The two of them worked together, Zayden using his technology to track disturbances in dimensional patterns, while Nyra used her innate abilities to sense shifts in energy. It wasn't long before another rift appeared—this one more violent and erratic.

"Ready?" Nyra asked, her voice soft but serious.

Zayden gave her a nod, his usual humor gone. "Let's do this."

They stepped through the rift, their bodies pulled through a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. They landed in a realm unlike any other. The sky was an endless shade of violet, and towering crystals jutted from the ground, emitting strange, pulsing energies.

Suddenly, they were surrounded by beings that flickered like static. They were guardians of the realm, and they were not pleased with the intruders.

"Why have you come, Gatekeeper?" one of them hissed, their voice like static in her ears.

Nyra's heart raced. "I seek answers. Someone is moving between realms, someone powerful. I need to know who he is."

The guardians murmured amongst themselves before one of them stepped forward. "You seek the one called Kaelen. He is the Dark Key, the only one who can unlock all the realms at once and bring chaos to the dimensions. But beware, Gatekeeper, for he is closer to you than you think."

Nyra's stomach twisted. Kaelen. The name echoed in her mind. How could someone like that remain hidden for so long?