The two warriors lunged in perfect unison, their blades arcing toward her like twin crescents of death.
Elara twisted sideways, her body moving faster than thought. In a single motion, she drove her dagger forward—straight into the chest of the golden-eyed warrior.
A gasp—not of pain, but of sorrow—escaped his lips.
Golden light burst from the wound, washing over her like warm sunlight before fading into nothing.
His body dissolved into petals of gold, each one brushing against her skin like a farewell caress before vanishing into the void.
The red-eyed warrior froze. For a heartbeat, his rage faltered, replaced by something darker—triumph.
"You chose strength," he growled, his voice echoing in the hollow of her chest. "But at what cost?"
Before she could answer, he stepped forward and pressed his palm against her heart.
A searing heat spread through her veins, twisting around her thoughts, feeding on her anger. The chamber's petals turned crimson, swirling violently as if caught in a storm.
Elara screamed—not from pain, but from the sudden rush of power.
Her vision sharpened, her limbs felt lighter, and yet… the warmth of the golden-eyed warrior's touch was gone. A hollow space gnawed at her soul where hope used to live.
The Keeper appeared once more, his expression unreadable.
"You have passed the trial," he said, "but the Second Petal demands more than sacrifice. It will test how long you can endure… before you lose yourself completely."
As the last crimson petal drifted down, the floor cracked beneath her feet, and she was swallowed into darkness once again.