The Keepers led Elara and Kael through a narrow ravine carved into the mountainside. The path twisted through thick fog and jagged stone until it opened into a circular chamber beneath the peak. The air shimmered with heat, though no flame was visible.
"This is the Trial of Flame," the lead Keeper announced, his voice echoing. "Only she who has fire in her soul may enter. Only truth can temper the flame."
Kael stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm going with her."
The Keeper shook his head. "The trial must be faced alone. Even the bond of mates cannot shield her from what lies within."
Elara placed a hand on Kael's chest. "I'll come back. I promise."
Reluctantly, he nodded, stepping back as the Keepers raised their arms. The stone floor split apart, revealing a swirling vortex of fire and light. Elara didn't hesitate — she stepped into the inferno.
Heat swallowed her instantly, yet she didn't burn.
Instead, she found herself standing in a mirror of her past — the first time she had lost control of her fire. She was younger, frightened, her flames lashing out and destroying the village barn. People screamed. She had cried. Alone. Terrified.
"You were a monster," whispered a voice behind her.
She turned to see a shadow of herself — darker, crueler, wrapped in flame. It sneered. "You think you're special? You destroy everything you touch."
"No," Elara said, voice trembling. "I didn't understand then. I was a child."
"You're still a danger," the shadow hissed. "You think Kael will love you when he sees what you truly are?"
Elara stepped forward, fire flickering in her eyes. "He already has. He's seen me at my worst and stayed. I've faced my demons, and I'm not running anymore."
The shadow screamed as golden flames erupted from Elara's chest, engulfing the darkness. The chamber vanished in light, and she collapsed to her knees — breathless, but whole.
When her eyes opened again, she was back in the chamber. In her hand, nestled in glowing ash, lay the Moonstone — warm, alive, and pulsing in time with her heart.
She had passed.
And the mountain trembled with the power of her triumph.