The moon hung high over Blackthorn Ridge, casting an eerie silver glow across the fortress. Rina, Torin, and Alara had been led to a modest set of chambers after their meeting with Elias Blackthorn. The conversation still weighed heavily on Rina's mind, but there was little time to reflect. The clock was ticking, and they had been drawn into something far more significant than they initially expected.
Rina paced the stone floor, her brow furrowed in thought. Elias's words echoed in her head: *"The answers you seek will come at a cost."*
Torin sat by the window, his eyes scanning the outside as if expecting an ambush. "This place is a cage," he muttered. "No matter how high up we are, the walls feel like they're closing in."
"Blackthorn's fortress is designed for more than just keeping enemies out," Rina replied, glancing at the closed door. "It keeps people in—like a spider's web."
Alara, sitting on the edge of the bed, had been uncharacteristically quiet since their arrival. "Rina, do you think Elias knows about the Box?" she asked hesitantly.
Rina stopped pacing and crossed her arms. "He knows more than he's letting on. He knows about the Box, the chest, and probably everything else we've been keeping secret." She sighed, trying to piece it together. "But the question is, what's his game?"
Torin stood and faced Rina. "We should leave. Get out of here while we still can. If he knows everything, we've got no leverage."
Rina shook her head. "We can't leave—not yet. Elias is testing us, and walking away will only make us look weak. Besides, he has information we need."
"And what happens if he turns on us?" Torin pressed, his voice filled with concern.
"Then we'll deal with him," Rina said, more confidently than she felt. "We've come too far to back out now."
There was a knock at the door, sharp and purposeful. The trio froze, exchanging a glance before Rina cautiously moved to open it. One of Blackthorn's guards stood there, his face hidden behind a metal helm, his voice muffled but authoritative.
"Lord Blackthorn has requested your presence in the Hall of Trials."
Rina's stomach tightened. "The Hall of Trials?"
The guard nodded. "A necessary part of any negotiation within Blackthorn Ridge. Lord Blackthorn believes you must be tested before further discussions can proceed."
Torin cursed under his breath, but Rina held up a hand, silencing him. She knew this was coming—Blackthorn wasn't going to let them waltz in and walk out without proving themselves. Whatever this "trial" was, it was another move in Elias's game.
"We'll be there," she said, nodding to the guard.
Once the door closed, Torin rounded on Rina. "A trial? This is madness! He's playing with us, Rina."
"I know he is," Rina replied, steeling her resolve. "But this is how we play the game. If we refuse, we lose our chance to learn what he knows. If we accept, we at least have a shot at getting ahead."
Alara stood, her face pale but determined. "What do you think this trial involves?"
Rina exhaled slowly. "If it's anything like Blackthorn's reputation, it won't be straightforward. He'll test our loyalty, our intelligence, maybe even our willingness to sacrifice. Whatever it is, we can't show weakness."
Torin's expression hardened. "Then let's get this over with."
---
The Hall of Trials was a vast, circular chamber deep within the heart of Blackthorn Ridge. The stone walls were lined with torches that flickered dimly, casting ominous shadows across the floor. At the center of the room, a large, rune-etched circle glowed faintly, and Elias Blackthorn stood at the edge, waiting.
Rina, Torin, and Alara entered the chamber, flanked by two silent guards. The doors behind them closed with a heavy thud, sealing them inside.
Elias looked up, his piercing gaze scanning each of them. "The Hall of Trials," he began, his voice carrying across the room, "is a place where those who wish to deal with me must prove their worth. You stand at a crossroads—whether you proceed from here or not will depend on how you perform."
Rina stepped forward, her face calm but her heart racing. "And what exactly do you expect us to do?"
Elias smiled, a thin, sharp smile. "This is not a test of brute strength or blind loyalty. It is a test of will, of intelligence, and, most importantly, of intentions. Each of you will face a trial within the circle. Fail, and you will be deemed unworthy. Succeed, and we may continue our discussions."
Without waiting for a response, Elias raised a hand, and the runes within the circle flared to life, bathing the chamber in a cold, ethereal light. "Rina Delaine," he said, his voice low, "you will be the first."
Rina stepped forward, her eyes locked onto Elias's. She had faced worse than this, she told herself. Whatever the trial entailed, she would find a way to outthink it.
The light within the circle grew brighter as she stepped inside, and for a moment, everything went dark.
When her vision cleared, she found herself standing in an endless expanse of white mist. The ground beneath her feet was solid, but there was nothing around her—no landmarks, no horizon, just an infinite void.
A voice echoed through the mist—Elias's voice, but disembodied, as if it came from everywhere at once.
"This is a test of trust," the voice said. "You have something I desire—the Box. And I have something you desire—knowledge. You must choose whether to trust me and hand over the Box, or take what you have and leave. But know this—one path leads to ruin, and the other to your goal. Choose wisely."
Rina felt a knot of tension form in her chest. She knew this was a trap, a mental game designed to force her hand. Elias was testing whether she would give up the Box, but there was no way she would trust him blindly.
She closed her eyes, thinking quickly. The trial wasn't just about trust—it was about understanding Elias's intentions. He wanted to see if she was willing to sacrifice, but also if she was clever enough to navigate his tests.
"I won't trust blindly," Rina said aloud, her voice steady. "But I also won't walk away without answers."
The mist swirled around her, and the voice spoke again, sounding almost pleased. "Good. You understand that trust is earned, not given."
The mist parted, and Rina found herself back in the Hall of Trials, standing once more in the glowing circle. Elias's expression was unreadable, but there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"You passed," he said simply.
Rina exhaled, relief flooding her as she stepped out of the circle. She had survived the first trial—but what about Torin and Alara?
"Who's next?" Elias asked, his gaze shifting to her companions.
Torin and Alara exchanged a glance, and Torin stepped forward, his jaw clenched. "I'll go."
As he entered the circle, Rina watched closely, her mind still racing from her own trial. Whatever came next, they had to be prepared. The game was far from over, and Elias Blackthorn was only just beginning to show his hand.