Chapter 17 Trial By Fire

• As the fire guardian’s words echoed through the valley, the ground shook beneath Lyra’s feet. A wave of searing heat rolled over them, making the air shimmer with the intensity of the flames. The earth beneath their feet cracked, glowing orange from the molten lava just below the surface. They had no time to prepare, no chance to second-guess themselves. The trial had already begun.
• Kylan stepped forward, his body tense. “We stay together, no matter what happens.”
• Ryan, pale and sweating from the heat, nodded. “Together.”