The Iron Ward groaned as Zara picked the last of the locks. Rusted hinges shrieked, and the cell door swung open.
Kofi Daramola didn't move. He sat cross-legged on the floor, broad shoulders bowed, his once-mighty frame wrapped in chains inscribed with glowing sigils. His hair was streaked with gray now, but his presence still filled the cell like a storm held barely at bay.
Nyasha stepped inside. "It's been a long time."
Slowly, Kofi lifted his head. His eyes were cold iron—measuring her, remembering. "You've got her fire," he said at last. "But you're not her."
Nyasha's throat tightened. "No. I'm her daughter. And I need your help."
Kofi barked a bitter laugh. "Help? From me? I swore never to touch a relic again. Not after what it cost." His eyes flicked to the Emberheart burning faintly at her chest. "And I'll not shackle myself to another curse, not for you, not for anyone."
Zara leaned on the doorframe. "Heard you were stubborn, old man. Didn't think it meant sitting in a cage until you rot."
Kofi's jaw tightened. "Better to rot free than burn bound."
Nyasha crouched, meeting his gaze. "You fought beside my mother. You knew what she was. What she stood for. They killed her, Kofi. The Covenant. And they've got my father in their chains. If you stay here, you let them win."
For a heartbeat, silence. Then his hand shifted, the chain rattling.
"I watched your mother bleed for this city," he said hoarsely. "And I watched the Covenant swallow her light. She was the bravest person I ever knew. But I also watched her fall."
Nyasha didn't look away. "Then help me make sure she didn't fall for nothing."
The Emberheart pulsed, and for a flicker of a moment, firelight reflected in Kofi's storm-gray eyes.
Finally, with a grunt, he stood. The runes on his chains flared, resisting. He grabbed the links, muscles straining, and with a roar, snapped them apart in a burst of sparks.
The warding glyphs shattered, and the whole Iron Ward seemed to tremble.
Kofi stood tall, rubbing his wrists. "You've got your mother's fire, girl," he said quietly. "Let's see if you've got her strength."
Nyasha allowed herself the ghost of a smile. "Try me."