Next time you must believe, a voice rings in my head. Believe you can survive and you will.
Getting to my feet, I fiddle with the knot at the back of my head. It'll feel good to see again, to not be in constant combat mode. Pulling the fabric down, I instantly bring a hand to shield my eyes. The bright yellow sky blinds me every time. I should remember by now that I need a moment to adjust.
Why do you believe you cannot conquer all five?
I do, I send a mental reply, trailing the blindfold all over my face. I dampen it around my ears and lips, and then bring it up to wipe over my forehead. I got three of them. That's over half.
You must conquer all five Horrops.
I know.
It can be done.
I know.
You overthink. You hesitate.
"Well... they're scary."
I dust my knees off as one of the Princesses appears. She's naked, like usual, with only long shimmering hair to cover her smooth, flawless body. She blinks her glass eyes at me. Fear is an illusion.
Oh I think it's pretty real.