As the dinner wrapped up, Laura felt a strange mix of dread and excitement swirling in her stomach. The whispers around her had grown louder, and the stares more obvious. Everyone was curious about the outsider who dared attempt the Riddle Box challenge.

Zephyr stood, his chair scraping against the stone floor. "It's time."

Three words that made Laura's heart skip. She took a deep breath and rose from her seat, ignoring Selene's icy smile.

"Follow me," said a young woman who introduced herself as Mira. "We need to prepare you."

Laura followed Mira down a dimly lit hallway, leaving the buzzing conversation of the dining hall behind.

"Has anyone...