es hidden beneath hoods, whispers of dar

ushing back the fog and revealing their snarling

gleaming. "They want to div

tective spell that shimmere

rting through the fog, but the tr

Ella's gaze hardened. "Th

d deeper into the forest, where sh

guiding them to a hidden cave

e first Flame bearers-heroes who once battle

the images. "Our fight is p

. "If we understand the past, we

d through the cavern, and th

n the shadows

tones shifted, revealing a hidde

n to emerge-guardians of old, the Anci

sly. "We seek your guidance

shimmering flames, spoke. "The darkness you battle

dened. "Then w

te the Flame bearers-past, presen

iant light, Ella felt the weig

he chamber, their presence b

ed, feeling the surge of ancie

id, voice steady. "It belongs to ever

from both realms-mages, warriors, an

ogether, we'll write the n

wn pierced the horizon, casti

era ha

th buzzed with preparation. Ella had summoned Flame bearers fr

rested on a pedestal, its light flick

to the gathered protectors. "We are forging a

and on the Orb. The flame surged, r

the chamber-armies in shadow, skies aflam

om the edge, s

he flame is no longer mine alone. It's

gold and white, the next chapter began

en from the realms by fate, skill, or sacrifice. The

heir power-some raw, some refine

ood. You are the first of a new age. Together, you will

ing in harmony. For the first time in centurie

mor passed thro

Majesty... a rift has opened near the Black Cliff

Lira's eyes met Ella's. "T

lack Cliffs, where the sea met sky in viole

y-glowing with dark purple fire, puls

lame arrived at dawn. The ground trembled beneath

drawn. "It's not just a t

Rynn, whispered, "Something's watchin

hissed op

orth-faster than before, shaped like

e Orb. "Hold the lin

rst wa

o defend the

and brutal. Shadow-beasts surged from t

azing as she released a barrier of gol

que flame: silver arcs, blue heat, crimson sparks-all

his blade slicing through d

power into the rift itself-trying to

t and cold, ech

ned. The seal

e stepped through. Taller than a man.

nemy had c

-its form twisted but regal, with eyes like bur

d back. "What

e again-deeper

f the Bound Flame. Betray

eyes. "A Flameborn

ed me in the Void when I refused their li

Ella's hand

g fire from the rift itself. "

up behind Ella,

lade. "Then we s

smiled

ue trial of

at scorched the cliffs, sending shards of

, creating a shield just

Lira darted forward, channeling raw flame into a

l'Zar snarled. "The Flame bends.

part of the same Flame... bu

rowed fire. He struck Kael'Zar across the chest-

part of the Flame, the

d her. "Or

a breath-a heartbeat where

to strike. But the Flame Orb flared sudden

e her: one of total annihilation-ending Kael'Zar f

's twisted, but not beyond saving. He

em, jaw tight. "And i

Then we'll do

ar's. "You claim the Flame abandoned you. Pr

oment,

'Zar lowered

ulsed-unstable, waiti

, "Show me the light..