Ember's POV
The crystals exploded with bright light.
I threw my hands up to protect my eyes, but the brightness burned through my fingers. When it finally faded, everything had changed.
We weren't in the courtroom anymore.
I was standing in a white room with no walls or ceiling. Just endless white in every direction. In front of me were two glass cages, and my heart stopped when I saw what was inside them.
Cade and Ash were trapped, and they were dying.
"No!" I screamed, running toward them.
But invisible barriers kept me exactly ten feet away from each cage. I slammed my fists against the magical wall, but it wouldn't budge.
"Ember?" Cade's voice was weak. His skin had turned gray, and black veins were spreading up his arms.
"We're here," Ash called out. He looked just as sick. "What's happening to us?"
A voice spoke from nowhere and everywhere at once. It sounded ancient and powerful.
"The Test of Ultimate Love has begun," it said. "Omega Ember Frost, you must choose."
