The air outside the Vault felt thinner—as if the world itself knew something ancient had stirred. The trio emerged into twilight, their breaths visible in the cooling dusk.
Liora's steps faltered. The godfire still hummed within her veins, quieter now, but undeniable. It wasn't just power. It was purpose.
Ashara drew her cloak tighter. "We need to reach the Whispering Pass before moonrise. The Queen's Wyrms patrol these skies."
Kael scanned the horizon. "I've never seen them this far west. She's definitely moving faster than we thought."
Liora looked to the shadowed peaks ahead. "Then we move faster."
They made their way into the hills as night fell. Stars blinked into view, unfamiliar constellations overhead. This part of the realm had been lost to maps long ago.
Kael moved ahead, ever the scout. Ashara followed in silence, muttering protective runes under her breath. Liora brought up the rear, her senses tingling. The ember kept whispering—not of danger, but of change.
When they reached the mouth of the Pass, the wind shifted.
From the cliffs above came a high shriek—followed by a dark shape swooping from the clouds. A Wyrm, sleek and black as obsidian, descended with terrifying speed.
Kael dove into cover. "Down!"
Ashara slammed her staff into the ground, summoning a shield just in time to deflect a blast of dark flame.
Liora stood firm, the Flameblade glowing at her side.
The Wyrm circled and landed. But it did not attack again. Its rider dismounted with practiced grace.
She wore armor etched in gold and nightshade purple, her crown forged from broken halos. Her eyes were fire and frost.
"The Queen," Ashara whispered.
Queen Iridell stepped forward, voice calm as the blade she drew. "You've made quite a mess, Emberborn."
Liora met her gaze. "You've hunted my kind long enough. Why not finish it?"
Iridell smiled faintly. "Because you're the last. And even in war, relics deserve admiration."
Kael growled, stepping forward. "She's not a relic. She's the future."
The Queen raised a hand. "Future? She is chaos wrapped in prophecy. The ember brings ruin to all it touches."
Liora's grip tightened. "Then why do you want it?"
Iridell didn't blink. "Because only I can end the cycle. I offer you a place at my side, Liora. Serve me, and I'll give you peace. Refuse—and you'll burn like the rest."
Silence.
The Flameblade flared.
"I'll never serve you," Liora said.
The Queen sighed, almost sadly. "Then let history decide who was right."
With a gesture, she vanished in a storm of black feathers.
The Wyrm let out one final cry and soared upward, disappearing into the clouds.
Ashara exhaled. "That was a warning."
"No," Liora said, watching the dark sky. "That was the Queen declaring war."