The camp burned with fire and smoke, Ashbound clashing against the Smokebound in a storm of steel. Elira's crown still blazed above her, its new power cutting through shadow—but the air grew colder, heavier.
Then the laughter came.
Marlic stepped from the smoke, his form solid, ember eyes burning brighter than ever. Shadow clung to him like armor, coiling into jagged blades. His presence alone silenced the battlefield; even the Smokebound paused, bowing as he passed.
"You think fire makes you strong?" Marlic's voice thundered. "It makes you reckless. It makes you weak."
Elira's mark flared, her fire surging in defiance. "You've hidden behind whispers long enough. Face me."
Marlic raised his hand, shadow twisting into a spear. "Then burn, Flamebearer."
He lunged, shadow striking against fire. The clash shook the camp, sparks raining down. Elira met him head‑on, her crown blazing, but Marlic's shadow pressed harder, heavier, fueled by fury.
Kael broke through the chaos, blade flashing. He struck at Marlic's side, steel cutting into shadow. Marlic snarled, smoke lashing out to drive him back. "Brother," he hissed, "you will fall as you failed me."
But Kael stood firm, blade raised. "I failed you once. I will not fail her."
Elira's fire surged brighter, Kael's steel cutting sharper. Together, they pressed against Marlic, flame and blade forcing shadow to falter.
The battlefield roared—the Ashbound rallying, the Smokebound surging, fire and shadow colliding in a storm. And at its center, the duel burned brighter than ever: Elira, Kael, and Marlic locked in a reckoning that would decide the war.