Mira took a step forward.
That was all it took.
Flames snapped into existence around her ankles, slamming her to the ground as the heat hardened instantly into a chain that locked her limbs in place.
She screamed as the heat seared into her skin.
"Don't move," Amelia said, voice flat.
Fritz whirled around. "What the—"
"She said enough," Amelia cut in. "I understand the situation."
Mira struggled, tears streaking down her face as the fire bit deeper.
"I didn't—! I didn't mean—!"
Amelia stepped closer, eyes sharp, already shaping another spell.
"You don't get to explain," she said. "Not after that."
"Amelia."
Ryn's voice cut through the clearing.
It wasn't loud or strong…
But it stopped everything in place.
Ryn stood several steps back, posture unsteady, one hand braced against his sword like a cane, the other gripping Fritz's shoulder to stay upright.
His vision was black, yet his voice resonated.
"Let her go," he continued. "I've known since the start."
