The Ember Sigil pulsed gently in Seraphina's hand, its warmth no longer wild but calm, as if it finally recognized its rightful bearer. The chamber was quiet now—no growls, no shadow beasts, no echoes of Kael's cruel laughter. Just the steady breath of two weary souls.
Cassian leaned against a stone pillar, wincing as he adjusted his bandage. "So… now you're officially the most powerful girl in the realm."
Seraphina glanced over her shoulder at him. "Don't joke. This power—it changes things."
He gave a small smile. "No. It reveals them."
She was silent a moment, staring at the Sigil. "When I touched it, I saw things… people who held the Everflame before me. Queens. Warriors. My mother."
Cassian's gaze softened. "Did she say anything?"
Seraphina nodded slowly. "She said I was the Lightbearer… and that I must awaken the Everflame fully before the eclipse."
His brow furrowed. "The eclipse? That's in three days."
"I know." Her grip tightened around the Sigil. "If I don't awaken the full flame by then, everything—the kingdom, the prophecy, our lives—will fall to Malrec."
Cassian stood, his shoulder still sore but his stance strong. "Then we train. We prepare. You're not doing this alone."
Seraphina looked at him, the fire in her eyes tempered by worry. "Cassian… I saw something else in the vision."
He stepped closer. "What did you see?"
She hesitated. "You. Falling. Bleeding. I screamed, but… I couldn't stop it."
He reached out, gently cupping her cheek with his good hand. "Visions aren't always fate. They're warnings. We'll change it."
"You always say that like you're invincible."
"I'm not," he whispered, his thumb brushing away a tear she didn't realize had fallen. "But I'd rather bleed by your side than live safe without you."
She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his touch calm the storm inside her.
Then a soft sound echoed through the chamber—the low hum of the Ember Sigil, growing brighter. A new path appeared behind the platform, stairs descending into golden light.
Seraphina opened her eyes. "It's guiding us."
Cassian looked at the stairway. "Another trial?"
"Or answers."
With a steady breath, she took his hand, and together, they stepped into the light.
As they descended, voices seemed to echo from the walls—ancient songs, whispers of flame, stories of the first Lightbearer. The staircase spiraled deep beneath the mountain, until they arrived in a vast, glowing cavern.
At its center sat a figure cloaked in ember robes, face hidden beneath a hood. He sat in front of a small altar, flame dancing in his palm without burning him.
Cassian drew his sword slightly. "Who—"
"I am the Flamekeeper," the figure said, not looking up. "And you are late."
Seraphina stepped forward. "You knew I was coming?"
"I've waited lifetimes for you."
Her heart skipped. "Then… you know how to awaken the full Everflame?"
The Flamekeeper nodded slowly. "Yes. But there is a cost."
She swallowed. "What kind of cost?"
His head lifted just slightly—revealing glowing ember eyes. "To awaken the true flame, one must be willing to face what lies at their very core… even the parts they wish to hide."
Cassian's hand found hers again. "You're not alone."
Seraphina met the Flamekeeper's gaze, her voice steady. "Then let's begin."
---