Emberlight – The Following Morning
The morning sun rose crimson over Emberlight, casting long, amber beams across the cobbled streets. Inside the kitchen of the Flameheart Bistro, the usual morning bustle had begun. Aromas of grilled venison, fresh herbs, and golden butter filled the air.
Kael stood by the open hearth, carving seared meat with precise motions. His shirt hung loose, the kiss of last night's passion still lingering across his skin like an echo.
Aeris entered, her silver hair damp from a morning wash. She paused behind him, sliding her arms around his waist.
"She didn't stay," she murmured into his shoulder.
"I didn't ask her to."
"She's not the first, Kael."
He placed his knife down and turned to her. "You're not jealous, are you?"
"I am your wife, not your chain," she said, smiling softly. "But if she thinks she can outshine me—well, let's just say the battlefield isn't the only place I'm dangerous."
Kael chuckled, kissing her forehead. "She has a role to play. But you are my fire."
From the hall came the soft patter of feet and a delighted squeal.
"Papa!"
Lyra burst in, her golden curls bouncing. Kael caught her mid-leap, spinning her into a laugh.
"Guess who learned the Flame Call spell!" she declared.
"Did you burn down the pantry again?"
"Only a little!"
Aeris smirked. "She takes after you."
---
West Wing – Emberlight Castle
Princess Elanir adjusted her collar, hiding the faint mark Kael had left on her throat. Her advisor, Lord Silias, gave her a sharp look.
"You entertained the Flameborn?"
"I tested his resolve."
"And did he pass?"
"I don't know yet." Her fingers tightened around the goblet. "But he burns hotter than expected."
Silias lowered his voice. "There's talk of the Star-Eaters taking Black Hollow. Three garrisons gone silent. If Kael's power is real… he may be the only one who can stop them."
Elanir's eyes darkened. "Which is why we must bind him to us. Before others do."
---
Ravenspire – Distant North
Far across the world, beneath towers twisted like thorns, a cloaked figure kneeled before a pool of shadow. The voice that echoed from the depths was not mortal.
"He awakens."
"The Flameborn?" the figure asked, voice hollow.
"No," the voice replied. "The one who devours stars."
Above them, the sky rippled like water. Three stars dimmed.
---
The Training Grounds
Seraphine stood beneath the waterfall, dressed in obsidian training leathers. Her body had grown stronger—leaner, faster. Yet inside, she felt more fragile than ever.
Velira approached with two wooden blades.
"Wanna bleed a little before breakfast?"
"I dreamed again," Seraphine said quietly. "A sea of blood. A crown of bone. A voice calling me… 'Queen of Ruin.'"
Velira didn't flinch. "You're not alone in this. But you have to face what's coming."
"I'm afraid of what I'll become."
Velira stepped close, brushing hair from her cheek. "Then let me be the one who pulls you back."
Their foreheads touched, breath mingling. For a moment, the world slowed.
Then Ryn's voice broke the silence from a nearby tree branch.
"Will you two just kiss already? I've got three bets riding on it."
Seraphine blushed and threw a stone at her. Ryn cackled.
---
Closing Hours – Flameheart Bistro
As the bistro emptied, Kael watched the last customer leave and locked the door. The fire crackled behind him. Aeris and Lyra had already retired upstairs.
He poured himself a drink—dark wine from the moon orchards of Elvaria. As he sipped, he felt it. The prickle at the base of his skull.
A whisper.
Not a voice, but something older.
"You were not meant to sleep so long."
Kael turned sharply. Shadows danced unnaturally across the walls. The sigils on his arm—long dormant—glowed faintly.
Something had awakened inside him.
Something forgotten.