He presses himself against the wall, making space for me to edge past. As I do, our bodies brush, and electricity crackles between us. His breath catches, and I see his hand twitch, wanting to reach for me.
Another cramp hits me, fiercer than before, and my foot slips. For one terrifying moment, I feel myself tilting toward the abyss. Lucian's hand shoots out instinctively to steady me.
"No!" I gasp, even as I fight to regain my balance. "Don't help me! I have to do this myself." I meet his eyes, silently pleading. "I have to earn this."
Understanding floods his face, and he forces himself to step back, though every line of his body screams with the effort of restraining himself. Then he's gone, melting into the shadows, leaving me to face the challenge alone.
With trembling legs but steel in my spine, I press onward. The ridge seems endless, but I focus on each step, each breath, until finally—I reach solid ground on the other side.
I've passed the Test of Agility, but I know this is only the beginning.
The second chamber takes my breath away, literally. A vast pool dominates the space, its water black as a moonless night, with ancient wolf statues standing sentinel around its edges. Their stone eyes seem to watch, waiting, judging.
"Welcome to the Test of Spirit," Cade's voice rings from above, cruel amusement in his tone. "Let's see how long you can hold your breath."