The fire had dwindled to coals by dawn. The group had made camp near the base of the ravine, where the wind couldn't reach and the shadows of the cliffs felt less menacing. Elira hadn't slept. Not really.
She'd dreamed, though.
And that was worse.
---
In the dream, the world was bathed in ash and gold. The sky flickered with the breath of flame, and she stood on a high tower — the Cinderspire, she somehow knew. Below her, the Hollow Flame roared, not wild, but controlled, responding to her will.
Ash stood beside her.
But he looked different — his eyes darker, his expression pained.
"You don't have to do this," he said.
Elira touched his face. "I already have. You just don't remember yet."
He reached for her hand, held it tightly. "Then I'll forget too. I'd rather lose everything than lose you."
And then—flames surged between them, and he was gone.
---
She woke with a sharp breath, the image of his hand slipping from hers burning in her mind. Sweat clung to her back despite the cool morning air.
Across the camp, Ash stirred. He was watching her.
"You look like you saw a ghost," he said.
Elira nodded. "Not a ghost. A memory."
She hesitated, then added, "You were in it."
Ash frowned but didn't press. There was tension in his shoulders, like he was holding something back.
Before either could speak more, Lira approached, motioning them to pack. "We need to move. We're being followed."
Ash rose sharply. "By what?"
"Not what. Who."
Lira's voice dropped. "His name is Moren. You knew him, before. Both of you. He was one of the Flamebound, like you... until he turned."
"Turned?" Elira asked.
"He wanted to control the Flame, not protect it. You opposed him. He hasn't forgotten."
Ash's jaw clenched. "And he remembers us?"
"He remembers enough," Lira said grimly. "And he's already ahead of us. If we don't reach the Ember Path first..."
She didn't finish the thought.
---
As they walked, Elira stayed near Kale, her mind still tangled in the dream. Kale cracked a rare smile as he offered her a dried fruit from his pack. She accepted it, grateful for the distraction.
Ash trailed a few steps behind, silent.
When Lira fell back to join him, she whispered, "Jealousy doesn't suit you."
Ash shot her a sharp look. "I'm not jealous."
She smirked. "Then why do you keep glaring at Kale like he stole something from you?"
He didn't answer.
He didn't have to.
---
By nightfall, they reached the edge of the Ember Path, a long, winding stretch of scorched earth said to echo the thoughts of those who walked it. The sky above it shimmered like glass about to break.
Elira paused before stepping onto it. She looked back at Ash.
"If I remember something worse... will you still follow me?"
He met her gaze. "Even if it burns me."