Lia

The ground beneath us pulsed like it had a heartbeat. Everything shimmered—air, light, even the trees, like the entire forest was holding its breath.

Then the Spiritborn turned toward me.

“Lia Brown. Your trial is first.”

My stomach tightened, but I didn’t flinch. I just nodded. “Okay.”

The guys all turned toward me at once—four matching looks of worry in very different flavors.

Matt stepped forward. “Wait—first? Why her?”

“I’m not surprised,” Jesse said ...