Back in the cave, Ronan felt the familiar burn of his berserker rage. But something was different this time.
Colder. More focused. The trial had changed him. He watched Kael hide something in his jacket pocket. Watched Darian's shadows move restlessly around his feet.
Watched Elara touch her growing belly with hands that glowed too bright. Everyone had secrets now. "We need to talk," Elder Vera declared.
"The trials have revealed disturbing truths." "What truths?" Elara asked, but her voice sounded strained. "Each of you failed," another Council member said frankly.
"Your bonds are poisoned by jealousy, fear, and ambition." Ronan felt his anger spike. "We didn't fail anything." "Didn't you?" Elder Vera pointed her stick at him. "Show them what you learned, young berserker."
