembling the crackle of burning twigs.

  "The Traveler asks the right questions," she said, nodding to Daren. "We, the Keepers of Balance, represent none of the sides. We strive to maintain balance between all aspects of reality, not allowing any one to dominate."

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "And that is precisely why," added the crystalline being, "we oppose both the Order of Guardians and any attempts at complete reunification of the shards."

  Liara frowned, trying to process what she had heard.

  "You say you prevent reunification to preserve balance. But wasn't Aeon the Keeper of Balance? Wouldn't his restoration help stabilize the multiverse?"

  A wave of movement passed through the Council—members exchanged glances, as if silently discussing something among themselves.

  "That's a complex question," the Archivist finally answered. "Yes, Aeon was the Keeper of Balance. But balance as he understood it is not the same as the current equilibrium of the multiverse."

  He paused, as if choosing his words.

  "The original balance maintained by Aeon was based on unity and control. A fixed system where each aspect of reality had its role and boundaries. It was a stable order, but... static. Without the possibility of evolution and growth."

  "The Great Separation, for all its trauma," continued Oriana, "created a new type of equilibrium. Dynamic, based not on control, but on the interaction of countless shards, each with its own will and path. It is less stable, but more... alive."

  The crystalline being emitted a series of vibrations that transformed into words:

  "Complete reunification of any of the Ancients would disrupt this dynamic equilibrium. Especially if Aeon returns first with his pursuit of control and order."

  "Or, even worse, Void or Entropy with their inclination toward destruction and chaos," added Oriana.

  Daren shook his head, his face expressing disagreement.

  "You speak of Aeon—of Liara—as some cosmic force that will automatically act according to ancient patterns. But Liara is a person, with her own will and experience. Even if she gathers all her shards, she won't necessarily become the same being that Aeon was before the Separation."

  The Archivist smiled—a soft, understanding smile.

  "In this, Daren Vultar, you may be right. And that is precisely why Liara's path is so interesting to us. She has found a way of reunification that preserves individuality. This is... a new solution to an old dilemma."

  He turned to Liara.

  "You are choosing the Third Path—neither complete separation nor complete merger, but something in between. Perhaps this is where the true evolution of the shards lies."

  Liara felt conflicting emotions battling within her. Part of her was drawn to the image of Aeon—to the vision of wholeness and harmony that he represented. But another part valued the uniqueness of her experience, her personality—everything that made her not just a fragment of an ancient being, but an independent entity with her own history and choices.

  "I don't know which path is right," she said honestly. "I feel the attraction to... wholeness. But I also value my individuality, my experience."

  "It is precisely this contradiction," said Tella, stepping forward, "that makes you special, Liara. You don't just seek reunification, like other shards. You question the nature of this reunification, its cost and meaning."

  Daren looked at Tella with an expression that Liara couldn't fully decipher—a mix of distrust, respect, and something akin to jealousy.

  "All this is very philosophical," he said, turning to the Council. "But in reality, Liara faces a specific danger from the Order of Guardians. They aren't interested in theories about the nature of reality or the evolution of shards. They want to control Aeon's power for their own purposes."

  The Archivist nodded, his face becoming serious.

  "You are right, Traveler. The Order represents an immediate threat. And that is precisely why we offer Liara our help—not only in philosophical reflections but also in practical matters of protection and developing her abilities."

  He looked at Liara.

  "Tella has already begun teaching you techniques for interacting with shards at a distance. We can offer much more—knowledge about the nature of shards, about paths between worlds, about ways to protect yourself from those who would use you."

  "And what is the price of this help?" asked Daren before Liara could respond.

  The question hung in the air, and Liara felt how the atmosphere in the hall changed—became more tense, more charged.

  "A good question," said Oriana, and in her fiery eyes flashed something resembling respect. "The Traveler understands that nothing comes free, even in such elevated spheres as ours."

  The Archivist sighed—a strange sound for a being of his nature, almost human in its weariness.

  "The price is not in what we will demand from Liara," he said. "But in what she will lose if she chooses a certain path."

  "What do you mean?" asked Liara, feeling a chill of concern.

  "Every choice has consequences," replied the Archivist. "If you choose the path of partial reunification, preserving individuality, you will never know the full power and knowledge that Aeon possessed. You will remain... less than you could be."

  "But more than you would be in another sense," added Tella. "By preserving individuality, you preserve the ability to love, to feel, to grow as a person. These qualities were... diluted in the original Aeon, lost in his aspect as a cosmic force."

  Oriana raised her hand, drawing attention.

  "There is another aspect we should discuss," she said. "Other shards. Not all of them will share your vision of the Third Path, Liara. Some crave complete reunification. Others fear it and will resist any attempts at convergence. Still others... have changed over eons of separation, become something other than just fragments of Aeon."

  "And how should I deal with them?" asked Liara.

  "That is your choice," replied the Archivist. "You can try to convince them, you can accept them as they are, you can seek compromise. Each decision will have its consequences for you and for the multiverse."

  Liara felt the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. She had never asked for this role—the role of a fragment of a cosmic force whose decisions could affect the fates of countless worlds. But now that she was beginning to understand her nature, she couldn't simply ignore it.

  Daren, as if sensing her distress, stepped closer and placed his hand on her shoulder—a gesture of support and a reminder that she was not alone.

  "Liara doesn't have to decide everything now," he said firmly, addressing the Council. "She's only beginning to understand her nature, her possibilities. Give her time."

  The Archivist nodded.

  "Of course. Time is one of the few things we have in abundance in the Primordial Garden." He paused, then added, "But, I fear, beyond this refuge, time works against us. The Order of Guardians is becoming increasingly active in their search, and if they find a way to control a sufficient number of shards..."

  "I understand," said Liara. "We need to act. But I want to be sure I'm acting correctly, not just reacting to fear or pressure."

  Oriana smiled—a smile resembling the play of fire.

  "A wise decision. The Order acts out of greed and fear. Don't let them dictate the pace of your journey."

  "What do you suggest as the next step?" asked Liara, looking around at the Council members.

  The Archivist exchanged glances with the others, as if receiving their silent agreement.

  "We suggest you continue your training with Tella," he said. "She is not just a bearer of Chronos's shard, but also one of our most experienced Keepers in matters of interaction between shards."

  He paused, then added with a slight smile:

  "Besides, there exists a... special connection between you, which may facilitate the learning process."

  Liara felt a strange warmth spreading in her chest at these words. She cast a quick glance at Tella and saw that the guardian's silver face had acquired a slight pinkish tint—almost like a blush on human skin.

  "What connection?" asked Daren, shifting his gaze from Liara to Tella and back.

  The Archivist smiled wider.

  "Chronos and Aeon were... close before the Great Separation. Some connections don't disappear even after eons of separation."

  Liara suddenly felt everything falling into place—the inexplicable attraction she had felt toward Tella from the moment of their first meeting, the strange sense of familiarity that went beyond their brief acquaintance. It was like meeting an old friend whom she hadn't seen for so long that she had forgotten his face, but not her feelings.

  Daren looked troubled by this revelation, and Liara understood why. After five centuries of searching, he may have come to consider himself the sole keeper of the memory of Liara's true nature. And now Tella had appeared, with her ancient connection and shared history that predated even Daren's first meeting with Liara in Veyrin.

  "I'm not sure this is a good idea," said Daren, his voice tense. "Training is one thing, but emotional attachments can... cloud judgment."

  Oriana laughed—openly, without mockery, but with evident amusement.

  "The Traveler worries about influence on his charge," she said. "Understandable. Five centuries of searching creates a certain... possessive attachment."

  Daren opened his mouth to object, but Liara gently placed her hand on his forearm.

  "No one will replace you, Daren," she said quietly. "Without you, I would never have found the path to understanding my nature. Couldn't have escaped from the Order. Wouldn't have met my shards in Verdantis and Veyrin."

  She paused, then added:

  "But if I truly want to understand myself and my path, I must be open to all learning possibilities, all connections. Including those that predate my current existence."

  Daren looked at her for a long moment, his eyes full of a complex mixture of emotions—concern, pride, regret, and, finally, acceptance.

  "You're right," he finally said. "I just..." He shook his head, not finishing the phrase. "Do what you think is necessary. I'll be here."

  Liara squeezed his hand in gratitude, then turned to the Council.

  "I accept your offer of training with Tella," she said. "But I want Daren to participate in this process. His experience and knowledge about the shards are invaluable."

  The Archivist nodded.

  "Of course. Traveler Daren Vultar has gathered knowledge over five centuries of searching that even we do not possess. His participation will be... useful."

  He rose from his seat, and the other Council members followed his example.

  "The Council of the Keepers of Balance blesses your path, Liara, bearer of the shard of Aeon," the Archivist pronounced solemnly. "And may you find true harmony—not in separation and not in merger, but in the balance between them."

  With these words, the Council members began to dissolve in the air—not disappearing completely, but rather transitioning into another form of existence, more ephemeral and less visual. Soon, only Liara, Daren, and Tella remained in the hall.

  Tella turned to them, her silver face expressing a complex mixture of emotions.

  "What the Archivist said... about the connection between Aeon and Chronos..." she began, but then fell silent, as if not finding the right words.

  "It explains a lot," Liara said gently. "I've felt... drawn to you since the moment we met. As if part of me recognized you, even if I wasn't consciously aware of it."

  Tella nodded, her form slightly changing, becoming more fluid, more expressive.

  "Such connections rarely disappear completely," she said. "Even after millennia of separation. They become thinner, weaker, but never completely break."

  Daren silently observed this exchange, his face inscrutable, but Liara felt his tension—like a taut string, ready to sound or snap.

  "We should focus on practical matters," he finally said. "On developing Liara's abilities, on protection from the Order, on finding other shards that may be in danger."

  "You're right," agreed Tella, her voice becoming more formal. "Today we will continue training in the Resonance Hall. Then I will show you the Hall of Mirrors—a place where we can observe the activities of the Order and other forces affecting the balance of worlds."

  She paused, then added:

  "But first, I think, you need time to discuss what you've learned. I will wait for you at the Resonance Hall in an hour."

  With these words, she turned and left the hall, leaving Liara and Daren alone in the vast space where the Council of the Keepers of Balance had recently convened.

  For some time they were silent, each immersed in their thoughts. Then Daren turned to Liara, and in his eyes she saw the fatigue of a man who had carried a heavy burden for too long.

  "You're changing, Liara," he said quietly. "Each day you become more like... something greater than human. I always knew this would happen if you began to reunite with your shards. But now, seeing it..." He shook his head, not finishing the phrase.

  Liara stepped toward him, feeling an acute need to bridge the growing distance between them—not physical, but emotional.

  "I'm still me, Daren," she said, looking into his face. "Just... more aware of myself. My history, my possibilities."

  Daren tried to smile, but the smile came out sad.

  "I know. And I'm glad, truly." He paused. "It's just sometimes I wonder what will happen when you remember everything. When you fully realize who you were before you became Liara. Will there still be room then for... people like me?"

  In his words, Liara heard not only the fear of losing her but also a deeper fear—the fear of becoming insignificant, insubstantial in the scale of her true nature. A human confronted with a cosmic force, even if that force is embodied in a form resembling human.

  "You're afraid I'll forget you when I remember everything else," she said gently, not asking but stating.

  Daren didn't answer, but his silence was confirmation enough.

  "That won't happen," she said firmly. "Even if I remember the entire history of Aeon, all the millennia of his existence... it won't negate five centuries of your searching, your loyalty, your care." She touched his cheek. "Some connections don't disappear, Daren. Even after eons of separation."

  He looked at her for a long moment, then slowly nodded, as if allowing himself to believe her words, allowing hope to displace fear.

  "You've always been wiser than me," he said quietly. "Even when you didn't remember most of your history."

  Liara smiled, and for a moment between them arose the former understanding, the former closeness—an island of the familiar in an ocean of change.

  "Come," she said, taking his hand. "We have much to learn. And, I think, not just me."

  Together they left the Council hall, leaving behind the majestic empty space where the fates of worlds were decided. Ahead awaited new knowledge, new abilities, new relationships. And somewhere out there, beyond the Primordial Garden, the Order of Guardians continued their search, seeking to control a power they did not understand—a power that was beginning to awaken and recognize itself in the form of a woman with pearlescent skin and eyes reflecting the stars.