Part II – The Awakening of Eldrath
Alexander gasped back into reality, flames still licking at his arms. Sera knelt beside him, eyes glowing with crimson light, her hands pressed against his chest. Blood magic weaved through her veins like glowing threads as she fought to stabilize the Heart's energy.
"Focus!" she shouted. "You'll destroy yourself—and us—if you keep fighting it!"
"I can't—control—it—"
"You can." Her tone softened. "Because you're not him. You're you."
The words cut through the storm of energy. Slowly, his breathing steadied. The flames dimmed, coiling back into his chest like obedient serpents.
When the light faded, silence fell.
The chamber around them was nearly gone. Only the throne remained — cracked, hollow, but glowing faintly. In its core was a crystalline object, pulsing with faint runes.
Cael stepped forward cautiously. "The Ashborn Codex," he whispered. "A relic that records the will of the first Heartbearer."
Sera looked at Alexander. "It was waiting for you."
Before he could answer, a deafening roar shook the ruins. Outside, the sands churned into a storm. From within it, a figure descended — cloaked in silver and black armor, his eyes burning with sapphire flame.
"Lord Varyn," Cael hissed, drawing his weapon. "The Syndicate's Seventh General."
The newcomer's voice was cold and deliberate. "So the Ashborn Heart has chosen a vessel again. How… disappointing."
Alexander stepped forward, despite the tremor in his limbs. "Who are you to judge me?"
"I am the hand that delivers balance. And you," Varyn's eyes gleamed, "are the echo of chaos."
The air rippled with killing intent.
Alexander's flames flickered, his shadow stretching long behind him. "Then I guess balance is about to burn."
Varyn smiled beneath his mask. "Prove it."
As the first clash of power erupted, the ruins of Eldrath roared back to life — and somewhere deep beneath the sands, an ancient voice whispered in delight.
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