Students filled the balconies above, silent silhouettes lining the circular tiers.
“You will cross the bridge and reach the opposite platform,” the woman continued. “Sounds simple, right?”
A deep mechanical rumble vibrated through the structure. The bridge shifted. The sections tilted, rotated and locked back into place with violent metallic clangs that echoed like distant thunder.
“The bridge moves. It splits. It tests balance, speed, and judgment.” Another pause. “And you will not cross it alone.”
Movement stirred in the shadows somewhere from the bridge.
A growl rolled upward from the darkness, deep enough to vibrate through Lilith’s ribs.
Her pulse slowed. She stepped forward, boots meeting the cold steel of the first platform. Yea, there was nothing simple about it. Sure,
