The cult sent an envoy not to attack, but to challenge.
They requested a Trial of Flame: ancient, ceremonial, magical.
Elian would face it alone. If he passed, they would never pursue him again.
Aurelia refused.
Lucien allowed it.
Elian went willingly.
The trial was a ring of spirit fire. Within it, illusions of all he feared: his mother screaming, his father dying, the world ending.
He walked through them without flinching.
And when he stepped out untouched the fire bowed.