Page 242 of The Fifth Heir

Five crowns waited for five heirs, but only when all seven elemental powers had answered.

At the bottom of the map, one final message appeared.

THE ELEMENTAL TRIALS AWAIT.

I placed my hand over the clear impression.

Torren covered the Fire mark. Rafe touched Storm, Sebastian touched Shadow, and Leander pressed his palm to Frost.

All five impressions ignited.

The four awakened seals blazed brighter. Clear lines traveled from them through the academy and into the three dark paths.

Forest pulsed once.

Green light traced a route westward across the map before stopping at the edge of an ancient wood.

Rafe leaned closer. “I think it wants us first.”

“Not today,” Torren said.

I rested one hand against his arm. “No. But soon.”

The Academy Trials were over.

Beyond the mountains, the Forest Trial was waiting.

When it called, five of us would answer.