The moment the chains shattered, the silence broke.
The ancient wards around Nyra's prison screamed into the aether, signaling intruders to the entire fortress.
Maika grabbed the girl by the wrist. "No time for questions. Can you run?"
Nyra stared at her, stunned—but then nodded. "I can."
As soon as their skin met, Maika felt it—a heartbeat within the flame, echoing with familiarity. This girl didn't just have black flame. She was made of it.
"Follow my lead," Maika whispered.
Then the door blew open.
Acolytes swarmed, robed in crimson, their eyes black with devotion. They chanted the name:
"Lucifer… Lucifer… Lucifer…"
Maika raised her hand, black fire spinning into her palm like a vortex.
"Cover your eyes," she said.
And then she threw it.
A silent, brilliant burst of black flame erupted down the hall, swallowing the light. When it faded, only smoke remained.
Maika turned to Nyra. "Can you use your flame?"
"I don't know how," Nyra whispered. "I only dream of it. I—"
"We'll work with that."
---
The Escape
They ran through winding corridors, Maika disabling wards and sigils with practiced precision. Behind them, bells tolled and monstrous shadows gathered.
"They're summoning the Bloodbound!" Maika cursed. "We need to get above ground—NOW."
As they reached the final stairwell, the mountain shook. A voice rolled through the stone, cold and hissing:
> "The daughter awakens…
And with her… the Mother returns."
Maika shoved open the final gate.
Moonlight.
She pulled Nyra into the freezing air just as the mountainside split open and a massive winged beast emerged—a summoned Hell Drake, a guardian of the Crimson Order.
"We're not making it out unless you wake up," Maika said, grabbing Nyra's face with both hands. "Look at me."
"I can't," Nyra whispered, trembling. "It hurts when I try."
"Good," Maika said. "That's how you know it's real."
The Hell Drake roared and dove toward them.
Maika didn't move. She just whispered, "Burn."
And Nyra—did.
---
Nyra Awakens
It was as if something ancient cracked open in her chest. Black fire erupted from Nyra's spine, her eyes going completely void. Her scream tore through the peaks.
The fire struck the Drake midair, unraveling its body into ash.
Then silence.
Nyra collapsed into Maika's arms, smoking.
Maika held her tightly. "You did it."
"But… what am I?" Nyra murmured.
Maika looked toward the horizon. "You are the proof that Lucille's bloodline never died. And they'll come for you now."
---
At the Hall
Queen Vantessa stood before the silver-mirrored table, a deep frown creasing her ageless face.
"They've awakened one," she said gravely. "The Crimson Order found a black flame that responds to Lucille's mark."
Elder Virell of the Moonwell Clan paced. "And Maika?"
"She stole her," Vantessa replied. "Broke into the heart of their temple and walked out with their only living vessel. That kind of recklessness… will not go unpunished."
"Unless she plans to kill the girl," someone muttered.
Vantessa shook her head. "No. Maika's blood is too close to that fire. I fear… she may see the girl as salvation."
Elder Harn, a vampire from the old line, slammed his fist. "If Maika aligns herself with the Crimson Order—"
"She hasn't," Vantessa snapped. "But we are running out of time."
She looked toward the sealed scroll glowing red on the table. The ancient warning left by the founders.
> When black flame touches love, the devil will walk again.
---
Maika's Sanctuary
They hid in an abandoned druid temple, deep in the Whispering Forest. Maika laid wards thicker than bone and waited until Nyra woke.
The girl opened her eyes with a faint glow. "I saw them."
"Who?"
"My ancestors. In the flame. A woman with wings. A man with gold eyes and a black tongue. A boy with chains around his heart."
Maika nodded solemnly. "Lucille's children. Dracon. Celine. You're of their line."
Nyra frowned. "What if they're evil?"
"Maybe they were," Maika whispered. "But you aren't. And what's inside you… it doesn't have to belong to Lucifer."
Nyra's eyes welled. "I don't want to be a weapon."
Maika gripped her hand. "Then don't be. Be something else."
---
Meanwhile… in Santossa
Carl Landon received the encrypted letter through a Council envoy. The seal was unmistakable: the symbol of black flame crossed by a crescent moon.
Maika's sign.
He unfolded it carefully.
> I found her. The black flame lives. I will protect her—but the Order knows now. Prepare Caveen. We may have to fight sooner than we hoped.
Carl clenched his jaw.
"Damn it, Maika…"
He turned to Caveen, who stood quietly in the room.
"Call the Valken Unit. Tell them to be ready. If the Order comes for her… they'll have to face all of us."