Eliza's POV

I felt a rush of adrenaline course through me at her words. "Yes, I'm ready," I affirmed, though a part of me was still tinged with that familiar anxiety.

Esmeralda motioned for me to sit cross-legged on the ground, the cool stones grounding me as I settled down. "This next exercise will require you to delve into your essence—to understand the core of who you are," she said softly, kneeling across from me. Her presence felt reassuring, and I took a deep breath to steady ...