Darkness enveloped Elara. She felt her fall – not physically, but deeper, into a level beyond reality. Voices whispered in her head, a thousand at once, words in languages she did not understand.
But one voice was louder than any other.
"You can't escape."
Elara's body twitched. It felt like something was pulling her, tearing her apart.
Suddenly – a flash of light.
"Elara!"
Kael's voice broke through the darkness. A warm hand gripped her wrist.
Her eyes opened, and she saw him.
His silver eyes, full of determination. His grip tight.
"Don't let go!" he shouted.
But under her an abyss opened up, from which the shadow reached for her.
And then – the dark voice again.
"He can't save you."
Something cold lay around her heart.
"What if he's right?" whispered an inner voice.
What if she really couldn't be saved?
Her fingers loosened.
Kael's eyes widened. "No. You don't give up!"
His hand pulled tighter to hers. He fought against the shadows, against what pulled her down.
"Do you remember our promise?" His voice trembled with effort.
A picture flashed in Elara's head.
A starry sky. Two children who reached out their hands.
"We won't let go," Kael had said at the time. "No matter what happens."
Elara's heartbeat quickened.
She wasn't alone.
With all her strength she tightened her muscles - and reached for Kael's arm.
A huge flash of light broke through the darkness. The shadows screamed as they backed away from her.
Elara was pulled up – back into the light.
The return
She gasped when she felt solid ground under her feet again. Cold sweat was on her forehead.
Kael held her tight, his hands trembling. "You're back."
She nodded. Her body felt heavy – but she was here.
But before she could say anything, the platform shared.
The divine being was still there - but it now watched them differently.
"You passed the first exam."
"The first one?" Elara gasped.
"Your journey has only just begun."
The sky above them darkened.
And then... the gates to the true examination opened.