Kaelin's Trial
The sun pierced through the high stained-glass windows of the Ember Temple's training hall, scattering light in vibrant patterns across the polished stone floor. Kaelin stood in the center of the ring, sword in hand, her silver braid wrapped tightly around her collar like a serpent.
Across from her stood three senior trainees—each older, each armed, and each eager to put the newcomer in her place.
Eli leaned forward on the balcony. "They're going to test her, aren't they?"
Mira smirked. "Of course. It's not every day a prodigy from the Northern Fortress shows up."
Jericho crossed his arms. "Let's hope she's as good as she says."
---
Steel and Flame
The signal bell rang.
Kaelin moved.
The first attacker lunged with brute strength. Kaelin ducked low, twisted, and sent him flying with a precise strike to the knee.
The second swung a greatsword overhead. Kaelin parried and used his momentum to flip him over her shoulder, landing with a thud.
The third was fast—too fast for the others. She darted around Kaelin, striking from all sides.
But Kaelin's eyes glowed faintly. Silver flickered along her blade.
Ember Art: Mirror Fang.
A wave of heat shimmered behind her, and Kaelin vanished for a split second—appearing behind her opponent and tapping her sword lightly against the girl's throat.
The crowd gasped. Even Jericho whistled.
"She's good."
---
Whispers of the Past
Later that evening, Eli found Kaelin alone near the stone fountains. She was sharpening her blade, but her hands trembled slightly.
"You didn't have to fight like that," Eli said quietly. "You had nothing to prove."
Kaelin didn't look up. "I did. Not to them... to myself."
He sat beside her.
"I've heard stories about Ignora," he said. "How they raise warriors like weapons. Is that why you're really here?"
Kaelin paused. "My brother... he trained there too. Disappeared during a mission six months ago. I think the Temple's Council knows more than they're saying."
Eli narrowed his eyes. "Then we'll find out together."
---
The Ember Below
Elsewhere in the Temple, deep beneath the archives, High Flamekeeper Rhaenara stood before an ancient seal, etched into the floor with glowing runes. Beside her, a hooded figure waited in silence.
"He's developing faster than expected," Rhaenara whispered.
The hooded one nodded. "That could be... dangerous."
Rhaenara's gaze didn't waver. "Or useful."
She knelt, touched the seal, and a map flared to life above them—showing not just the Ember Temple, but scattered ruins glowing across the continent.
"The other Pillars are waking. And with them, the other Emberbloods."
---
Back in the Dorms
Jericho was sprawled across his bunk, juggling a glowing ember stone.
"You trust her?" he asked Mira, who was patching a tear in her tunic.
"She's hiding something. But aren't we all?" Mira said without looking up.
Jericho grinned. "Fair enough."
Just then, a new message rune floated through the door. Mira caught it and read it aloud.
"All initiates are to report at dawn. New mission. High importance."
Jericho sat up. "Already?"
Mira nodded. "Looks like we're finally stepping beyond the Temple walls."