Page 483 of Axis of Fire

It was also capable of interacting with the souls of those who came there to pray.

The perfect place for a final trial...

one that forced you to confront your true self.

"Wow..." Azalia breathed, unable to hide her amazement. "It always looked so much smaller on television."

"For a temple with fifty entrances?" Aaron said. "You could call it small."

"I still can't believe we've actually made it to the final trial," Rosalie said, once again drifting back to my side.

It took every bit of self-control not to step away.

Was it just my imagination...

or was she deliberately staying close to me?

"Has anyone ever used the temple's services?" Azalia asked. "To learn what their soul is really like?"

"Two years ago, our father took my brother and me to the Temple of Moroda in the Dark Realm," Aaron replied.

Then he fell silent.

As if weighing his next words.

Or perhaps reliving the ritual itself.

"And?" Rosalie prompted impatiently.

"Your true self appears before you," Aaron said at last. "And it may be nothing like the person you believe yourself to be."

"Oh, please." I waved a dismissive hand. "I think I'll survive."

I couldn't understand the caution in his voice.

"It isn't always... pleasant," he admitted, swallowing hard.

I decided to steer the conversation elsewhere before someone pushed him into what was clearly an unpleasant memory.

"So what are we actually supposed to do?" I asked. "Just... look our soul in the eyes or something? I've never really understood this trial."

I'd never had the chance to.

It was the only trial never broadcast on television. The temple—and whatever happened inside your mind—remained hidden from the tiny recording creatures.

"I have no idea," Taylor said.

"Maybe..." Azalia hesitated. "Maybe it's about accepting who you truly are."

No one answered.

My eyes settled on the temple.

To my own surprise...

I felt absolutely nothing.

No fear.