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Only then did Saefii stand.

It took more time than usual for the audience to quieten, riled up as they were. But once they hushed, the empress spoke.

“Six Gates you were challenged with, five of which you have already faced,” Saefii said. “You have come further than anticipated, and no matter the outcome today, you should be proud of yourselves for such an achievement.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed, not appreciating what felt like a condescending pat on the head.

“May the light be a guide to you today, mortals,” Saefii said as she raised her hands and the fiery arches began to spin in the air.

Around and around they circled, Alex’s heart in her throat as she waited for the three options to appear.

When they did, goose bumps rose on her skin.

Ruvak, EllarnaandCora Tenn.

Chaos, Love and Lost Souls.

As Saefii announced the options and Alex’s apprehension had her fighting to keep her breakfast down, she focused only on her breathing as the fiery arches slowly lowered into the clouded gap.

With the audience on the edge of their seats, waiting to watch their final show, Alex turned to her friends.

“I’m guessing we want to aim for the Gate of Love this time around, given the other options.”

Despite having carefully avoided glancing at Kaiden as she made her declaration, she could still see him grinning from the corner of her eye. She shot him a warning look, which only resulted in his grin becoming an amused chuckle. But, much to her gratitude, he refrained from commenting.

The rest of their friends, however, were another story. And in an effort to get away from their snickers—though,really, none of them wanted to stumble into the Gate of Chaos or the Gate of Lost Souls—Alex said, “See you all on the other side,” and took her final running leap off the dais and into the unknown.

Twenty-Five

For the first time all week, Alexended up choosing what she considered was the best Gate of the three.

As the wordellarnaflashed across her mind, she felt relief wash over her, knowing that she’d stepped into the Gate of Love after all. She only hoped it wouldn’t result in continued embarrassment.

But when she tumbled out the other side and straightened to standing, Alex realised embarrassment was going to be the least of her worries.

Once again, she had arrived in Raelia—a place that was swiftly becoming her least favourite location in all the worlds.

As her friends staggered out after her, they each made groaning sounds as they glanced around the familiar mushroom-circled clearing.

“Another memory?” D.C. asked, sounding as wary as Alex felt.

But Alex slowly shook her head. “If it is, it’s not mine.”

She had never set foot in Raelia as it now looked, covered in enough wildflowers that springtime itself failed to understand the concept of ‘overkill’.

Puzzled, Alex wondered how they could be in Raelia if not through a memory. It wasn’t like they’d stepped through the Library—they had to still be somewhere in Tia Auras.Or, alternatively, in some kind of virtual reality of the sacred Meyarin site.

“Gate of Chaos?” Bear guessed quietly. “Or Lost Souls?”

Neither Alex nor Kaiden had the chance to correct him before Saefii appeared. The Tia Auran wasn’t physically in the clearing, but a semi-transparent hologram figure standing serenely before them.

“The final test you shall endure will be provided by the Gate of Love,” Saefii announced, her voice so clear that it was like she was truly in front of them.

“Good job, Alex,” Jordan praised quietly, giving her shoulder a quick, congratulatory pat.

But Alex didn’t respond. She was too focused on wondering why they were in Raelia—and what they would have to do there.

“Today’s task is perhaps the simplest of all those you have encountered so far.” Saefii’s tone quieted and she conversely added, “Just as it may also be the hardest.”