Morning broke slowly over Thalden's Hollow, golden rays piercing the mist that clung to the treetops. But within the hearts of those who stood at the village edge, a heavier fog had settled.
Eryon stood at the crossroads—literally and figuratively.
Commander Serana Vael and her escort waited at the forest trail leading north, the road that would eventually take them to the heart of the Solar Eternus Empire.
"You've had your time," she said evenly. "The Emperor's seers are already moving. They need you in the capital. The flame you carry may decide the fate of many."
Eryon looked back toward the shrine, the village, and the people he'd fought beside.
Braedon stood nearby with folded arms, watching silently. Alice was there too, her expression unreadable, but her presence fierce.
Ryn and Kael had arrived early that morning, traveling fast from their own mission posts once they heard the rumors.
"You're not seriously going to just vanish with them, are you?" Kael said, stepping beside him.
Eryon smiled faintly. "I don't want to vanish. But something's calling me forward. I felt it the moment that mark appeared."
Ryn looked to the imperial caravan. "Then go. But don't forget why you started. And don't let them use you."
Eryon nodded. Then, turning to Alice, he hesitated.
"You once told me not to pity you. Now I ask—don't doubt me. I need to understand this... thing inside me. And maybe it'll show me who I really am."
Alice stared at him. Then, slowly, she stepped closer.
"Don't die on some noble quest, flameboy," she said, voice low. "Because I'm still waiting for that proper fight."
A rare smirk tugged at Eryon's lips. "Wouldn't dream of missing it."
He stepped forward.
Toward the road. Toward Serana.
Toward whatever destiny had begun to stir from the ashes.
As the caravan rolled forward, disappearing into the trees, Alice watched until the last flicker of crimson cloak vanished beyond the bend.
She didn't cry.
But her fingers curled into fists.
And deep in the shrine, the mark pulsed again.
The Cycle had begun to turn.