The old woman led them to a small room in the back of the cottage, filled with strange objects and peculiar smells. Lyra's senses were on high alert as the old woman gestured for them to sit.
"I am Arianna," the old woman said, her eyes warm with kindness. "And I have been waiting for you, Lyra. You have a crucial role to play in the fate of Aethereia."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice firm.
Arianna's gaze turned intense. "The prophecy speaks of a great power that will soon be unleashed upon the world," she said. "A power that could bring about great good or great destruction. And you, Lyra, are the key to unlocking it."
Kael's eyes flicked to Lyra's, and she saw a glimmer of concern there. "What do you mean, I'm the key?" Lyra asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arianna's expression turned grave. "You have a unique connection to the moon's magic," she said. "A connection that could be used to harness the power of the prophecy. But be warned, Lyra, there are those who would seek to use you for their own gain."
Lyra's mind reeled as she processed Arianna's words. She was the key to unlocking a great power? What did that even mean?
"What's the nature of this power?" Lyra asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Arianna's eyes seemed to cloud over, as if memories were flooding back. "The power of the prophecy is ancient and primal," she said. "It is a force that can shape the very fabric of reality. But it is also a power that comes with great risk. You must be careful, Lyra. The forces of darkness will stop at nothing to claim this power for themselves."
As Arianna finished speaking, Lyra felt a sense of determination rising within her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that she had a crucial role to play in the fate of Aethereia.