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“Elara,”Zar’Ryn’s voice surged through the bond, steady and commanding.“Do not let them push you back. You must control the space.”

“Easier said than done,” she muttered under her breath, but the bond’s pulse steadied her movements. She sidestepped another swing and lashed out with her staff, connecting with the construct’s arm. Sparks flew, but the weapon stayed active, forcing her to retreat.

Zar’Ryn’s hands hovered over the shifting grids on the pedestal. He inhaled deeply, the bond thrumming as he felt Elara’s struggle. Her fear, her determination, and her pain all bled into him, sharpening his focus. He pressed the first grid piece into place, watching as the others shifted in response. The mechanism’s glow flickered, awarning that any error could reset the entire sequence.

“Zar’Ryn, the constructs… they are adapting,”Elara’s voice pushed through the bond, strained and breathless.“I cannot keep up with all of them.”

He gritted his teeth. “You will.” His voice was cold but resolute. “Do not waste energy on hesitation. Anticipate their movements. You can outthink them.”

The bond pulsed, and Elara felt his confidence flood into her like a wave of fire. She parried another strike, then drove the staff into the core of the first construct. It fell with a screech, but two more stepped into its place, their weapons humming with lethal energy.

Zar’Ryn locked another piece into the grid, sweat dripping down his temple as the puzzle grew increasingly complex. The segments began to shift independently, their movements faster and less predictable. He growled low in his throat, forcing himself to slow down and think. Elara’s determination echoed through the bond, groundinghim.

The second construct lunged at her, its blade arcing in a sweeping strike. She ducked under it, spinning to deliver a blow to its leg. The strike landed, but it barely slowed the machine. Her chest heaved as she backed away, her eyes darting toward Zar’Ryn. “I cannot keep this up much longer!”

“You will,” Zar’Ryn snapped, his voice a growl. “Because I will not fail.”

As the final piece of the puzzle locked into place, the pedestal emitted a deafening chime. The constructs froze mid-attack, their glowing weapons dimming as they collapsed to the floor. Elara fell to her knees, the staff slipping from her trembling hands. Her breaths came in ragged gasps as the bond pulsed softly, afaint echo of relief shared betweenthem.

“The trial is complete,” the Custodian announced, its voice resonating through the chamber. “You have demonstrated unity and balance in chaos. Your bond grows stronger still.”

Zar’Ryn stepped toward the center of the chamber, his amethyst gaze locking onto Elara. She looked up at him, exhaustion etched into every line of her face, but her eyes burned with quiet triumph.

“You fought well,” he said simply, his voice carrying a rare note of pride.

She gave a weak smile. “So did you.”

The bond between them thrummed, stronger than ever, as the chamber began to shift again.

Chapter 19

AS THE CHAMBERshifted, the golden light dimmed while the walls melted away like liquid metal. Zar’Ryn tensed, his hand instinctively moving toward his blade, but the bond pulsed faintly—awhisper of reassurance from Elara. He glanced toward her, catching her wide-eyed expression as the room reshaped itself into something unexpected.

The harsh lines of the trial chamber softened, replaced by warm, intimate surroundings. Alow table with cushions sat in the center, surrounded by the glow of a flickering fireplace. The air was heavy with the scent of rich spices and sweet fruits, and the table was laden with an array of Vettian and human dishes, each one perfectly arranged and steaming as though freshly prepared.

Zar’Ryn frowned, his amethyst gaze darting across the space. “What is this?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

Elara stepped closer, her arms wrapped around herself as if to ward off the strangeness of it all. “I... Idon’t know,” shewhispered, her tone trembling slightly. “It feels... safe. But why now?”

Before Zar’Ryn could answer, the bond pulsed again, stronger this time, filling him with her unease. He crossed the room in two strides and pulled her into his arms. She stiffened at first, then melted into him, her hands clutching the back of his armor as though he might disappear.

“It is safe,” he murmured, his deep voice softer now. “You are safe.”

She nodded against his chest, but when she pulled back, he saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said, brushing at her cheeks. “I don’t know why I’m crying.”

“There is no need for apologies,” he said firmly. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that streaked her skin. “You are tired. You are overwhelmed. Let this moment be a reprieve.”

Elara managed a faint smile, her hands covering his for a brief moment before she leaned up to kiss him. The bond flared, warmth and reassurance flooding between them. Zar’Ryn held her close, his lips soft but commanding against hers, as if trying to imprint his presence into her very being.

When they parted, she let out a shaky breath, her cheeks flushed. “Perhaps this is meant to be a break,” she said, her voice steadier now. “We should take it.”

Zar’Ryn nodded, his expression easing as he gestured toward the table. “Then sit. Eat. Regain your strength.”

They settled onto the cushions, their initial hesitation giving way to a surprising sense of peace. The food was exquisite, each dish perfectly spiced and balanced, and they shared small, quiet laughs as they sampled from each other’s plates. Zar’Ryn fedher slices of sweet fruit, his fingers lingering against her lips as she smiled up at him. Elara returned the gesture, her laughter growing softer, more intimate, as the bond between them pulsed with warmth and connection.

As the firelight flickered, their closeness deepened, and the world seemed to shrink until only the two of them existed. The crackle of the flames mirrored the electric tension that sparked between the two, each moment drawing them nearer, each breath heavy with unspoken longing.

Zar’Ryn’s eyes locked on hers, the violet depths glowing with a fire that had nothing to do with the blaze nearby. His hand lifted, fingers brushing her cheek with an unexpected tenderness that sent a shiver down her spine. Slowly, deliberately, he slid his hand to the back of her neck, his touch firm yet gentle, pulling her closer until their breaths mingled in the charged air betweenthem.

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