Kaela could not speak. Every instinct screamed at her to flee, yet she remained rooted—drawn to Vireza as if her soul recognized the dragon before her body did.
Vireza lowered her head, great horns scraping the cavern wall, steam curling from her nostrils. "You bear the Ember Mark, child. It is not merely a birthright—it is a bond, forged long ago between dragon and queen, fire and flesh."
"I'm no queen," Kaela whispered.
"Not yet," the dragon replied. "But you were chosen. And there is no more time to doubt."
The chamber quaked as if in answer. A deep rumble rolled through the stone, distant yet growing. Kaela staggered as a low roar echoed from the tunnels.
"What was that?" she asked.
"The Ash Tyrant," Vireza said grimly. "He stirs. Freed by fools who worship ruin. He seeks to reclaim what was lost: the throne of flame and bone. If he rises fully, the world will burn."
Kaela swallowed hard. "How do I stop him?"
Vireza's molten eyes studied her. "You must awaken the Ember Crown—the source of our bond. Only then will you wield the Flameborne Blade and command the fire that can bind or banish a god."
"A crown? A sword? I don't even know what I am—"
"You are becoming," Vireza interrupted, wings unfurling. "You are the last ember of a dying fire. You must rise now—or all shall fall."
A section of the chamber's far wall rumbled and split open, revealing a spiral staircase carved into the mountain's core, each step glowing with runes.
"Where does it lead?" Kaela asked.
"To your trial," the dragon replied. "To the forge of the first Ember Queen. And to your truth."
Kaela's hand went to the pendant at her neck—warm as ever. Her mother's words echoed: This will guide you when the fire blinds you.
She took a deep breath, then stepped toward the stairs.
Behind her, Vireza spoke once more, softer this time. "The Ash Tyrant will send shadows. Doubt. Despair. But remember this, Kaela: Fire can destroy. But it can also light the way."