The Chronicles of Lost Echoes

The figure before Lila seemed to fade in and out of existence, like a shadow in a dream. "I am the Guardian of this city," he said. "I protect the echoes of the past. And now, it is your turn to protect them."

"Protect?" Lila asked, her voice trembling. "What do you mean? What is this place?"

The Guardian’s black eyes locked onto hers, as though searching for something. "The City of Echoes is a place where all that was once lost—memories, civilizations, and stories—find their way. But something has changed. The echoes are fading, and soon they will be gone forever."

Lila’s heart raced. "I don’t understand."

"You will," the Guardian said, stepping closer. "But first, you must find the Door of Lost Memories. Only then will you understand your true purpose here."

The Guardian reached into his cloak and handed her a small, crystalline shard. "This will guide you when the time comes. But beware—the echoes are not all benign. Some are not meant to be found."

With that, the Guardian vanished into the mist, leaving Lila standing alone in the plaza, her hands shaking. She had entered the City of Echoes for a reason—but what that reason was, she still had to uncover.