The Pyranthos palace never slept. Beneath the illusion of marble calm, fires hummed within its bones, ancient and eternal. That morning, the sun rose like a blood-orange omen over the skyline of gilded towers. And Princess Mira Pyranthos, heiress of fire, walked alone beneath the vermilion arches, trailing the scent of ash and rose oil.
Today marked the sixth day since the arrival of the elemental royal delegations. And on the sixth day, politics turned from silk-gloved smiles to blade-edged silence.
The Hall of Concord was already filled when Mira arrived, flanked by two of her most trusted guards, Danae and Leor. The representatives of the Water Dynasty of Thalor were seated first, austere and dressed in blue obsidian robes that shimmered like moonlit tides. Jaxon Thalor, crown prince and diplomat of the House, stood tall among them. His silver eyes did not meet Mira's.
Next came the Earthborne princes of Orenth, their armor laced with emerald vines. Behind them, the Aeran delegates—ever in motion, gowns fluttering like the wind itself. Last, and newest, were the mysterious envoys from the Stormborn Isles, cloaked in grey and speaking little.
Mira took her seat at the center of the horseshoe council table. Beside her, High Regent Valeon Pyranthos cleared his throat. The Regent had ruled in her stead since her mother vanished beyond the fire veil five years ago.
"We convene not just to speak alliances," Valeon began, voice iron-stern, "but to protect them. There has been a threat."
A hush. Even the Aeren ambassador, usually flitting her fan like a hummingbird, went still.
"This was found in the Temple of Embers this morning," he said. A servant brought forth a crimson scroll sealed with unfamiliar wax: a wolf with lightning in its jaws.
Mira leaned forward.
Leor opened the scroll with gloved hands and read: 'The fire you protect will scorch more than you know. Burn too close to power and it will devour you. The Alliance is an illusion. One by one, you will fall.'
Gasps broke through the hall.
Mira stood. "A coward's threat."
Jaxon, finally meeting her eyes, added coolly, "Or a warning from someone who knows what they're talking about."
The tension between them, unspoken since their shared childhood in the Water Court, simmered beneath the surface. Mira had once trusted him with her fire. She wasn't sure she still could.
Before another word could be said, an alarm bell tolled—one, two, three times.
Danae whispered urgently, "Intruders. The vaults."
Mira didn't hesitate. She was on her feet and running before protocol caught up.
---
The vaults of Pyranthos were buried deep beneath the palace, guarded by living flame and enchantments older than any kingdom. Only royal blood could pass through the fire wards.
When Mira arrived, the air stank of ozone and molten stone. Two guards lay unconscious. The fire ward glowed an angry red. Someone had tried to breach it.
Jaxon appeared beside her, uninvited. "I followed the storm scent. It's not Earth or Wind. Stormborn, maybe."
Mira touched the ward and was allowed through. Inside, everything seemed untouched. Except one pedestal.
Empty.
A golden dagger, forged in phoenix fire and said to awaken forgotten lineages, was gone.
She turned to Jaxon. "This isn't a warning. It's a move. Someone wants the Alliance shattered."
He studied her. "Or someone wants you shattered."
Mira didn't flinch. "Let them try."
---
That night, the palace burned brighter.
Mira stood in her mother's hidden chamber, a place she hadn't dared enter in years. Her mother, Queen Elyra, had vanished into flame after prophesying the union of the elements. Only ashes had remained.
But now, a new ember pulsed on the chamber's altar.
It lit as Mira entered.
And a voice echoed.
"Daughter of flame, beware the blade in the mask. Not all who kneel serve. And not all who kiss the flame love it."
Mira staggered. It was her mother's voice. Real. Remembered. Terrifying.
Outside the chamber, a shadow passed—a figure cloaked in storm grey.
Mira turned, but the figure was gone.
She whispered to the fire, "Then I will become the flame they fear."
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End of Chapter 6.