Part Two: Kaia and the Court of Ashes
Location: Court of Ashes, Realm of Flamebound Authority. Time moves... like judgment here: slow, deliberate, and sharp.
Kaia stood beneath the obsidian spires of the central chamber, her crimson cloak trailing behind her like a pool of spilled power. The air around her shimmered—not with heat, but with expectation. The Council had convened.
Again.
Third time this moon.
Grim had moved. And the Court noticed.
The Twelve sat on burning thrones—each one representing a Pillar of Flame Law. None of them mortal anymore. And only Kaia had the courage to sit forward, voice calm, but eyes blazing.
"He's awakened the Dreamfire."
A ripple passed through the chamber. One of the Elders leaned forward, his mouth hidden behind a veil of cinders.
"The dragon allowed it?"
Kaia didn't blink. "He more than allowed it. He chose it."
Whispers. Hisses.
"He's too early."
"He's too raw."
"He is not the one."
Kaia's eyes narrowed.
"And yet, the Flame chose him."
That silenced them.
She rose, stepping into the center of the circle where flame glyphs spun lazily in the air.
"He's no longer just a threat. He's a pivot. If we wait too long, he'll burn the world in ignorance. If we move too fast… we risk igniting something worse."
The eldest voice in the room finally spoke.
"And what do you propose, Kaia?"
She smiled.
"Let me guide him."
"And if he refuses?"
She turned away, cloak hissing against the marble like a living thing.
"Then I'll burn with him. Or make sure he burns alone."