Kai stormed into the Emberheart Elder Hall, still streaked with ash from the catacombs.
The Crest on his chest flickered with unstable energy.
The elders turned in shock—some rising from their seats, others narrowing their eyes.
"You knew," Kai said, his voice sharp.
"You all knew about Vaelorn. About the Twin Flame Doctrine. And you kept it buried."
Elder Ma's hand trembled on his staff.
"That name is forbidden—"
"Then burn the rule," Kai snapped.
"Because he's not dead. He's free. I saw the broken chains myself."
Murmurs erupted. Several elders exchanged looks, some fearful, others defiant.
Elder Ragan stepped forward, face grim.
"Sit down, Kai. If you truly saw the seal broken, then war is not coming—it's already begun."
The Truth.
Vaelorn had been Emberheart's prodigy five generations ago.
The first to awaken both branches of the Phoenix Doctrine:
The Solar Flame, symbol of life, discipline, and tradition.
And the Ashen Flame, representing rebirth through destruction—chaotic, raw, forbidden.
They called him "The Twin Flame Heir."
But as his power grew, so did his ambition.
He proposed uniting the sects under a single law of fire—abolishing ranks, borders, and bloodline privilege.
When the elders refused, Vaelorn tried to ignite the Spirit-Blood Tree, hoping to rebirth the sect in flame.
He was stopped at the brink of success.
Imprisoned.
Erased from history.
"He wasn't evil," Elder Ragan said quietly.
"But his flame... burned too hot, too wild. We couldn't control it. So we buried it."
"And now it's returned," Kai murmured.
"In you," Linya whispered.
"You awakened both flames too, didn't you?"
Kai didn't answer.
But his silence was enough.
Later that night, Kai stood alone atop the Emberspire.
He lit two flames in his hands—one gold, one dark red.
They danced around each other. Never merging. Never extinguishing.
"I understand now," he whispered.
"The fire we fear… is the fire that changes us."
Below, shadows stirred on the eastern horizon.
Vaelorn's voice echoed on the wind.
"Come find me, boy. Let's see if you're fire… or just spark."