The square became quiet again.
Not the angry silence from before.
This silence was different.
Heavy.
Expectant.
Thousands of eyes watched the platform.
Watched Vivian.
Watched Sebastian.
And watched Alaric.
The ancient guardian stood tall in the center of the platform. His presence carried a power that made even the wind feel still.
Sebastian held Vivian's hand tightly.
"What kind of test?" he asked quietly.
Vivian looked at Alaric.
Her heart beat fast.
But she did not step back.
She stepped forward instead.
"If this will bring peace to the people," she said softly, "then we will face it."
The crowd murmured with approval.
Alaric nodded slowly.
"That is why you were chosen."
Dorian stood at the edge of the platform, his eyes dark. He crossed his arms but said nothing.
Alaric lifted one hand.
A faint light began to form in the air above the platform.
The crowd gasped.
