LYRA

The Grand Hall filled quickly with all sixteen remaining contestants, excitement and nervousness mixing in the air as we waited to learn what the Trial of Survival would demand from us. I stood with Mira and Anya near the middle of the crowd, scanning faces and noting who looked confident versus who looked terrified at the prospect of being tested on wilderness skills.

Prince Kael entered from the side door, his shoulder still bandaged beneath his formal robes but his presence commanding ...