“Yeah, I have more confidence in Ahren succeeding in this test than you,” Ares says. “And shame you can’t use the aunt card on me. As your older cousins, you should learn to respect us.”
“I hate people,” Allie growls, giving me a dirty look. She’s still not forgiven me for the dream.
“Remember, they will target your weaknesses,” Jayce warns Ahren, ignoring the rest of us.
“Who said I have any?” Ahren replies lightly with a wink. “I got this. Trust me.”
I trust in you,Heaven writes.
Ahren looks forward. “Right… let’s do this.” He takes a deep breath before speaking words in a language I don’t understand.
At first, nothing happens, and then the air changes, and a figure begins to solidify before us. First, the grey robes, and then the features. They’re tall, with androgynous features, making it difficult for me to determine if they are male or female.
“You summoned me.”
That wasn’t spoken in English, but I understood it, and like their features, their voice is genderless, too.
“I did. We need guidance to the abode of the Mighty God,Helios.” Ahren’s voice is level, powerful and void of all humour.
“Of course, if you can pass one test.”
“Certainly. What is it?” Ahren asks.
Silence.
Excruciating silence.
What the fuck is this?
I can’t hear my own heart thumping, or my breathing, or anyone’s breathing for that matter. I can’t hear the wind. It’s as if I’ve gone completely fucking deaf and my ears are about to erupt from it.
I slam my scythe into the ground as I try to focus on what’s happening. Ahren hasn’t moved, but something is happening between them. I look at the others, their auras, like mine, are swirling around them.
Ahren doesn’t move, his wings spread behind him now to the max, feet apart, unmoving.
What kind of test is he facing?
A powerful surge of wind throws us all back. None of us are able to hold our ground. I’m flung back, but force my scythe into the ground. Allie’s shifted, still clutching her spear as she holds her ground. Heaven’s using magic, although Renji’s beside her.
She’s the only one without her wolf, meaning that when it comes to physical strength, she’s far weaker than the rest of us.
Her eyes flick to mine as if sensing me watching. I lookaway, turning and focusing on Ahren’s back again. I’m not the only one here, I don’t need to worry about her – or anyone. We all came willingly.
The wind suddenly disappears, slamming us all to the ground, and I growl. The hell with slamming us around like fucking rag dolls. I get to my feet as my ears are suddenly unblocked.
“Let us begin our journey,” the pathfinder says, turning and walking slightly east of where we were heading.
Ahren looks at us. He looks normal, but he’s exhausted. “How did that go?” Carter asks.
“We’re being guided, aren’t we?” Ahren says with a tired grin.
“What was the test?” I ask.
His eyes shadow. “I cannot speak of it and, honestly, I’m good with that.”
I don’t say anything, but I have a pretty good idea of what it might have included… That look in his eyes… I’ve seen it countless times in the mirror.
The pathfinder stops and waves their hands. A glowing light appears, followed by runes and symbols, before they form an arch. “Your desire is the fastest route, and so we must cross the Marshes of Vhaldir. Be warned, it is no easy crossing. Follow the moonlight, and on the other side we shall meet again.”
