The bridge shook violently.
Snow swirled through the air, forming a silver mist around the ancient wolf statues.
The deep voice echoed once more.
“Only those with truthful hearts may cross.” One of Kael’s warriors stepped forward.
“We don’t have time for riddles.” He placed his foot on the bridge.
The stone beneath him immediately turned black.
A loud crack echoed through the mountain.
The bridge split apart beneath his feet.
“Look out!” Rowan shouted.
The warrior leaped backward just as a section of the bridge crumbled into the endless abyss.
Silence followed.
No one questioned the warning again.
Aria looked at the glowing statues.
“They’re testing us.” The oldest healer nodded.
“These are the Guardians of Truth.” “They were created before the Lycan Kingdom itself.” Kael stepped forward.
“How do we pass?” The statues remained silent.
Then one by one…
Their eyes focused on Kael.
The first statue spoke.
“King Kael.” “Why do you seek the Moonborn Queen?” The entire bridge fell silent.
Kael didn’t hesitate.
“I sought her because fate led me to her.” He paused.
“But I stay beside her because I love her.” The bridge glowed silver beneath his feet.
The voice answered.
“Truth accepted.” Aria felt her cheeks grow warm.
She hadn’t expected him to say it so openly.
Rowan smiled to himself.
“About time.” The second statue turned toward Rowan.
“Rowan.” “Would you give your life for your king?” Rowan laughed softly.
“I already decided that years ago.” Silver light spread beneath him.
“Truth accepted.” One by one, each member of the party stepped forward.
Each was asked a different question.
Each answered honestly.
The bridge accepted them all.
Finally…
The last statue turned toward Aria.
Its silver eyes seemed to look straight into her soul.
“Aria Blackwood.” “Who are you?” She froze.
The question should have been simple.
But it wasn’t.
She remembered being called…
Weak.
Worthless.
Orphan.
Rejected.
Moonborn.
Princess.
Queen.
Which one was true?
The silence stretched on.
Kael wanted to help.
But he knew he couldn’t.
This answer had to come from her.
Aria closed her eyes.
When she opened them again…
They shone with quiet determination.
“I don’t know everything about my past.” “I don’t know why I was hidden.” “I don’t even know what I’ll become.” She placed a hand over her heart.
“But I know who I choose to be.” “I choose kindness.” “I choose courage.” “And I choose to protect those I love.” The bridge erupted in brilliant silver light.
Every statue bowed its head.
The ancient voice spoke one final time.
“Truth accepted.” “Welcome…
Moonborn Queen.” The stone bridge became solid once more.
The path ahead was open.
Hidden on the opposite side of the mountain pass…
A pair of blue eyes watched everything.
Damon slowly lowered the hood of his cloak.
He had witnessed every word.
Especially Kael’s confession.
His chest tightened.
Not from jealousy alone.
But because he realized something painful.
Kael had given Aria everything Damon never had.
Respect.
Safety.
A choice.
Ethan stepped beside him.
“That’s her.” Damon nodded quietly.
“Yes.” Ethan frowned.
“Are we going to approach them?” Damon’s gaze lingered on Aria.
Then on Kael.
“Not yet.” “If we appear now…” “They’ll think we’re enemies.” He took one last look before turning away.
“I’ll protect her…” “…even if she never knows it.” As Damon disappeared into the falling snow…
Neither he nor Kael noticed the shadow watching them both from the cliffs above.
The hooded figure smiled.
“Perfect.” “The pieces are finally coming together.” High above the Frostfang Pass…
A horn echoed through the mountains.
One long blast.
Then another.
The leader of the white wolves stepped onto a rocky ledge overlooking both groups.
His single scarred eye narrowed.
“So…” “The heirs of two kingdoms have arrived.” He bared his fangs.
“Let the Trial of the Frost Guardians begin.” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Eva_Chimimba 2k views thank youuuuuuuu all