The princes worked together to bring down the massive Mera, but it suddenly emitted a blinding light, forcing them to retreat. When the light faded, the Mera had vanished.

  Javaid: Where did it go?

  Vera floated in the air, carrying the eggs, which made everyone stop in their tracks.

  Vera: Something’s happening to the Mera—they glow before disappearing, so they must be hiding. Let’s leave before they realize they left their eggs behind.

  Evren: They were right about Eiranians being quick-witted. Even if you don’t get chosen during the Selection, I’ll take you as one of my attendants.

  Javaid: You’ll only make her an attendant? Vera, come with me instead. I’ll make you the overseer of my chambers. You’ll have the freedom to do whatever you wish in Avisania, and you won’t be burned by fire there.

  Evren: Are you trying to provoke me?

  Vera stopped Lord Evren from advancing toward Lord Javaid.

  Vera: Thank you both. But I cannot accept your offers. I’m content with my simple life among the Eiranians. Let’s go, it’s already late.

  She handed them the eggs, while Lord Vardan restrained the visibly displeased Lord Javaid.

  Vera: Where’s Esma? Did any of you notice her?

  Esma (from above): Vera! I’m up here! Help me get down!

  They all looked up to see Esma clinging tightly to a tree branch. Out of all who joined the Selection, only twenty remained. Several groups secured one egg each, while Vera’s group retrieved three.

  Arion: It’s no surprise Lord Vardan’s group got three eggs with their powers. All the heirs teamed up, which is why you passed the first trial. We are truly impressed.

  Everyone applauded. Esma shyly approached Vera amid the applause.

  Esma: Vera, did you know we were with nobles?

  Vera: Yes, I knew.

  Esma: How? I was just about to tell you.

  Vera smiled, and Esma fell silent, realizing something.

  Esma: Right, of course you’d know...

  Lord Vardan turned to Lord Arion.

  Vardan: You’re mistaken, Lord Arion. Vera was the one who retrieved the eggs. She led us to unite and face the Mera together.

  Everyone was stunned.

  Javaid: Lord Vardan speaks the truth. Without Vera’s leadership, Evren and I might have destroyed the forest in our disagreements. I apologize for my behavior. I know it’s not how a noble should act, but as a warrior, sometimes my temper gets the best of me.

  Lord Vardan looked at Vera behind them. Javaid waved at her, while Lord Devian scowled—something Vera noticed.

  Amirah: Lord Javaid, you don’t need to apologize. We understand. Conflicts are natural in situations like this. Your cooperation with the Eiranians was admirable. However, I regret to inform you that they can no longer proceed to the second trial.

  Everyone was shocked. Lord Devian turned to his peers.

  Arion: The Eiranians’ powers are weak. They may not survive the second trial, and we’re only thinking of their safety. We hope you understand.

  Devian: I disagree with your decision.

  Gasps followed Devian’s words. Lady Amirah looked stunned, and Lord Arion turned to her.

  Devian: Every being has the right to prove their worth in the Selection. Regardless of origin, we must give them a chance. They may only be removed from the mountain if they fail the trials. This is the law of the Selection and the foundation of training in the Mountains of Sage.

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  Silence fell over the group.

  Devian: The Eiranians will remain as long as they pass the trials. We have no right to remove them against their will.

  Lady Amirah and Lord Arion exchanged glances.

  Devian: The first trial ends here. Those who failed must leave the mountain. Those who passed will be taken to their new quarters by the Sages. At sunrise, bring your eggs—each contains a mysterious element or weapon. Once it reveals itself, it will bind to the one worthy of it, and never separate until death. Thank you, and good night.

  He turned toward a closed door and vanished into thin air, astonishing everyone.

  Esma: Lord Devian really is powerful. He controls the wind like no one else in all of Alexandria.

  Lady Amirah disappeared into green fireflies, and Lord Arion vanished into the nearby stream. Esma and Vera headed to their designated quarters, only to be led to a distant shed.

  Esma: We’re sleeping here?

  Sage 1: Lady Amirah’s orders. If you won’t stay here, then go back to the forest where you belong.

  Esma, enraged, was about to lash out, but Vera held her back.

  Vera: Thank you.

  The Sage left. Esma, furious, turned to the shed, then suddenly knelt before Vera.

  Esma: This is my fault, Your Majesty. Why don’t you reveal your true identity? Why suffer like this? I’m just a burden!

  Vera: Esma, don’t do this. Get up.

  Esma: I can’t. I’ve made too many mistakes. Please, end your suffering. Show them who you really are!

  Vera knelt and wiped her tears, helping her up.

  Vera: I have my reasons. You’ll understand in time. I’m not suffering—I’m learning, seeing everything. Worry about yourself. You need to be brave beside me, because I’m no ordinary being. Many want to face me, even fight me.

  Esma: I only joined the Selection to see Lord Devian. I never expected to pass. My power is weak, and I can’t fight.

  Vera: Do you want to see him again?

  Esma was speechless. Vera smiled. They vanished in red fire, reappearing at Vera’s sanctuary near the mountain stream. Lord Devian stood nearby. Esma froze in disbelief as Vera laughed at her reaction.

  Vera: Is Esma’s room ready, my friend?

  Devian: Everything she needs is there.

  Vera: Esma?

  Overjoyed, Esma bowed and entered. Devian approached Vera.

  Vera: If Esma fails the second trial, will you take her as your servant?

  Devian: If that is your wish, I will.

  Vera: I noticed how you look at the nobles.

  Devian: They have yet to prove themselves, but only you can decide if they’re worthy to serve you.

  Vera: You’re my Emperor and Dark Lord. I must know your thoughts.

  Vera’s eyes glowed red. Devian’s turned black. He extended his hand, and Vera bit his wrist, drinking his dark blood.

  Devian: When your red eyes appear, so does your true power.

  He shielded the area. Vera transformed into her Ameadan form. He gently wiped blood from her lips.

  Devian: It’s late. You should rest.

  Vera: I can’t sleep unless someone holds me. Did you forget? You left me alone the other night—I woke up early.

  Devian: I didn’t forget. I brought black rabbits for you when you woke.

  Vera: Don’t make excuses. If you have other matters, leave. I’ll wait here for Esma to wake.

  Devian fell silent.

  Devian: I was wrong. What can I do to be forgiven?

  Vera: Stay with me until sunrise. Can you do that?

  He sat beside her, and Vera fell asleep on his shoulder. Devian carried her away in black fire. Esma watched it all, wondering:

  Esma: Are they just friends… or something more?

  Later, Devian gently laid Vera, now dressed in a red gown, on his shoulder as she slept.

  Devian: I’ll wait for you to wake, right here.

  A black cat arrived and transformed into a beautiful woman—Levana, a Hestian warrior and Devian’s follower.

  Levana: I’ve arrived, Lord Devian. Forgive my delay.

  Seeing Vera, Levana bowed but glanced at her face—Devian pierced her cheek with a thorn.

  Devian: Never look upon the Empress!

  Levana dropped to her knees in fear.

  Levana: Forgive me! I didn’t recognize Her Majesty!

  Devian brushed Vera’s hair aside and studied her.

  Devian: Empress Vera of Ameada has returned. She will remain by my side. Tell the warriors.

  A red mist left Vera’s body, flying to Lord Vardan’s room. Troubled, he pondered Vera’s strange aura, despite her seeming to be a mere Eiranian.

  Amar (in his mind): She is no ordinary being. I feel great power hidden within her.

  Vardan: But she’s an Eiranian.

  Amar: That’s only her guise. I see the truth.

  Vardan: Could she be a threat?

  Amar: Unclear. Reveal her true power, and I’ll know.

  Vardan: How?

  As he slept, the mist entered him. Inside his consciousness, Amar—an ancient evil—resided.

  Vera: You don’t need to hide. I know you’re here.

  An old man with long black hair appeared.

  Amar: Only the Ameadan could do this. They’ve been gone for ages, so how did you enter this Terranian’s mind?

  Vera: Even if it's been centuries since your imprisonment, your arrogance remains. The Ameadan defeated you with blue fire. It still exists.

  A blue flame appeared in Vera’s hand. Amar was shaken.

  Vera: I am the last of the Ameadan. Release your evil again, and I or the Dark Lord will turn you to ash. Do you understand?

  Amar fell to his knees.

  Amar: You are Empress Vera of Ameada. Your Majesty!

  Vera: Listen carefully, or be consumed by the flame of Hest…

  #Alexandria