The trail beyond the mountain temple twisted through steep ridges and cliffs blanketed in mist. Kael moved carefully, his steps guided by the steady glow of his mark, now stronger than ever. Below him, clouds curled around the peaks like sleeping beasts. Above, the sun barely pierced the veil of fog, casting a soft gold over the snow-laced path.
For three days, he traveled without seeing a single soul—only the silence of the high places and the whispers of wind. On the fourth night, as he made camp near a ring of frost-covered stones, he dreamed.
In the dream, he stood in a valley of fire. Flames danced around him, but did not burn. From the sky, a shadow fell—a great winged creature, its body etched in golden scales and eyes glowing like twin suns.
"You are near," it said. "And I have waited."
Kael woke before dawn.
He followed the dream's direction—northwest, toward a cliff that jutted out like a broken fang. As he approached, he felt it before he saw it—a warmth in the air that defied the snow, a rhythm in his chest that matched the beat of massive wings.
There, curled upon a plateau of obsidian stone, lay the guardian.
A dragon.
Larger than any tale had ever dared describe. Its wings were folded like cloaks of gold. Its horns curved like ancient branches. Its breath steamed the mountain air. And on its chest, faint but glowing, was the same spiral mark Kael bore.
The dragon opened one eye, and the earth seemed to pause.
"You carry the flame," it said, its voice deep as thunder, yet clear in Kael's mind.
Kael dropped to one knee, unsure what to say.
The dragon shifted, rising slowly. "You are the first in many lifetimes to pass the Trial of Shadows. You have earned the right to know what you are."
"I'm listening," Kael said, breathless.
"You are not the only one marked," the dragon continued. "There were others—bearers of flame, protectors of balance. But one broke the order. One who took the crown and twisted the fire into something else. You know him."
Kael's heart stilled. "Aerin."
The dragon lowered its head. "He carries the broken flame. If he rises, the Veil will tear. And with it, this world."
Kael stepped forward. "Then teach me. Help me stop him."
The dragon's eyes narrowed, but then it nodded. "Then let us begin."
For the first time, Kael did not feel small beneath the shadow of destiny. He felt ready.
As the dragon stretched its wings and the mountain trembled, Kael knew one truth—
He would not face the end alone