Episode 5: "Festival of Flame & Shadows"
The sun rose slowly over Eldenbrook, casting golden light across dewy fields. The sky blushed with hues of orange and lilac, and the air buzzed with excitement.
Today was the Flame Bloom Festival—a yearly celebration where the village honored the passing of seasons and the blessing of warmth. Lanterns lined the roads, and colored ribbons danced in the wind.
Kael stood near the well, wiping his soot-covered hands on a cloth. His clothes smelled faintly of coal—he'd helped Rurik all morning set up a metal display for the festival.
"You're still dirty," came Lyra's voice.
He looked up.
She stood with arms crossed, wearing a simple sky-blue dress that swayed with the breeze. Her silver hair was braided, with wildflowers tucked between the strands.
Kael blinked. "You look… like a human version of spring."
Lyra snorted. "That's the most awkward compliment I've ever heard."
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck, cheeks flushed. "Sorry."
"Come on, dirt boy," she said, grabbing his hand. "They're starting the fire dancers!"
---
The central square of Eldenbrook had transformed.
Bunting hung between lamp posts. Stalls overflowed with fruit pies, grilled meats, and roasted corn. Children ran through crowds with wooden swords, and the smell of cinnamon and smoke drifted on the wind.
Kael and Lyra squeezed through the crowd. He glanced at the flickering torches being passed to costumed performers in red and gold.
Drums began to beat—a slow, steady rhythm that grew with every step.
A performer with a flame-painted mask twirled, tossing a torch into the air. Fire spiraled like a living creature, and gasps rose from the crowd.
Kael's eyes reflected the firelight. He could feel it. The heat. The pulse.
His fingers twitched slightly.
Lyra, watching his face, nudged him gently. "You feel it too, don't you?"
He turned, startled. "What?"
She didn't answer. Just smiled softly and looked away.
---
After the performances, the two slipped away from the crowd. They climbed the old windmill hill, their usual spot to escape noise.
Kael flopped onto the grass, arms behind his head. "I wish every day was like this."
Lyra sat beside him, knees to her chest. Her eyes were on the stars again. "Yeah. But peace never lasts forever, does it?"
He glanced at her, surprised. "That's a strange thing to say."
She bit her lip. "Sometimes I have dreams. Of cold places. Battles. A voice screaming my name. It's always snowing."
Kael sat up. His heart pounded. "I… I have dreams too. But mine are all fire and darkness."
Their eyes met.
Neither spoke for a long moment.
Then Lyra looked away and smiled. "We're a weird pair, huh?"
He chuckled. "The weirdest."
They sat in silence as fireworks lit the night. Sparks rained down like stars falling from heaven.
And somewhere deep in the forest beyond Eldenbrook, shadows moved.
Eyes glowed red in the dark.
A voice whispered:
> "He's close… The boy who carries the ancient mark."
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End of Episode 5.