By the time they reached the clearing, the sky had turned dark.
Heavy storm clouds rolled across the horizon like massive waves of shadow. Thunder echoed across the mangrove valley as flashes of lightning tore through the sky.
Timi stared upward nervously.
Please tell me that storm isn't following us?
Preye didn't answer.
Because she knew the truth.
It was.
The closer they moved through the swamp, the more violently her Ori power reacted.
Lightning crackled around her fingers.
Her heartbeat synced with the thunder overhead.
Kuro suddenly stopped walking.
We're here.
The forest opened before them.
Preye stepped past him and froze.
The mangrove trees ended abruptly, revealing a wide circular lagoon surrounded by ancient stone ruins.
At the center of the water stood something incredible.
A temple.
Or at least what remained of one.
Towering stone pillars rose from the lagoon, their surfaces carved with lightning symbols and storm patterns. Broken bridges stretched between the ruins, leading toward the central structure—a massive shrine built on a raised platform above the water.
Half the temple had collapsed long ago.
But the rest still stood.
Silent.
Watching.
Waiting.
Timi's jaw dropped.
Okay.
That is definitely a dramatic entrance.
Preye walked slowly toward the ruined bridge leading to the shrine.
The moment her foot touched the first stone
Lightning exploded across the sky.
BOOM!
Her Ori power surged violently.
Electricity wrapped around her arm like a glowing serpent.
She gasped, what?"
Kuro watched carefully.
The shrine recognizes you.
Preye looked at the ancient carvings surrounding the bridge.
Images of warriors wielding lightning.
Battles against giant sea creatures.
Storms raging over rivers.
"This place is old," she whispered.
Older than Opundi City, Kuro said, older than most kingdoms.
Timi scratched his head.
So nobody thought to rebuild it?
Storm wielders became rare, Kuro replied, and the Order of the Silent Tide destroyed what remained.
Preye turned sharply.
They attacked this place?
"Yes."
Kuro's voice remained calm, but something darker flickered behind his eyes.
They hunted storm users.
Lightning flashed again.
The shrine doors creaked open slowly.
Wind rushed across the lagoon.
Timi stepped behind Kuro immediately.
Nope.
I've seen enough mysterious temples in my life to know this is a bad idea.
Preye ignored him.
The storm above roared louder.
She could feel the power inside the shrine calling to her.
Like a distant heartbeat.
You said it trains storm wielders, she asked?
Kuro nodded, but it does not train everyone.
Preye looked at him.
What happens if someone fails?
Kuro didn't answer immediately.
Thunder rolled across the sky.
Finally he spoke.
The storm consumes them.
Timi groaned loudly, why does every magical training program end with death?!
Preye smiled slightly.
That's life.
She stepped onto the broken bridge.
The wind whipped her hair around as lightning flickered across her skin.
Kuro watched silently.
Timi crossed his arms nervously.
Just so we're clear, he called after her.
If the temple turns you into lightning dust…, I'm leaving.
Preye laughed softly, fair.
She reached the shrine entrance.
The ancient doors towered above her like the gates of another world.
For a moment she hesitated.
Not out of fear.
But realization.
Two days ago she had been an honest officer trying to protect people.
Now she was standing before an ancient temple that might kill her.
Life changed quickly.
She clenched her glowing fist.
"How bad can it get?" she whispered.
Then she stepped inside.
The doors slammed shut.
Thunder shook the sky.
And the Trial of Lightning began.