As Vardas turned to ash, that realm of hell sank into an eerie silence. The sensation of that golden light—granted to Claire as the Sight of Truth—still lingered upon her head. But moments of peace were fleeting. In the very next instant, the second colossal stone demon stepped forward with heavy, echoing strides. Its body was even more jagged and darker than the first, as though it had been carved from coal aged across centuries.
It raised its massive hand, and its voice reverberated like the grinding of an ancient machine."Impressive, Claire! You resolved Vardas's question of justice with both emotion and reason. You have earned the first boon… but remember, you will receive all of them only if you pass all three trials. Should you fail here, both the boon and your soul will be buried within this abyss."
Claire clenched her fists. "I'm ready. What is the next trial?"
