Reality itself seemed to split at the seams.
She raised her hand.
The screaming stopped.
And the silence returned.
As soon as it came, the silence disappeared as well.
A booming voice echoed again.
"The Will has been proven. Fear has been faced. You have passed the first trial."
—-
Outside – The Ceremony Grounds
In the mortal realm, the Astral sigil above her heart exploded in silver-blue flame.
Iris gasped and started panting, her arms trembling. Her cold composure was gone.
Her skin glistened with sweat, her hair clung to her cheeks, and for a single moment, she looked… human.
Thor walked to her side and knelt down.
"You did it," he whispered. "You're through the first gate."
Iris didn't meet his gaze as her mind was still in the trial.
But, as if her soul could hear his words, for once, she smiled. Just faintly.
Agni Igris approached slowly, expression unreadable.
He extended a hand and placed it on Thor's shoulder, still looking at Iris' unconscious form. .
