The first rays of dawn barely pierced through the thick curtains of the safehouse. Evan sat on the edge of the bed, fists clenched, energy still simmering beneath his skin. His thoughts were a storm of fear, anticipation, and determination.Travis entered quietly, carrying a small satchel. “It’s time,” he said softly, placing the bag on the table. “The first trial begins in less than an hour. You need to be ready.”Evan shot up, eyes blazing. “Ready? I’ve been ready! I’ve been waiting for this! I’ll face whatever they throw at me—Vivianne, the shadows, whatever!”Travis shook his head. “Determination is one thing. Readiness is another. You need control, Evan. The trial isn’t just about strength or fire—it’s about precision, observation, and decision. One wrong move tomorrow, and everything changes.”Evan’s fists flared slightly. “Precision? Observation? Enough, Travis! I’ll survive it! I’ll protect her! No matter what!”Travis exhaled slowly. “Good. That fire… it’s your strongest asse

The room was dimly lit, shadows curling across the floor like living tendrils. Evan’s chest heaved, energy still crackling faintly around him. The trial arena was silent, except for the faint hum of the ambient light and the distant echoes of unseen watchers.Evan stepped forward cautiously, every sense on high alert. “Vivianne…?” His voice trembled slightly, though determination burned behind his words.A figure emerged from the shadows. She looked like Vivianne, but her eyes were colder, sharper, almost predatory. Her expression was unreadable, and her stance was wary, yet poised.“Evan,” she said softly, yet there was a hardness behind her tone that made his stomach twist. “You came.”Evan’s fists ignited with energy. “Of course I came! I promised—no matter what—they won’t take you from me! I’ll survive this! I’ll protect you!”The Vivianne before him tilted her head, observing him carefully. “Protect me?” she asked, voice low and calm. “Do you even understand what’s happening, Eva

The air in the safehouse shifted. Evan’s energy simmered like a contained storm, his fists glowing faintly, sparks dancing across the floor. Travis stood back, eyes scanning the shadows. Outside, the wind howled against the reinforced walls, but inside, there was only silence—an anticipation so thick it pressed on Evan’s chest.Then, a sharp, metallic click echoed from the far wall. The shadows twisted, stretching like smoke, and a figure stepped into the dim light.Vivianne.But she was… different. Her posture was rigid, movements precise. Her eyes—cold, calculating—fixed on Evan with an intensity that made his chest tighten.“Evan Caelum,” she said, voice low, almost musical but without warmth. “You’ve come. I wondered… would you be ready?”Evan’s fists flared instinctively. “Vivianne… is that really you? Or… or what they’ve made you into?”She tilted her head, a small, almost cruel smile tugging at her lips. “Does it matter? The Vivianne you knew… is gone. This is who I am now. And

Vivianne’s gaze was fixed on him, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Evan… listen. The trial has already begun. Someone here… someone you trust… is about to betray you.”Evan’s chest tightened. “I… I won’t let it happen! Whoever betrays me, I’ll survive it! I’ll protect you! I won’t fail!”A sudden shift in the shadows caught his attention. Travis stepped out from the darkness, his expression unreadable. “Evan… I didn’t want you to see this yet. But the time has come. Someone you trust… will test you. And it’s my job to ensure you survive.”Evan’s fists flared brighter. “Travis… what are you saying? Who’s betraying me? Who…!”Travis’s voice was calm but firm. “I can’t tell you directly. The trial demands you realize it yourself. And if I interfere… it could jeopardize everything.”Vivianne stepped closer, her eyes intense. “Evan… remember what I said. Observe. Decide. Don’t react blindly. Whoever it is… they’re testing you. And the wrong move… it’ll cost you.”Evan’s heart pounded, s

The streets outside the Mirevault estate were eerily quiet, mist curling along the asphalt like living smoke. Evan’s mind was still reeling from the trials, but he had no time to process.“Evan… stop,” Travis said suddenly, pulling the wheel hard to avoid a shadowy figure darting across the road. “Something’s out there. And it’s not just shadows this time.”Evan’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Another trial?”Travis shook his head. “No… it’s real this time. Someone—or something—wants you alive, but not for the same reason as before. They’re hunting you.”Before Evan could respond, a figure leapt from the mist, landing in front of the car. The headlights illuminated a young woman, her clothing torn, and her eyes wide with desperation.“Help me… please!” she gasped.Evan jumped out instinctively. “Who are you? What’s happening?!”Travis grabbed his arm. “Wait! It could be a trap! Remember what Vivianne said—trust no one until you know.”The woman’s gaze darted between Evan and Travi