Silver and black flames circled Kael and Lira, rising higher with every second.
The heat wasn't painful, but it made the air heavy, like the whole Sanctuary was holding its breath.
Lira grabbed Kael's arm.
"Why does this one feel different…?"
Kael looked around, tense.
"Because this is the last trial. And the Sanctuary wants all of our strength."
The voice returned, calm but deeper than before:
"The Trial of Unity."
"Two hearts, one path."
"Two powers, one purpose."
Lira whispered, "Unity…?"
Kael held her hand.
"It means we have to act as one. No fear. No hiding."
Lira nodded slowly.
The flames around them split open, revealing a long stone bridge stretching into darkness.
There was nothing under it.
No ground.
No sky.
Just empty space.
Lira stepped back.
"Kael… if we fall—"
"We won't," Kael said. "Not if we move together."
They walked forward, hand in hand.
As soon as they stepped on the bridge, the flames closed behind them, cutting off the way back.
Lira's heartbeat sped up.
"Why does this feel like a trap…?"
Kael didn't answer, but he felt the same.
Halfway across the bridge, the voice spoke again:
"The Devourer feeds on fear."
"Show fear… and it will find you."
Lira squeezed Kael's hand.
"I'm trying not to be scared…"
Kael pulled her closer.
"Just stay with me."
But suddenly—
The bridge began to shake.
Hard.
Lira gasped and grabbed Kael's chest.
"What's happening?!"
The darkness below them moved… like something was crawling under the empty space.
A deep growl rose from below.
Slow.
Hungry.
Kael looked down and saw glowing red cracks spreading under the bridge.
Something was waking up.
The voice of the Sanctuary returned:
"Do not run.
Do not let go of each other.
If your bond breaks for even a moment… the Devourer will rise."
Lira trembled.
"Kael… I can feel something pulling at my magic."
Kael held her tighter.
"I feel it too. Stay close."
The shaking got stronger.
The bridge cracked.
Lira lost her balance—
"Kael!!"
He caught her instantly, pulling her against him.
"I've got you. I won't let go."
Lira buried her face in his chest, breathing fast.
"Kael… something is watching us from below…"
Kael slowly looked down again.
Through the cracks in the bridge—
Two massive red eyes opened in the darkness.
Watching them.
Waiting.
Hungry.
Kael's entire body tensed.
"…Lira," he whispered, "don't look down."
She clutched his shirt tighter.
"Why?"
The red eyes opened wider.
The growl rose again, shaking the bridge.
Because the Devourer…
was not just a warning.
It was HERE.