CHAPTER 18:The Trial of Bonds

The seven entered a massive hall with towering statues of past warriors, scholars, and seekers. A voice boomed:

"True strength is not found alone. To move forward, one must fall. One must rise. And one must decide."

The floor split beneath them. Three fell into darkness, three were lifted into the air, and one remained in place.

Elias, Amara, and Lior were cast into a pit—forced to rely on teamwork to escape.

Zayn, Rafa, and two others floated above, struggling to descend without falling to their deaths.

The last member (you decide who) was left standing at a pedestal with a single lever. Pulling it would save one group—but not the other.

For the first time, their fate was not in their own hands, but in one.

And a choice was made.