Chapter 12: The Hourglass of Eternity

As the barrier surrounding us continued to weaken, the vision of the fraying reality faded, leaving only the Lumina Crystal's soft glow and the looming vortex of memories.

The old woman at the forest's edge held out the ornate hourglass, her eyes filled with a knowing wisdom. "Time has been disturbed, and to save your realm, you must journey to where time itself was born."

Richard and I exchanged a glance, filled with determination. We had come this far, and the path ahead was clear, even if the details were obscured in mystery.

Without hesitation, we stepped through the barrier and approached the old woman. She handed us the hourglass, its sands shimmering like stardust. "The Hourglass of Eternity. It can navigate the stream of time, taking you to the very beginning. Use it wisely."

As the hourglass touched our hands, a rush of memories flooded our minds. Scenes from our past, both individually and together, replayed like a montage. The hourglass was connecting us to the moments that