Chapter 29
The corridor stretched before Elana and Lucian, the crimson glow of the Blood Moon casting long shadows that danced across the stone walls. Every step they took felt heavier, the air thick with tension. Kade's presence lingered nearby, though unseen, his influence crawling along the edges of the hall like a predator stalking its prey.
"Elana," Lucian said softly, his silver eyes scanning every shadow, "we need to act carefully. Kade will try to force a choice—one that could bind you to him. The hall will obey him if you falter."
Elana swallowed hard, gripping the mark on her chest. "A choice? What kind of choice?"
Lucian's gaze hardened. "A blood pact. The hall can enforce it if Kade convinces you—or frightens you—into submission. Once made, it cannot be undone. It binds your power, your bond, and your will."
Her stomach tightened. "He… he could take everything from me?"
Lucian nodded. "Yes. That's why you must trust your mark, your bond, and yourself. The hall responds to strength of will. Not fear. Not anger. Strength."
The corridor split into two paths, both shrouded in crimson mist. From one, whispers of her past mistakes echoed; from the other, visions of possible futures twisted and flickered like flames.
"There," Lucian said, pointing to the left path. "That's the path the hall expects you to take. Kade wants you to doubt yourself, to choose the other path."
Elana nodded, determination settling in her chest. She placed a hand over her mark, feeling its warmth pulse through her. "Then we go the expected way… together."
Lucian squeezed her hand. "Together."
As they stepped forward, the mist thickened, curling around them like fingers. Shadows rose, whispering promises, threats, and seductions. Kade's voice echoed faintly:
"Come… bind yourself to me. Choose the path that ensures power, safety… love. Or walk alone and lose everything."
Elana forced her eyes shut, blocking out the illusions. She focused on Lucian—the warmth of his hand, the pulse of their bond, the certainty of their connection. Slowly, the mist parted as the hall recognized her resolve.
Ahead, a pool of deep crimson liquid glimmered, reflecting the Blood Moon's light. A faint rune glowed above it: a symbol of binding, of choice. This was the hall's test—a blood pact offered in shadow and promise.
Lucian's voice was firm. "Do not touch it. Do not accept it. Your bond is stronger than any false promise he can offer. Let the hall see your loyalty."
Elana took a deep breath, stepping past the pool. Her hand hovered over the mark on her chest, warmth radiating outward, repelling the dark whispers. The hall responded, the shadows recoiling, acknowledging her strength.
The crimson liquid rippled, but the rune above it dimmed. Kade's voice hissed from the darkness, frustrated. "You may survive this… but the trial isn't over."
Elana exhaled, relief and triumph coursing through her veins. "We didn't falter," she said quietly.
Lucian smiled, silver eyes softening. "No. And we won't. Not while we face it together."
The Blood Moon's glow deepened, casting a protective light over them, as the hall seemed to pause, waiting for the next test.
The trial of the blood pact had ended—but Kade's shadow still lingered.
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