Theuhva nasped their way, almost as if it sensed their urgency. The trial was known to test even the Overlord on his rare visits. The rooms constantly changed as the place tried to lure Harlow into staying. That’s what it was meant for.
Today, those little gut checks were absent, and the trial allowed them to pass with an unheard-of ease.
In a very short time, Graydon and the rest approached the only room in the structure that always remained the same. A place where memories and dreams intertwined.
This room intended to coax you to stay, its lures nearly irresistible. Graydon had always thought this place was the real test. This was where a person's true colors could be seen.
They spilled into the room, the sounds of dripping water and the pain-filled cries of those caught within the depths of a nightmarish realm greeted them.
Graydon took the scene in with a glance. Kira floated in a bubble, liquid spinning in two separate directions around her to create something that was eerily beautiful. Columns of the watery liquid had speared Aeron and Devon through the chests, raising them to float in midair.
"She's pulled them into her mind," Amila breathed in shock.
Hers wasn’t the only surprise. It took an exceptionally powerful mind to swamp another's in this fashion. That Kira could, spoke of a discipline and strength even the members of Roake hadn't been prepared to attribute to her.
Loudon coughed, sucking in air as he sat up from where he'd collapsed. He looked up at them, unmistakable shock on his face. "Harlow, what are you doing here? Even you can't interfere with theuhva na."
No one moved for several seconds, realizing Loudon didn’t know they’d been warned of his betrayal. He either thought Joule wouldn't make it out, or he didn't know the boy had survived whatever he'd done to Wren.
Harlow stepped forward, Graydon circling to his right, putting space between them as he tried to flank Loudon without the other man realizing it.
The boys abruptly seized as whatever Kira had shown them caused their minds to buckle. Loudon barely glanced at them, keeping his attention on Harlow.
If Joule hadn't warned them, Graydon wasn't sure he would have been able to spot the other man's deception. His acting was perfect, not even a hint to show the traitor within.
"I would argue circumstances aren't normal, wouldn't you?" Harlow said, taking another step toward Kira and the rest. "The Trial of the Broken isn't meant to be taken with others."
Loudon hesitated. "The trial opens to whoever it pleases. It isn't my place to second guess its will."
"Is that why you're here?" Harlow asked.
Loudon drew himself up. "As a herald, it's my duty to observe."
Graydon nearly cursed as Loudon retreated a step. The Overlord stopped, frustration in the tightness around his eyes and mouth. Both of them knew they were still too far and Loudon too close to Kira.
Devastation filled Loudon’s expression.
"You know, don't you?" Loudon asked finally.
Loudon didn’t wait for an answer, whirling and bringing his hands together.Kiwrapped around him, boiling the air before surging toward Kira.
Graydon's blood turned to ice as he charged, yanking at hiski. Denial roared through him. He was going to be too late.
Out of the watery depths, the ghostly form of a smalllu-ongappeared. His jaw dropped, swallowing Loudon'ski, leaving the man staring open-mouthed at the apparition.
The baby faded as quickly as he'd come.
Loudon remained frozen as Graydon powered toward him.
He seemed to come to himself, reaching for the blade at his side. He never got the chance as Finn shot from the darkness, his en-blade a streak of motion as it bit into Loudon's shoulder.
The traitor screamed as his arm fell to the ground. Sobs echoed in the room as he clutched his wound. Loudon staggered before sagging to his knees.
Finn stood over him, his expression merciless.
Graydon nodded at him. "Well done."
A grunt was Finn's only response.
