The glow of the orb in Mallory's hand pulsed rhythmically as if it had its own heartbeat. She stared at it for a moment, her usual smirk replaced by an expression of mild curiosity. The orb was warm to the touch, and its light seemed to dim and brighten in time with her own thoughts. She could feel it pulling her toward something deeper in the ruins of Solara.
Behind her, Greg was pacing nervously, his hands clenching and unclenching. "I'm telling you, this whole thing is a bad idea. We should turn back, regroup, and figure out another way."
"Turn back to what?" Mallory said, not even looking at him. "A bunch of sand dunes and skeletal knights? Sounds cozy."
Altair, lounging against a crumbling pillar, chuckled. "Come on, Greg. Where's your sense of adventure?"
"I think it died somewhere between the collapsing forest and the zombie knight," Greg muttered.
Mallory ignored them both, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. The golden spires of the city shimmered in the moonlight, and in the distance, she could see what looked like the entrance to another temple. She could already feel the hum of magic in the air.
"Let's go," she said, striding forward.
The group reluctantly followed her, their steps crunching on the cracked, glittering stone. Alex walked at the rear, keeping her bow ready just in case Seraphine and her crew decided to make another appearance.
As they approached the temple, Mallory felt a familiar tug in her chest. It wasn't just the orb pulling her forward—it was her apartment. Somehow, even in this ancient, magical city, her bizarre, evolving home was still tethered to her, like a faithful dog that refused to leave its owner's side.
The door to the temple swung open with a low groan, revealing a long, narrow hallway lined with torches that flickered with an unnatural blue flame. The air inside was cold, and every step echoed like a drumbeat.
Greg hesitated at the entrance. "Are we sure about this?"
"Nope," Mallory said cheerfully, stepping inside.
The hallway led to a massive chamber with a high, domed ceiling. At the center of the room was a pedestal similar to the one they'd seen before, but this one was surrounded by a shimmering, translucent barrier.
Mallory walked up to the barrier and tapped it with her parasol. It rippled like water but didn't break.
"Any ideas?" she asked, turning to the group.
Zara studied the barrier, her brow furrowed. "It's a magical seal. It looks like it's tied to... something."
"Helpful," Mallory said, already bored. She flipped her hourglass, and the barrier immediately reacted, glowing brighter.
"Careful!" Greg shouted, but it was too late.
The barrier shattered with a deafening roar, and the ground beneath their feet began to shake. The walls of the chamber started to shift, revealing hidden alcoves filled with grotesque statues. The statues' eyes glowed red, and a deep, guttural voice filled the room.
"Who dares disturb the Trial of Shadows?"
Mallory sighed. "Great. Another trial. Can't we just skip to the part where I win?"
The voice ignored her. "To prove your worth, you must conquer your greatest fear."
Before anyone could react, the room was plunged into darkness. When the lights returned, the group was gone.
---
Mallory found herself alone in a strange, dimly lit space. It looked like a twisted version of her apartment, with crooked walls and furniture that seemed to shift and melt like wax.
"Well, this is unsettling," she muttered.
The refrigerator in the corner rattled ominously before swinging open. Instead of food, it was filled with... paperwork. Stacks and stacks of it, all marked with words like "urgent" and "overdue."
"Oh no," Mallory whispered, backing away. "Not paperwork. Anything but that."
The paperwork began to spill out of the fridge, forming a massive, writhing pile that moved toward her like a living thing.
Mallory flipped the hourglass, but instead of slowing down, the paperwork sped up, growing larger and more aggressive. She tried to dodge it, but a particularly large stack of tax forms smacked her in the face.
"Okay, okay!" she shouted. "You win! I'll do my taxes!"
The paperwork paused, as if considering her words, before retreating back into the fridge. The room shifted again, and Mallory found herself back in the chamber with the pedestal.
The rest of the group was there too, each of them looking a little shaken.
"What did you see?" Alex asked, her voice trembling.
"Nothing important," Mallory said quickly, brushing herself off.
Greg, who had clearly been crying, glared at her. "I don't believe you for a second."
Before anyone could press further, the pedestal began to glow. A second orb rose from its surface, joining the first in Mallory's hand.
"Well, that was... something," Altair said, his usual bravado replaced by a rare moment of seriousness.
Mallory turned to the group, her smirk returning. "Two down, one to go."
---
As they exited the temple, Mallory felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She could sense her apartment calling to her, offering its usual comforts. She decided to give in.
"Hey," she said, turning to the group. "I need a break."
Greg frowned. "A break? Now? We're in the middle of—"
Before he could finish, Mallory raised her hand and snapped her fingers. A portal opened behind her, leading directly to her apartment's living room.
The group stared in disbelief as she stepped through the portal and plopped down on her couch.
"Come on," she called to them. "You look like you could use a snack."
Reluctantly, the group followed her into the apartment.
Inside, everything was as pristine and cozy as ever. The refrigerator was fully stocked, the lights were warm and inviting, and the faint sound of jazz music played in the background.
"How is this place real?" Greg asked, shaking his head.
Mallory shrugged. "It's home."
Altair immediately raided the fridge, emerging with a massive sandwich. "Okay, I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you, Mallory."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," she replied, reclining on the couch.
As the group settled in, Mallory couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Sure, the trials were dangerous, and the stakes were high, but as long as she had her apartment—and her friends—she was confident they could handle anything.
For now, though, she was content to enjoy the calm before the next storm.