EPISODE 13 — THE FIRST TRIAL

(POV: Aileen) The sun is finally spilling its first light through the treetops. Morning. At last. I didn't sleep at all. All night, I kept replaying spells and movements in my head. Wait—how did that one go again…? Oh. Right. Like this. I'm scared. Will I be able to pass the First Trial? What will it be? I turn and look at Dorcha. He's sitting on his bed, focused—but calm. He's already wearing the armor the elves gifted him: light, resilient, silver traced with delicate lines of gold. I should put mine on too. It's just as light as his. Almost white. On the chest, a cloud split open by a surge of golden light—the symbol of Cloudland. Looking at him reminds me why I'm fighting in the first place. I just hope I'm strong enough. Dorcha finishes polishing my spear and moves on to his sword.…