"She dies."
Aurelia's words hung heavily in the air.
The entire Heart Chamber froze.
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Alexander felt his blood run cold.
"What did you just say?"
His voice was dangerously calm.
The kind of calm that appeared right before a storm.
Aurelia met his gaze.
There was sadness in her golden eyes.
But no hesitation.
"No heir can inherit the Founder's power without completing the Trials."
The golden doorway continued to glow behind Emily.
Ancient symbols rotated around its frame.
Power poured from within.
Beautiful.
Mysterious.
Terrifying.
Alexander stepped forward.
"Then stop it."
The room became silent.
Aurelia shook her head slowly.
"I can't."
"Then I'll go with her."
"You can't."
The answer came instantly.
Alexander's fists clenched.
The Guardian Beast lowered its head.
Orion remained silent.
Everyone knew the truth.
This was something Emily had to face alone.
The realization felt cruel.
Unfair.
But unavoidable.
