Chapter 60: The Trials Begin

The chamber hummed with an energy that seemed to come from the very stones. The air was dense, pressing against Luke, Ava, and Raven as if the darkness itself were alive, eager to engulf them. Their surroundings had morphed into a realm where reality and illusion blurred, but their bonds and resolve had grown too strong to falter under fear.

"Don't let it get into your head," Raven's voice, though quiet, sliced through the tension. She stood tall, even as her hands trembled slightly. "The moment we let the fear control us, we lose everything."

Luke clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay grounded. His mind flashed back to all the battles they'd survived, each one chiseling away at the boy who used to fear everything. He was no longer that person. "We've faced worse before. This is just another test—another game."