The morning wind carried the scent of smoke and salt from the sea cliffs below.
Aslan stood alone at the edge of the clearing, his eyes locked on the distant horizon. The faintest traces of blue flame curled around his fingertips, responding to his steady breathing.
For the first time, the flame obeyed him completely.
Almost a year of training. Blood, sweat, bruises—and now, finally, control.
But something… still felt wrong.
The air was heavy today. The birds were silent. Even the ocean's constant roar sounded muted, distant.
Aslan's instincts prickled with unease.
"Grandpa," he called, not turning. "You feel that?"
Behind him, Kael Veil approached silently. His boots crunched against the dry grass, his sharp eyes scanning the skies.
"I feel it," Kael muttered, voice low. "Something's coming."
A cold knot twisted in Aslan's gut. He clenched his fists, his flame flickering in response.
Before he could speak again, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath their feet. It wasn't thunder.
It was… footsteps.
Heavy, armored footsteps.
And then, they appeared.
Dark figures marched from the forest's edge—five of them. Clad in jagged black armor, their faces hidden beneath horned helmets. Crimson symbols pulsed along their chests like twisted veins of molten rock.
Kael's face darkened. His jaw clenched.
"The Hellbound…"
Aslan's eyes widened. He'd heard the name whispered during training. Rogue soldiers. Fanatics. Followers of El Diablo H.. But seeing them in person? It chilled him to the bone.
"Stay back," Kael ordered, stepping forward, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You're not ready."
Aslan grit his teeth. His instincts screamed to listen… but the stubborn flame in his chest roared louder.
The lead Hellbound stepped forward, his voice distorted by the helm.
"Kael Veil," the man sneered. "The heavens left you in the dirt. Your time is over."
Kael's eyes narrowed, but he didn't rise to the bait. "I'll ask once. Leave."
The Hellbound chuckled, drawing a cruel, obsidian blade.
"We didn't come for you, old man." His gaze shifted… straight to Aslan. "We came for the boy."
Aslan stiffened.
"For me?"
"You carry the Heavenly Flame now," the soldier growled. "But it doesn't belong to you. It belongs… to the rightful heir. The one your precious heavens rejected."
Aslan's breath caught.
The rightful heir…?
My father…
Kael's blade was out in an instant, gleaming with a faint, silvery aura.
"You won't touch him," Kael growled.
The Hellbound lunged.
The clearing exploded into chaos.
Kael moved like lightning, blade clashing against obsidian, sparks and flame erupting with every strike. The ground shook under their blows.
But even with Kael's skill, there were too many of them.
"Aslan!" Kael barked between strikes. "Run!"
But Aslan didn't run.
His fists ignited with blue fire, brighter than ever. Fear clawed at him, but the flame burned hotter.
"I'm done running," Aslan muttered.
One of the Hellbound broke from the group, charging straight at him.
Aslan ducked under the first strike, flame surging along his arm. His fist connected with the man's chest—blue fire exploding on impact.
The soldier stumbled, smoke rising from his armor.
"Not bad…" Aslan breathed.
But the fight wasn't over.
And in the shadows beyond the trees, unseen eyes watched… burning with hatred.
Darius Veil.
His father. Watching. Waiting.