CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR - THE ANCIENT TRIAL

"The Bridge of Truth," Lysander explained, his voice tight. "We must cross while answering the questions posed to us. Any lie, any hesitation, and the bridge disappears." They started across, ethereal voices whispering questions. Erik answered each one honestly, even when the truths were uncomfortable. He spoke of his doubts, his fears for the pack's future, his worries about Anna's growing powers. Halfway across, he heard Lysander cry out. Turning, he saw the challenger hanging from the edge of the bridge, which had vanished beneath his feet. For a moment, Erik hesitated. It would be so easy to let Lysander fall, to end the challenge here. But that wasn't who he was, wasn't the kind of leader he wanted to be. Erik reached down, grasping Lysander's arm and pulling him to safety. The challenger looked at him with a mix of gratitude and confusion. "Why?" Lysander gasped. "Because a true leader protects everyone, even his rivals," Erik replied. They completed the crossing in silenc