My hands clench into fists by my side, my anger growing by the second.

Why?

From the beginning, he's tried to make me quit, yet he's also tried to shield me from danger. Why would it matter so much to him whether I continue or not—whether I win or not? There are so many contradictory things about him that I no longer know what to believe. Was any of what he told me in the forest true? Or was it just a tactic to make me feel sorry for him? Capitalize on my empathy to get me to trust him unconditionally.

The more I find out about him, the more I think I must have been the perfect idiot for Ze to work his lies on because as it stands, I believed everything.

He was at least right about something. I am a fool. But I am a fool who learns from her mistakes.

"No," I answer, pushing my chin up. I avoid looking at Ze or at Thea, for fear my guilt might shake up my conviction. "I will continue."

"Noted." She turns to the others.

"I will continue as well," Thea answers.

It's Ze's turn to answer.

Time stops as he levels me with his intense glare. It's almost as if he's trying to communicate something but does not have the words to do so. But at this point, it's useless. He's already revealed his true colors and as far as I'm concerned, I don't care whether he continues or not as long as it's not going to be anywhere near me.

"I forfeit," he declares a second before he vanishes, this time for good.

"Noted," she quips. "And you?" She turns to Cer.

He's staring at the place that Ze vacated, indecision written all over his face. Thea grabs his hand, shaking her head at him.

"Thea..." He blinks.

"You have already risked too much, Cer. You can't afford to get caught," she whispers with a sad smile. "I can take care of myself."

"No. I will not let you do that."

"He will forfeit," Thea addresses the wraith before lowering her voice to say to Cer, "You owe me one, remember? I am claiming my boon."

His lips are compressed in a thin line as he stares at her for minutes on end.

"I will forfeit," he reluctantly utters the words, his eyes still on her.

"Noted," the wraith quips. "Congratulations," she tells the two of us. "Will you continue as a team or individually?"

"Together," Thea speaks first.

I glance at her, surprised she'd offer me this grace after failing her.

"Noted. The two of you are officially enrolled in the third trial. The destination is Aperion, House of Gaia. A portal will be opened tomorrow at midday, and you will be able to travel to your destination. The third trial will commence in a month from tomorrow, and you will receive your assignment seven days before the event. I wish you luck."