They stepped through the doorway, Kael found himself in a vast, dimly lit chamber. The room was filled with a series of ancient-looking pedestals, each one topped with a large, leather-bound book.
Lyra's eyes scanned the room, her expression intent. "The Book of Shadows is one of these," she said. "But to reach it, we must first prove ourselves worthy."
Thorne nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "The Trials of the Ancients," he said. "I've heard of them. They're a series of tests, designed to prove one's worthiness to possess the Book of Shadows."
Kael's heart sank. Tests? What kind of tests?
Lyra's expression was grim. "We'll have to face our deepest fears," she said. "And overcome them."
Thorne nodded. "It won't be easy," he said. "But we have to try."
Kael steeled himself, determination burning within him. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The first pedestal began to glow, a soft, pulsing light emanating from it. Lyra stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the book.
"I'll go first," she said.
Thorne nodded, his eyes locked onto the pedestal. "Be careful," he said.
Lyra then reached out, and opened the book.