Page 63 of A Trial of the Heart

Yes, my pet. Allow the memories to flood your mind. You performed valiantly in this trial, but let’s be honest, we all knew you would not make it out alive.

Tears pooled on the ground as I rested my cheek against the stone floor, immobilized by the fears lurking inside my head. The mists slowly gathered as my breathing became heavy. My will to fight faded once again. The connection to my animal dwindled as I struggled to find the strength to fight against my darkest fears. It felt like I was drowning on solid ground.

That’s it. Your mind now belongs to me. Soon, the rest will follow.I blinked slowly, closing my eyes for what very well might be the last time.That’s right. Just like before in the hunter’s lair—you are alone. No one is here. Give in to your fears. Death is the only escape for you, now, my pet. Unburden yourself. I promise you will not feel a thing once you give in.

The greatest weakness for a shifter was just that—isolation. The labyrinth knew it, and Blade knew it, too. Our people were stronger together, united as one. But divided, we were weak. I reached for my animal, but she was somehow being blocked. Our connection was muffled by the labyrinth’s magical control. My mind drifted into blackness as I tumbled into a dark abyss.

I will find you.

What was that?The labyrinth’s voice seemed panicked.

I recognized that voice.

Forcing my eyes open, I gazed into the midnight mist that encased me.I will always find you, Spitfire. We will always find each other.His voice sang to my soul and shattered the magical gag on my animal, awakening my power from within. I knew this was no trick of the labyrinth. It was really him.

“Daxton,” I sighed with relief.

Call it fate. Call it whatever the fuck you wanted. Titles didn’t mean shit right now.

Since meeting Daxton, I’d felt a spark, a kind of electricity that surpassed all logic or reason. Even in my darkest moments, he was somehow able to find me and help bring me back, and this trial was no different. I forced myself to stand on shaking limbs, leaning heavily against the wall to try and escape the invisible shackles of my fears.

“Seems I won’t be giving up so soon.”

The labyrinth cackled, recalling the deafening fog.Then, by all means, continue.

I took off at a slow jog at first, trying my best to put some distance behind me. The turns became more frequent, which meant I was winding closer and closer to the center—to the end of the labyrinth. On the final curve, I entered a large circular opening with twin pillars surging up from the floor along a red-carpeted walkway.

“A tad dramatic?” I asked aloud.

Again, rude.

“What am I supposed to do now? Simply walk across this carpet, and then a key will magically appear?”

At times, the most logical answer is the simplest one.

“But never here.” That was for damn sure.

Walk along the path. Once you reach the end, the trial of the mind will be complete, and you shall receive your first key to unlock the Heart of Valdor.

“What’s the twist?”

Whatever do you mean?His singsong taunting voice was beyond annoying at this point, praying on my last viable nerve.

I glared at the blackened, non-existent ceiling. “What’s the catch? You’ve been going on and on about how no shifter will pass the final challenge. So, what is it?”

You must not turn back, regardless of what comes next. If you do, our bargain will be in my favor. Your soul will remain here with me for eternity.

“I’m aware,” I sneered. “No other hints?”

None.

“No pressure.” I gulped. I glanced at the twin towering pillars that stood at the start of the red carpet. “What happens once I pass through these?”

Always with the questions. The other shifter didn’t even have the intellect remaining or the audacity to ask. He simply stepped forward, and then well…

“Spare me the details, please.”

Manners! For once? I’m shocked.

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