Emily's POV
The morning sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, but it did little to ease the weight pressing on my chest. The final trial was here, and my heart hadn't stopped pounding since dawn. Tessa had done her best to prepare me, tying my hair into a neat braid and selecting a beautiful outfit. A tank top tucked into my denim jeans and sneakers to match.
"For this final trial," Elder Rowan began, addressing both Monica and me, "you will lead your assigned groups through a series of challenges designed to test your leadership, strategy, and ability to inspire loyalty." His piercing gaze fell on me before moving to Monica, whose posture was unnervingly perfect as she stood flanked by her father.
"Your task is simple, yet challenging," Rowan declared, his voice di
