His Eyes,My Destiny

Chapter 7: The Trial Below

Alina’s POV

I wasn’t ready.

Not for the cold air swirling from the pit.

Not for the voices whispering my name from the shadows.

And definitely not for the look on Jaxon’s face—equal parts fear and guilt.

“Do not speak unless spoken to,” one of the cloaked Council members said, his voice echoing like wind through bones.

The ground beneath us trembled as the pit opened wider, revealing stairs carved from obsidian. I glanced at Jaxon.

He didn’t move.

“Jaxon…” I whispered. “What is this place?”

His jaw clenched. “It’s where they take threats. To see if they’re… worthy.”

“Worthy of what?”

“Of surviving.”

The staircase spiraled downward, lit only by silver fire hovering in midair. The deeper we went, the colder it got—like the pit was pulling the warmth from my soul.

I gripped the railing, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Then the whispers began again.

Not from the Council.

From the walls.

“She carries the mark…”

“The cursed one returns…”

“The moon watches… she remembers…”

At the bottom was a stone chamber—ancient and massive, its ceiling lost to shadows. Symbols I didn’t understand glowed faintly on the floor.

“Alina Rowen,” a voice thundered. “Step forward.”

I did, trying to keep my legs from shaking. The Council circled me. Jaxon stood back, eyes locked on mine. I could feel his heartbeat. His fear.

“This is the Rite of Judgment,” the elder said. “You will face three trials. Each will test your blood, your bond, and your will.”

“And if I fail?”

They didn’t answer.

Instead, the ground cracked—and a figure rose from the stone.

A boy. My age. Eyes black as night. Skin pale. A ghost—or something worse.

“Your first trial,” the elder intoned, “is the Reflection.”

He stepped toward me, and I froze.

Because when he smiled…

…it was my face.

Twisted. Broken. Laughing at me with cruel eyes.

“I am the part of you you’re too afraid to face,” it said in my voice. “Let’s see if you’re strong enough to kill me.”

The chamber sealed shut. Jaxon slammed against the invisible barrier, screaming my name.

And I stood alone—facing the darker version of myself, as it raised its hand and shadows clawed toward me.

The fight for my soul had begun.