Kai watches Jax collapse from the throwing star wound and is overwhelmed by horror, guilt, and grief. As Jax bleeds out in front of him, Kai tries to keep him conscious and immediately understands that Ace caused this. Hearing Ace laugh nearby but seeing no one, Kai realizes Ace hid himself with an illusion and manipulated Kai into attacking his own brother.

Knowing Jax will die without a Healer, Kai focuses on the only possible solution. He notices the crowd gathered beyond the battlefield and remembers that once he gets close enough, he can draw on someone else’s ability. Carrying Jax in his arms, Kai uses Braxton’s Brawny strength to lighten the burden and sprints toward the spectators before the rising sun ends the Trial.

As Kai nears the crowd, a flood of borrowed abilities rushes into him. He searches through them until he finds a Healer’s power, lays Jax on the ground, and pulls the throwing star from Jax’s chest. Kai then forces the healing ability into the wound, carefully mending the torn flesh until the bleeding stops and only a scar remains.

For a terrifying moment, Jax still does not move, and Kai fears he is too late. Then Jax suddenly gasps awake, jokes weakly about Kai trying to kill him again, and confirms that Kai has saved him. Relieved, Kai embraces Jax, and both brothers turn toward the cheering crowd as the drums sound. With the sun fully above the horizon, the first Trial ends.