Zia's demeanor shifted to a serious tone as she informed the group that they would be shown to their quarters. She mentioned that their testing would commence in the morning, focusing on their understanding of magic. The significance of her words left them puzzled, particularly Sadie, who couldn't shake her unease about the tests ahead.

Sadie tried to inject humor by suggesting that the tests could be enjoyable, but Zia's unforgiving response clarified the gravity of the situation. She firmly stated that this was not a conventional test; the stakes were life and death. Her chilling revelation left them with a stark realization of the peril they faced if they did not succeed.