Aria looked back to the crystal, her mark burning so brilliantly it lighted the whole area. She took a long breath and spoke steadily. "Luca, do you believe me? "The "
"Always," he said without thinking twice.
"then trust that this is the right decision."
She stretched out then, her fingers wrapping around the stone. She made contact and a burst of energy erupted through her, sending waves of light and strength rippling across the area.
The shadows withdrew, their figures vanishing into the woodland. The deep, resonant voice of the guardian came back. Though the test is not finished, the link is whole.
Aria dropped on her knees as the energy of the crystal surged through her. Luca was at her side right away; his mark matched hers exactly.
"What's happening? "He demanded, his voice tinged with both dread and rage.
Elder Myra moved forward, her face austere. "The crystal is exposing the truth even as it is binding the link. Be ready, both of you.
