The stone corridors beneath Naram’kai were cold, despite ancient magic glowing along the walls.
Angeline walked at the front. Behind her, Myra, Ryn, and Real stood guard. But just as the Voidstep altar rose, a voice echoed through the chamber:
> “Only the heir may proceed. The others... must wait at the edge of shadow.”
The ground trembled. Walls shifted — separating Angeline from the others.
> “ANGELINE!” Myra shouted, slamming her fists against the illusionary wall — to no avail.
---
🌫️ Entering the Trial Chamber
Angeline now stood within the Void Nexus — a domed room with a glass floor. Around her, memories and illusions began to form one by one.
First, she saw Lyssia standing alone in a storm of magic, her body bloodied but still shielding a group of terrified Tabaxi children.
> “You think this power is a legacy? It’s a curse. We were all slaughtered because of ‘Voidstep.’”
Lyssia’s voice echoed in her mind.
---
🌀 Emotional Trial: Choosing the Past
Angeline had to choose: hide away like the generations after Lyssia... or move forward, even if it meant dying like her ancestors.
Two paths appeared before her:
The path of safety, where she could live peacefully as an “ordinary human”
The path of resistance, filled with loss, and the real possibility of death
Angeline drew her katana and faced the thorny road.
> “If you think I’ll retreat... then you never knew me at all.”
---
🧠 Mental Trial: Identity Distortion
Another version of herself appeared — a version that chose to blend in, using only human magic, hiding her Tabaxi blood.
> “What’s the point of fighting for a race that no longer exists?”“You could be powerful... without carrying their name.”
The battle wasn’t physical — it was one of resolve.
> “I’m strong because of them. Not despite them.”
The Voidmark on her forehead flared with light. The false version vanished, and the glass floor shattered — dropping her into the nexus core.
---
🔮 A Memory Revealed: A Forgotten Promise
In the final chamber, Angeline witnessed a moment from the past — Lyssia speaking with a younger Real.
> “If I don’t return, tell my descendants this: Don’t continue this for vengeance. Live with your head held high.”
Tears slipped down Angeline’s cheeks.
> “I’m sorry… I haven’t yet found peace. But I will keep moving forward. Not for revenge — so we can stand without fear.”
As she spoke the words, the Voidstep symbol on her chest merged with the altar.
In an instant, the ancient magic within Naram’kai awakened — recognizing her as the Void Heir.
---
🌑 End of Chapter
Outside, Real and Myra watched as violet light erupted from the ground.
The illusionary wall collapsed — and Angeline emerged, walking calmly, her eyes glowing faintly.
> Myra whispered, “You’ve changed…”
> Real gave a faint smile. “No. She’s just remembering who she truly is.”
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