The giant doorway groaned as it slowly opened.
Darkness poured from within.
Not the corruption of the Devourer.
Not the darkness of the Rift.
This darkness felt different.
Personal.
Intimate.
Familiar.
Emily stared into the endless blackness beyond the threshold.
A strange feeling settled over her.
Fear.
Not fear of an enemy.
No fear of death.
But fear of herself.
Aurelia stood beside her, her golden eyes fixed on the opening doorway.
For the first time since Emily had met her, the Founder looked uneasy.
"The Third Trial is unlike the others."
Emily turned toward her.
"How?"
Aurelia remained silent for a moment.
Choosing her words carefully.
"The First Trial forced you to confront your past."
Emily nodded.
"The Second Trial tested your belief in the future."
Again, Emily nodded.
Aurelia's expression darkened.
"But the Third Trial..."
The Founder looked toward the darkness.
"...reveals who you truly are."
Silence followed.
