The first night in the Ashwilds was colder than Kael had imagined. The fire he summoned flickered weakly, shadows dancing on the cracked stones of the ruined temple. Every snap of burning wood sounded like a crack in the silence, sharp enough to snap his nerves.
Elara sat across from him, her dark eyes watching the flames with an intensity Kael couldn't read. She said little, but her presence was a comfort—like a living ember in the endless gray.
"You never answered me," she finally said, voice low. "Why do you think the phoenix chose you?"
Kael stared into the fire, feeling the heat pulse faintly beneath his skin. "I don't know. I'm not meant to have fire. I was Forsaken."
Her eyes softened slightly. "Forsaken or not, the flame lives in you now. That means something."
Kael shook his head. "The crown says it means I'm cursed."
Elara laughed, a short sound like a flicker of dry leaves. "The crown is full of fear and lies. You've been given a chance—something no one else has."
He looked up, meeting her gaze. "Why do you care?"
She hesitated, then stood and began pacing the ruins. "Because this flame could change everything. And because… I've been searching for it for years."
"Searching?" Kael echoed.
Elara stopped and pulled a small leather pouch from her belt. She poured a handful of shimmering dust into the fire. The flames turned blue, cold but brilliant, casting new light on the cracked stone walls.
"The Ashwilds hold many secrets," she said. "Secrets the Crown wants buried. The flame you carry isn't just a power—it's a key. And I think the Crown fears what you might unlock."
Kael felt a flicker of something deep in his chest—a warning or a promise. The rune on his chest pulsed faintly, almost alive.
"Why haven't you told anyone else?" Kael asked.
Elara's face darkened. "Because no one else would believe me. They call me a traitor, a thief of flame. But I know what's at stake."
She sat beside him again, quiet for a moment. Then, softer: "You'll have to trust me if you want to survive."
Kael swallowed. Trust was foreign to him, but the fire inside felt like an anchor tying him to something bigger.
Before he could respond, a sudden noise shattered the stillness—a low growl echoing through the ruins.
Both stood instantly, eyes scanning the shadows.
From behind a toppled pillar, two glowing eyes appeared—red, fierce, hungry.
A flame beast.
Elara drew her sword in a smooth motion, the blade catching the blue light of the fire. "Stay behind me."
Kael's heart pounded, but the fire inside him flared, warming his hands. He raised them, concentrating on the ember deep within.
The beast lunged, a hulking shape wreathed in black smoke and sparks. Kael pushed his hands forward, and a jet of flame shot out, illuminating the beast's snarling face.
Elara slashed, sparks flying as her blade met burning flesh. The creature howled, recoiling, but it wasn't done.
Kael felt his strength falter—this was no ordinary flame. The beast's fire seemed to absorb his own, feeding on his energy.
"Keep it off me!" Elara shouted, parrying another strike.
Kael focused harder, summoning the phoenix's fire deeper inside. Heat surged through him, and with a roar, a burst of pure flame exploded from his palms.
The beast staggered, smoke curling from its wounds.
Elara lunged, driving the sword through its heart.
The creature dissolved into ash, leaving silence in its wake.
Kael dropped to his knees, gasping. The fire in his chest flickered weakly but remained alive.
Elara helped him up, eyes bright with respect. "You're stronger than I thought."
Kael looked at his hands, still warm and glowing faintly. The flame was no longer just a curse.
It was a part of him.
And together, maybe they could unlock its true power.