The Sunbearer Trials

Unable to sleep, Teo finds Xio in the common room watching Auristela and Ocelo mockingly replay news clips of Teo’s fall during the first trial. In the training room, Teo repeatedly tries to fly, but his wings are too weak from being bound. Eventually, he drops a heavy weight, pinning himself to the floor. Aurelio lifts the weight off him and tells him how to extend his wings more fully. The technique works, but the moment dissolves into an argument. Teo accuses the Golds of being bullies, and Aurelio retorts that Teo’s recklessness will get him killed. After Aurelio leaves, Teo resolves to beat the Golds in the trials.

The next morning, Luna announces a recreational day at the La Cumbre hot springs. The competitors travel by aerial tram to the volcanic spa, where they enjoy the restorative waters. Teo follows Aurelio into a private sauna cave, where the atmosphere is tense. Aurelio asks what Teo would do if he became Sunbearer, leaving Teo flustered. The group has dinner at the La Cumbre temple, where they meet Niya’s two fathers: Dios Tierra and his mortal husband, Andres. Luna announces the next trial will be hosted in the city of El Valle.