The arena was deathly silent.
Torches flickered against the stone walls, their light barely cutting through the darkness. Selene stood in the center, her pulse steady despite the tension in the air. Cassius, Orion, and Riven flanked her, their hands hovering near their weapons.
Above them, the Shadowborn gathered on the high stone ledges, watching with keen interest. Kiera Valen, their leader, stood at the edge of the arena, her expression unreadable.
"The Trial of Shadows is simple," she announced. "Survive."
A heavy iron door groaned open.
And then the first challenger stepped forward.
The First Challenger
A towering warrior emerged from the shadows, clad in dark leather and steel. His face was hidden behind a mask, but his sheer size was enough to send a warning.
Cassius let out a low whistle. "They didn't start small, did they?"
Selene steadied her stance. "Stay sharp."
The warrior wasted no time. He lunged, his greatsword cutting through the air with terrifying force.
Selene barely dodged in time. The blade crashed into the stone, sending sparks flying.
Cassius moved in, striking fast, but the warrior caught his blade with his gauntlet and shoved him back.
Orion rolled beneath the giant's arm, driving a dagger toward his ribs. The warrior twisted, catching Orion mid-motion and slamming him to the ground.
Selene cursed. This wasn't just a fight—it was a test of skill, endurance, and sheer will.
Riven, quick as a shadow, darted behind the warrior and struck. Their twin daggers found the gaps in his armor, slicing deep.
The warrior grunted, stumbling. An opening.
Selene moved.
Her sword flashed in the torchlight as she drove it into the warrior's side. He let out a strangled gasp before dropping to his knees.
And then, he collapsed.
The crowd above let out murmurs of approval.
Kiera, however, remained impassive.
"Impressive," she mused. "But this is far from over."
The Gauntlet Continues
More warriors entered.
A pair of twin assassins, their movements a blur. A monstrous brute wielding twin axes. A spear-wielding rogue who moved like a viper.
Each battle tested them in different ways.
Orion was forced to fight defensively, his usual swift strikes countered by his opponent's brutal strength.
Cassius took on two at once, using his speed to stay just ahead of their blades.
Riven fought in silence, their movements precise and calculated, wearing down their enemies like a storm carving through rock.
Selene faced the rogue, her blade clashing against his spear. He was fast—too fast. But she was patient. She waited, watching his rhythm.
And when he overextended—she struck.
One by one, their foes fell.
And still, the Shadowborn watched.
The Final Opponent
The doors creaked open one last time.
Kiera stepped forward. "Enough."
Selene exhaled, exhaustion creeping into her limbs. They had fought fiercely—but she could tell Kiera wasn't done testing them.
The Shadowborn leader unsheathed her own blade.
"If you want our loyalty, you must earn it with your own strength."
Cassius groaned. "I was afraid of this."
Kiera smirked. "Come, Moonborn. Let's see if you're worthy."
She lunged.