CHAPTER 16:The Bridge of Choices

After leaving the library, the group found themselves before another bridge—this one was not golden like before. Instead, it was made of countless floating stones, each one glowing with different symbols.

A stone in front of them lit up, and a voice echoed in the air:

"To cross, you must make a choice. A price must be paid."Lior sighed. "Can we start paying in emotional trauma? Because I think we're rich in that by now."

Each of them stepped forward, realizing that each stone demanded a personal sacrifice:

Amara (The Seer) had to sacrifice her ability to see the future.

Zayn (The Warrior) had to give up his pride—admitting that strength alone would never be enough.

Elias (The Scholar) had to let go of his certainty, embracing the unknown.

Rafa (The Keeper) had to reveal what he saw in his vision: not all of them would make it.

The moment Rafa spoke, the stones trembled. The group hesitated—who wouldn't survive? But there was no time to dwell. They had made their choices. The bridge solidified, and they crossed into the next trial.