by Lynette Noni
Her friends were already waiting for her, each of them looking as anxious as she felt.
“Last day,” Bear said, as if needing to break the silence.
“We’re five for five so far,” Jordan said. “The odds are looking good.”
D.C. groaned. “Don’t jinx us.”
“Honestly,” Declan jumped in, “I’m just hoping we can avoid that death, plague and tragedy possibility. Surely the Gates have got to be running out of ideas.”
All of them turned to look at him, and D.C. hissed, “How about you don’t say stuff like that out loud?”
Alex stifled a grin, unable to believe she was capable of finding anything amusing given what they were about to face—both with the final Gate and once they returned home afterwards.
Sobering, she called for everyone’s attention, knowing they would soon be parroned away.
“No matter what happens today,” Alex said, “I want you all to know how grateful I am for everything you’ve done this week. While so much of what we’ve gone through has been focused on me,”—she caught D.C. mouthing ‘The Alex Show’ with clear humour—“I would have failed from the very first task without you all here. It’s your support and your strength that has brought us all through to today, and I don’t take that for granted.” She eyed them all. “I just… I just want you to know that.”
Kaiden reached out and entwined his fingers with hers, giving her a gentle squeeze as her words settled in the air, her friends all smiling softly at her in response.
“For the record,” Jordan said, “visiting a new world?” He grinned. “You couldn’t have stopped us if you’d tried.”
“And we know you would have,” Bear said, also grinning.
He looked much better than he had all week, Alex noted. The dark shadows under his eyes were still there, but not as deep. And after Kaiden’s explanation a few days earlier, and D.C.’s before that, Alex felt a surge of appreciation for Declan having stepped in to be there for Bear, especially when she’d been caught up in her own emotional mess. In fact, looking from friend to friend around the circle, Alex realised just how perfect their small group was. How much they complemented one another, how well their personalities mixed.
“I’m going to miss this,” she whispered.
“Hey, now,” Jordan said, reaching out to tug on a lock of her hair. “We’re not going anywhere.”
“Actually,” Bear said wryly, “we’re hopefully going home later today.”
Under his breath, Declan said, “Unless we really do have to face death, plague or—oomph.”
D.C.’s elbow to his stomach and firm glare afterwards kept him from finishing.
“I meant that whatever happens next, we’ll all be together,” Jordan said pointedly. “So there’ll be nothing to miss.”
And yet, they all knew that as soon as they returned to Medora, things would be different. At least until Aven’s defeat.
… Or theirs.
Whichever came first, really.
As if reading her declining thoughts, Kaiden gave her fingers another squeeze, prompting her to look at him. His brilliant blue eyes were warm as they held hers, erasing her doubts and filling her with confidence.
Offering him a grateful smile, Alex turned to face the others and said, “The Tia Aurans wanted us to prove ourselves, but as far as I’m concerned, we’ve already done that and more. All that’s left is for us to finish this and make sure their entire world has no choice but to acknowledge our worth. Are you with me?”
Sounds of agreement met her words, just seconds before they were flash-transported to the stadium for the very last time.
The immortals in the crowd were going wild, the stands packed beyond the escalating numbers Alex had seen in previous days. And above it all sat Saefii, Tayros and Calivere. The empress and her two advisors were markedly tense, never having expected Alex and her friends to come so far. And now, with only one test remaining, the future of the immortals hung in the balance just as much as the future of Medora.
‘If Day and Night combine and fight…’
Alex hoped beyond hope that they would make it far enough to see that come to pass.
“Here goes nothing,” she said quietly as Tayros parroned down to distribute their golden cuffs, failing to offer the usual blessing before he returned to the others.
Only then did Saefii stand.
It took more time than usual for the audience to quieten, riled up as they were. But once they hushed, the empress spoke.
“Six Gates you were challenged with, five of which you have already faced,” Saefii said. “You have come further than anticipated, and no matter the outcome today, you should be proud of yourselves for such an achievement.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, not appreciating what felt like a condescending pat on the head.
“May the light be a guide to you today, mortals,” Saefii said as she raised her hands and the fiery arches began to spin in the air.
Around and around they circled, Alex’s heart in her throat as she waited for the three options to appear.
When they did, goose bumps rose on her skin.
Ruvak, Ellarna and Cora Tenn.
Chaos, Love and Lost Souls.
As Saefii announced the options and Alex’s apprehension had her fighting to keep her breakfast down, she focused only on her breathing as the fiery arches slowly lowered into the clouded gap.
With the audience on the edge of their seats, waiting to watch their final show, Alex turned to her friends.
“I’m guessing we want to aim for the Gate of Love this time around, given the other options.”
Despite having carefully avoided glancing at Kaiden as she made her declaration, she could still see him grinning from the corner of her eye. She shot him a warning look, which only resulted in his grin becoming an amused chuckle. But, much to her gratitude, he refrained from commenting.
The rest of their friends, however, were another story. And in an effort to get away from their snickers—though, really, none of them wanted to stumble into the Gate of Chaos or the Gate of Lost Souls—Alex said, “See you all on the other side,” and took her final running leap off the dais and into the unknown.
Twenty-Five
For the first time all week, Alex ended up choosing what she considered was the best Gate of the three.
As the word ellarna flashed across her mind, she felt relief wash over her, knowing that she’d stepped into the Gate of Love after all. She only hoped it wouldn’t result in continued embarrassment.
But when she tumbled out the other side and straightened to standing, Alex realised embarrassment was going to be the least of her worries.
Once again, she had arrived in Raelia—a place that was swiftly becoming her least favourite location in all the worlds.
As her friends staggered out after her, they each made groaning sounds as they glanced around the familiar mushroom-circled clearing.
“Another memory?” D.C. asked, sounding as wary as Alex felt.
But Alex slowly shook her head. “If it is, it’s not mine.”
She had never set foot in Raelia as it now looked, covered in enough wildflowers that springtime itself failed to understand the concept of ‘overkill’.
Puzzled, Alex wondered how they could be in Raelia if not through a memory. It wasn’t like they’d stepped through the Library—they had to still be somewhere in Tia Auras. Or, alternatively, in some kind of virtual reality of the sacred Meyarin site.
“Gate of Chaos?” Bear guessed quietly. “Or Lost Souls?”
Neither Alex nor Kaiden had the chance to correct him before Saefii appeared. The Tia Auran wasn’t physically in the clearing, but a semi-transparent hologram figure standing serenely before them.
“The final test you shall endure will be provided by the Gate of Love,” Saefii announced, her voice so clear that it was like she was truly in front of them.
“Good job, Alex,” Jordan praised quietly, giving her shoulder a quick, con
gratulatory pat.
But Alex didn’t respond. She was too focused on wondering why they were in Raelia—and what they would have to do there.
“Today’s task is perhaps the simplest of all those you have encountered so far.” Saefii’s tone quieted and she conversely added, “Just as it may also be the hardest.”
In the blink of an eye, six things happened at once.
Five were the same—the rising of identical Silverwood trees spaced into pentagonal points inside the clearing.
The sixth, however, caused Alex’s stomach to hollow. Because in the centre of the pentagon, barely an arm’s length from where she was frozen to the spot, a small, crystal stand appeared, sparkling with light and reflecting the colours of the wildflowers surrounding them. On top of it rested a single item:
A golden dagger.
“I thought this was the Gate of Love?” D.C. whispered, her tone a mix of confusion warring with unease.
Alex couldn’t even offer a nod of confirmation. All she could do was stare at the golden dagger, fearing it would leap off the stand and come to life.
“Only one of you shall be truly tested today,” Saefii continued, drawing Alex’s gaze from the weapon back to her, “and yet, so will you all be.”
“More freaking riddles,” Declan grumbled. “I wish—”
But whatever he wished, he never got to say, because with a wave of Saefii’s holographic hand, he, Jordan, D.C., Bear and Kaiden all sailed away from Alex only to slam against the five silver trees, one each. The thin lower branches came alive, winding around them like vines until they were trapped at their ankles, at their necks, and at their torsos with their arms pinned to their sides.
It had happened in an instant, too fast even for Alex’s heightened reflexes to intervene. Instead, she could only look on with shock as her five friends were immobilised by the trees around where she stood.
“You have a choice to make today, Alexandra,” Saefii said, gesturing to the dagger. “Love is sacrifice. Therefore, to pass your final test, you must be willing to sacrifice one whom you love.”
All the air fled from Alex’s lungs. “What?”
“It is the ultimate test of your worth,” Saefii continued. “Kill someone you care about, and in doing so, save your entire world.”
Alex’s eyes were wide as she backed away from the dagger. “No. No way.”
But Saefii wasn’t done. “Sacrifice a single life in the name of love, and you will have passed Tu’eh Saeron ess Telari. You will have succeeded against the Gates of Testing.” She paused meaningfully. “Sacrifice a single life, and you will have proved worthy enough for our armies to join you in Medora.”
“You’re crazy,” Alex said without hesitating. She couldn’t even look in the direction of her friends. “If you think—If for one second you think—” She broke off, unable to finish.
“Alex.”
She closed her eyes at the quiet call, hoping doing so would mean it wouldn’t come again.
“Alex, maybe—”
“No!” Alex snapped at D.C., not even trying to curb her rage—but the emotion wasn’t directed at her friend. As the royal princess of Medora, D.C. had already proven that she was willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of her people. The first attempt Aven had made to reach Meya, D.C. had stood in his path with Alex, and nearly died for her act of defiance. She loved her people, and she loved her world. But she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
As Alex drew the courage to look around at the rest of her friends trussed up against the silver trees, despite their pale faces, she could tell that each of them would willingly lay down their life if it meant saving all those they loved. If it meant saving Medora.
But it wasn’t them who had to make the choice—it was Alex. It was her hands that would have to hold the dagger, her hands that would have to make the killing stroke, her hands that would forever be covered in the blood of someone she loved.
Looking from D.C. to Jordan to Bear, then to Declan, and finally Kaiden, Alex’s heart felt like it was crumbling in her chest. What the Gate required of her—it was too much. She couldn’t do it.
… But, if she didn’t do it, then she would fail them all. Everything she’d done—everything they’d all endured—would be for nothing.
“Alex,” Declan called. “Look at me.”
At the quiet command in his voice, she did.
His normally carefree features were solemn as he said, “During the Gate of Strength, you asked me why I’m here. Do you remember?”
Alex nodded, unable to speak around the vice pressing in on her chest.
“I didn’t give you an answer,” he said. “Because I didn’t know myself. Not beyond the obvious.” His eyes flicked to Bear, then to Kaiden, then around at the others. “I came to be with you all, to help in any way I could.”
And he had. He’d been there for all of them, especially Bear.
“But now I know the real reason I’m here,” Declan said, glancing pointedly at the dagger.
Understanding hit Alex and she recoiled, hissing, “Shut up, Declan,” in sync with Bear and Kaiden, who looked torn between fury and fear.
“You know it makes sense,” Declan said. “You know, Alex.”
“Shut up, Declan,” Bear snapped again.
“There’s no one waiting for me back home,” Declan continued fervently, like he was trying to convince himself as much as Alex. “My grandfather might be upset, but he’ll get over it quickly enough. And everyone else I care about is right here.” His eyes flicked around their group again, lingering on Bear and Kaiden, before returning to Alex. “If we don’t pass this test, then we’re all as good as dead. So let me do this for you—for all of you. My life in exchange for yours.” With his eyes locked on Alex, he finished quietly, “We both know you won’t survive if any of the others die today. It has to be me.”
Alex shook her head. Then shook it again.
And yet, with shaking fingers, she reached for the dagger.
As beautiful as it was deadly, it fit perfectly in her hand, feeling warm against the clamminess of her skin. She ran a finger lightly down the golden blade, a drop of blood welling on her skin from its sharpness, the sting of pain a welcome distraction.
She may have taken hold of the dagger, but she didn’t move from the centre of the pentagon. She didn’t step in any direction. And she wouldn’t—she couldn’t.
“Alex, it’s okay,” Declan called quietly, urging her towards him. But still, she remained in place, numbness taking hold of her body.
She didn’t look up from the dagger, she didn’t look towards her friends. From their silence, she knew they understood. Even Bear and Kaiden were no longer telling Declan to be quiet. All of them knew what was at stake; that if she didn’t follow through on the test, if she didn’t kill one of them, then all hope was lost.
But she didn’t want their understanding. She didn’t want any of this.
Her numb fingers couldn’t hold the weight of the dagger any longer and she dropped it back onto the stand, the sound like a ringing echo of finality around the clearing.
Looking up at her friends, she stared at each of them before her gaze came to Declan and she whispered, “You’re wrong. I won’t survive if any of you die.”
Relieved sounds whooshed out of all her friends, Declan included, and she knew she had made the right call. There was no other choice; if this was her only option, then she would just have to find another way. She wouldn’t sacrifice any of them, she couldn’t sacrifice any of them. That was a burden she would never be able to live with.
Just as she was about to call out the single word that she knew would end the test—and make their failure official—the lingering hologram of Saefii spoke up.
“I can see you’re torn,” the empress said quietly. “So perhaps there is a way to make your dilemma easier.”
Alex’s already tortured pulse skipped a beat when the ground began to shake and the five Silverwood trees shifted outwa
rds, allowing for a sixth to spring up, turning the pentagon into a hexagon.
A bright surge of light, and suddenly there was someone else in the clearing with them, bound to the newest Silverwood tree with the branches swiftly coiling around her body.
Drawing in a stunned breath, Alex stared at the unresisting form of Zaylin, who was looking back at her with flashing eyes and tight features.
“You must take the life of another, Alexandra, if you wish to pass this test,” Saefii said. “It is up to you to decide who.”
And with that, the hologram of the empress disappeared, leaving Alex alone in the clearing to make a decision that, one way or another, would change the rest of her life.
“Just do it, Alex.”
Four quiet words from Zaylin, but they were enough to make Alex’s legs buckle.
Meeting her silver eyes, Alex just shook her head mutely.
“We both know you’re not going to kill one of your friends,” Zaylin continued in a hard voice. “Just as we both know you can’t risk failing this test.” Her lips twisted. “I’m the perfect solution.”
“Don’t,” Alex breathed, still shaking her head. “Just—Just don’t.”
“You know it’s true,” Zaylin said. “I’m no one to you. I’m just a helper—a servant.”
“You’re not just a servant,” Alex said, her numbness starting to give way as anger settled into place. Anger at Zaylin for her words and her presumptions, anger at Saefii for putting them all in this position to start with, anger at the Gates for their loathsome, despicable task.
“But that’s what I am,” Zaylin continued, relentless. “I’m a servant to my people, just as you are to yours. So pick up the dagger, and make the sacrifice.”
Alex shook her head again.
Leaning forward as much as her bindings would allow, Zaylin roared, “PICK UP THE DAGGER, ALEX!”
Just as forcefully, Alex screamed, “NO!”
She then looked up at the canopy, addressing her words to whoever was listening. “This isn’t the freaking Hunger Games! You’re all sick if you think I’m going to kill someone—anyone— just for your entertainment! I can’t—I won’t—” She inhaled deeply and tried again. “You need to give me a different task. This is no test of love—true love would never demand such a cost.”