Gabriel closed the book and set it beside him on the floor. The weight of what he'd seen pressed down like stone. A wyvern. An impossible hunt. A trial that would either complete what the Order started or kill him trying.
He stood slowly. His legs were steadier now, though exhaustion still pulled at him. He moved to his pack and began checking supplies. Food, water, rope, his weapons.
"What are you doing?" Mera asked from behind him.
"Packing."
"For what?"
Gabriel didn't look up. "The trial. I leave today."
Silence fell over the room. Then footsteps, quick and urgent. Mera appeared beside him, her hand moving to grab his arm.
"You can't be serious."
He pulled away from her grip and continued sorting through his supplies. "The book showed me where to go. I'm going."
"Alone?" Her voice rose. "You're going to hunt a wyvern alone?"
"Yes."
"That's suicide."
Gabriel's jaw tightened. "Probably."
