We stood before the gate.
Blood and silver doors open wide.
The Sanctuary of Forms waiting beyond.
Luna's voice still echoing.
Warning.
Threatening.
Promising forced choice.
"We have to enter." Astro's voice was grim.
I know.
I looked at Ori.
The boy was shaking.
Exhausted.
Barely holding together after four trials.
"Stay close." Astro put a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever happens inside, we stay together."
I stepped toward the gate.
Toward the threshold.
Toward Trial Five and whatever Luna had designed.
The moment I crossed.
Everything went white.
Not blinding.
Just absence.
Complete sensory void.
No sight.
No sound.
No feeling.
Just nothing.
Then everything rushed back.
I woke on cold marble.
Smooth.
Perfect.
