Page 135 of The Heart Trials

I let my gaze drift, like I’m just taking in the ceremony—but every detail sharpens as I register it. There are more guards than I expected. Flanking each stairwell, posted at every exit, lining the base of the stage like silent statues. Each one wears the same armor—obsidian black with iridescent trim that catches the light like an oil slick—but it’s their hands that send a chill down my spine. Their arms are wrapped in thick gloves, the special kind Caelus described. The kind designed to handle the shards that will come from the kiss. I study their faces for hints at which are on our side. But they’re all stoic. Caelus gives me a reassuring smile.

The Benevolent stands and raises a hand, and the crowd falls to a hush.

“Welcome, noble Skyborn, citizens of Skyhaven, the heart of Ethyria. And welcome to you.” He looks at us contestants. “Faithful laborers of the lowborn.” He looks right at Rhythe. His stare hardens and ice skids down my spine.

He knows.

“Tonight was meant to be a celebration,” the Benevolent goes on. “A triumph of love. A crowning of those among us courageous, loyal, and strong enough to become Skyborn.”

A murmur ripples through the crowd.

“But grave news has come to my attention.” He steps closer to the edge of the platform, fingers interlocked behind his back. “Rumors. Confirmed. That not all contestants standing before us love Skyhaven as their performances suggest.”

My breath catches.

Caelus’s grip tightens.

“And so, we must be sure. The stakes are too high. The responsibility of a Skyborn too sacred. We only welcome true patriots into our ranks.” He gestures toward the chalices at the center of the platform. “Tonight, there will be one final test. The Trial of Judgment.”

The words slam through me.

Ivy gasps. Kade takes a step back before catching himself. On the stand beside Caelus and me, Dorian is alone. He stares blankly into the distance, his eyes vacant.

“Each couple will come forward. Together, you will drink from a chalice. Inside is a new Heartfiller I’ve refined and coined the Elixir of Illumination—which will reveal if your bond is true, if your love is real.” He smiles faintly, the way a vulture might smile at a dying thing. “If not…”

He places a hand on his heart.

“What is this?” I whisper to Caelus.

His throat works around a swallow, but he doesn’t respond. He doesn’t let go of my hand, but it isn’t comforting anymore. It’s clammy. Uncertain.

We are the only ones with true love here. We still have the upper hand. We’re stealing the magic and getting out of here. And if Rhythe makes his move on the Benevolent before we make the magic, we run. I squeeze Caelus’s hand, pulling him to me, wondering if he’s assuming the same thing. But before I can whisper, the Benevolent’s voice rings out again:

“Kade and Talia. Step forward.”

All eyes turn to them.

Talia’s jaw sets, fire lighting behind her eyes. Kade lets out a sharp breath through his nose and strolls forward like it’s all a game. But I can see the tightness in his shoulders. The way his hands twitch slightly as he takes a chalice.

They face each other. The silver liquid inside the cups glow faintly blue, swirling like mist trapped in a bottle.

Together, they lift the cup to their lips and drink.

And it’s like the arena holds its breath.

For a moment, nothing happens.

Then—still nothing.

The Benevolent’s expression hardens. “Nothing,” he says coldly. “No love. Not even a flicker.”

“That doesn’t mean—” Talia starts through gritted teeth.

“Enough. Hold her for rebel interrogation.”

With a gesture, he has two Mercyenforcers seize Talia by the arms. She tries to jerk away. The Benevolent strides over to Kade and grips his shoulder, holding him in place. Kade stills, eyes flicking briefly to his, the barest nod passing between them.

My nails dig into Caelus’s hands. “Did you see that?”