The great hall of the High Priests was colder than I imagined.
Tall stained-glass windows spilled colored light over stone floors, and six figures sat above me on a dais, framed by the statues of gods behind them.
Their gazes weighed down heavier than any of my training boulders.
Malrik stepped forward first, bowing deeply.
"High Priests, I present Ark—the boy of miracles."
The eldest priest, a man with a beard white as snow, lifted a hand.
"Step forward, boy."
I swallowed hard and obeyed.
---
The youngest priest leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"We have heard of your so-called power. Tell us where it comes from."
"I… I don't know," I admitted.
"It just happens. When someone dies, something inside me… pulls me. And then, when I act, they breathe again."
The chamber rippled with murmurs.
Another priest's tone was harsh.
"You dare treat life and death as toys without knowing the source? Such recklessness is dangerous!"
Malrik interjected quickly, bowing again.
"With respect, High Priest, the boy is still young. His intentions are not selfish. He has saved many already."
---
The eldest priest silenced the whispers with a raised hand.
"Words are wind. Show us."
He gestured. A white dove was brought in a small cage. The fragile bird flapped nervously.
"Take its life," the priest commanded. "Then return it."
My breath caught. "…What?"
"If your gift is true, prove it. Kill, then restore."
I froze. My hands clenched at my sides.
"I don't want to take a life… not just to prove myself."
The youngest priest slammed the arm of his chair.
"Then you are a fraud!"
---
The eldest priest's eyes narrowed, voice deep with weight.
"Or perhaps you fear the truth—that every life you give must be taken from another. That your miracle is not creation… but balance."
The words stabbed like a blade. Was that true?
I shook my head hard. "No… I don't believe that. I've seen what I've done. I've saved people. That's all I know."
The hall was silent. My chest burned with the effort of holding my ground.
---
Finally, the eldest priest leaned back, stroking his beard.
"…Very well. This trial is not concluded. But neither is it dismissed. We will deliberate further."
He lifted his hand, dismissing us.
"Take the boy back. We will summon him again."
---
As we exited, my legs trembled.
Malrik walked at my side, his expression unreadable.
When we passed the doors, Narsh was waiting, arms crossed, scowling.
"What the f*ck took you so long? Did they try to sniff your hair or something?"
I nearly laughed from relief, but Malrik's stern glance shut me up fast.
The trial was over… for now.