The hallway beyond the Veil of Eternal Night narrowed, the walls shifting from violet hues to black obsidian that absorbed light. The pulse of the Mark beat steadily, warning Aeloria that this trial would demand more than power—it would demand cunning, endurance, and unflinching courage.
"The Obsidian Labyrinth," the vampire murmured, his crimson eyes reflecting faint streaks of light across the walls. "Here, perception is distorted, paths shift endlessly, and the boundaries between reality and illusion blur. One misstep… and the Labyrinth will consume you."
Aeloria tightened her cloak around her shoulders, sigils glowing faintly. Each trial so far had strengthened her, but the thought of a maze that could twist, reshape, and trap her nerves unsettled her. Her pulse quickened, matching the hum of the labyrinth's ancient energy.
The dragon's golden gaze swept the obsidian walls. "Little star, trust in the Mark. Every shift, every reflection is a test—not only of skill, but of your resolve. Keep your mind clear, or the Labyrinth will prey on hesitation and doubt."
The Beastborn prowled beside her, muscles taut, claws clicking softly on the obsidian floor. "And remember, little star… the Obsidian Labyrinth does not merely test your body or magic. It tests your instincts, your courage, and the loyalty you place in your allies. One wrong assumption could be fatal."
Aeloria exhaled, focusing on the sigils etched along her wrists. The labyrinth was alive. She could feel it pulsing beneath the stone, responding to her heartbeat, her movements, and even the thoughts she tried to conceal. Shadows stretched, merging, and twisting into vaguely human forms, mocking past failures and whispering promises of power.
The first fork appeared. Two corridors stretched forward—both twisting and shifting subtly as she watched. The vampire's hand hovered near hers, not touching, but grounding her. "Remember, little star, the Obsidian Labyrinth adapts to your choices. Think carefully, act deliberately. Your power is only effective when paired with clarity."
Aeloria's gaze flicked between the paths, noticing subtle differences in the way the obsidian shimmered. One corridor radiated faint warmth, almost inviting, while the other pulsed with a cold, predatory edge. Her instincts pulled her toward the warmer path, but the lessons of the Labyrinth urged caution.
The dragon exhaled softly. "Little star, do not be lured by comfort. The Labyrinth tests perception. Sometimes danger hides behind warmth, and safety behind shadow."
The Beastborn growled low, tail flicking. "Trust your instincts, but trust the Mark more. Your allies are connected to your pulse—draw strength from them. The Labyrinth senses uncertainty."
Aeloria's pulse quickened. She reached out with her sigils, tracing threads of light along the walls to test for stability. The warmth she had sensed dissipated under her touch—it was an illusion. The cold path remained true, solid, its edges faintly glowing in resonance with the Mark.
Her hands flared as she took the first step, sigils blazing bright against the black stone. Shadows hissed and twisted, but she advanced steadily, focusing on her heartbeat, her companions, and the pull of the Celestial Bond. The labyrinth groaned, responding, twisting the corridors slightly, but she maintained her pace.
The vampire's voice echoed softly, almost a whisper: "Good. Patience, observation, and focus—these are as vital as strength. Remember that."
The dragon's wings brushed against her shoulders in encouragement. "Steady, little star. Every step is a test of balance—between power, perception, and intuition."
The Beastborn's low growl vibrated through the floor. "And never forget—the Labyrinth feeds on fear. Do not falter, and you will survive."
Aeloria exhaled, stepping deeper into the twisting obsidian halls. The shadows around her pulsed and swirled like living liquid, but the threads of light from her sigils guided her path. The first stage of the Obsidian Labyrinth had begun.