The roar of the ancient guardian filled the Chamber of Memory, shaking dust from the stone ceiling high above. The beast stepped forward—taller than any tree Aria had seen, its body formed from burning stone and molten cracks glowing like fire beneath its skin.
Kael unsheathed his blade instantly. "Stay behind me!"
But Aria's bracelet pulsed again, and the silver chain around her neck tightened like it sensed danger.
"No," Aria said. "This is my trial."
Kael hesitated—but stepped aside.
The guardian growled low, its glowing eyes fixed on her. Then it charged.
Aria raised her left hand—her bracelet shining with blinding light—and a wave of force exploded outward, knocking the creature off balance. Sparks flew. The chamber trembled.
"I can feel it," she whispered. "The bracelet… it's channeling something."
But it wasn't just the bracelet. Suddenly, the space beside her shimmered—and from the light emerged a familiar figure.
Tristan.
Not his voice inside her head. Not a memory. But a projection—a living form made of light and will.
"You don't have to face it alone," he said, drawing a blade of ethereal energy. "We're still with you."
And then Darius appeared on her other side, tall and silent, holding a glowing shield.
Behind her, Ethan, his silver chain wrapped tightly in his palm, eyes blazing with calm fury.
Together, they charged.
The battle was fierce. The guardian swung massive arms of flame, slamming the stone floor and sending cracks through the chamber. Kael flanked from behind, drawing the beast's attention, while Aria and her brothers struck in sync — magic, light, memory, and will combined.
The bracelet glowed hot on her wrist, her heart beating with raw power. When the guardian roared again and raised a final blow, Aria leapt, her hand forward, and the force of all three souls within her surged through her.
A white blast erupted.
Silence followed.
When the smoke cleared, the guardian had frozen—mid-strike, its fire dimmed—and then slowly crumbled into ash.
Aria dropped to her knees, exhausted. Her brothers' projections began to fade.
"You're stronger now," said Ethan, smiling faintly. "We'll return when you need us most."
Tristan gave her a wink before fading: "Nice jump, little sis."
And they were gone.
Kael helped her up. "You did it."
Aria didn't answer. Her eyes were fixed on something behind the crumbled remains—a second door. One that hadn't been visible before.
She stepped toward it.
"It's not over," she said. "It's only beginning."