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After what feels like an eternity, Rowan whispers, "...Is anyone else terrified of sneezing?"

Despite everything, I laugh. "So that's what you're worried about?" I ask.

"I panic practically."

Cassian chuckles quietly. "I noticed."

"You noticed everything." Rowan answers.

"Occupational hazard."

"You don't have an occupation."

"I'm a siren."

"That's not employment."

"It feels like one."

The bracelet doesn't react. "Keep talking." Nyra says. Perhaps conversation is allowed. Only instructions are not. Good. The silence had become too large.

The grinding stops. Completely. Nyra hesitates. "My bracelet says we've crossed."

Relief spreads through my chest. Until— "Eirea."

My father's voice. Quiet. Directly behind me. Every muscle in my body locks. Not again. Not now.

"Don't." Cassian says the word sharply.

I freeze. He heard something too.

"Eirea." The voice is closer. "You've disappointed me before." My fingers curl. Not real. "You'll disappoint me again." Not real.

I begin counting my breaths. One. Two. Three. The voice laughs softly. That almost breaks me. Because my father never laughs. Which means the Trial is learning. Or guessing. Either possibility is disturbing.

"Eirea." I feel warm fingers brush my wrist. Cassian.

Just for a second. Not holding me. Grounding me.

"I know." His voice is barely above a whisper. "Keep walking."

The touch disappears immediately. Respectful. Temporary. Enough. I continue forward. My father's voice fades behind me. Several minutes pass before Nyra speaks again.

"I have another instruction."

"What is it?" Rowan asks.

"Choose one person."

We all become still. "To do what?" I ask.

"I don't know. That's all it says."

Rowan groans. "I swear this Academy was founded by people who hated context."

Silence. Then Nyra says quietly, "Eirea."

I blink. "What?"