The flame in Kael's hand burned brighter with each step, but it didn't hurt. It pulsed, alive, echoing his heartbeat. Mira led him through the fields, her eyes constantly scanning the horizon.
They reached the edge of the village, where the last wooden fences gave way to wilderness. A half-buried stone stood crooked in the earth—an old marker, worn by time.
"We go east," Mira said, breathless. "Through the Hollow Path."
Kael turned to look back. From here, the village glowed faintly under the night sky. Fires had been lit. Shadows moved like ants in the square. The Ember Watch was searching.
"What happens if they catch me?" Kael asked.
"They won't," she said.
"But if they do?"
Mira hesitated. "They'll bind your flame. Rip it out. Or worse—use it to relight the throne under their control."
Kael looked down at his hand. The flame shifted, reacting to his thoughts. It flickered red, then gold. For a moment, he thought it formed a symbol—a curved sigil of some ancient language—on his palm.
"Did you see that?" he asked.
Mira turned and grabbed his wrist. Her eyes widened. "It's begun."
"What has?"
"The Flamebond. It's choosing you."
Kael pulled away, suddenly cold. "What if I don't want it?"
She softened. "The fire doesn't ask permission. It only waits for someone strong enough to carry it."
Thunder rumbled in the distance. But the sky was clear.
"That's not weather," Mira whispered. "Run!"
They sprinted toward the Hollow Path, a narrow trail swallowed by brambles and leaning trees. The wind howled behind them, and Kael felt the air heat with unnatural intensity.
A voice, deep and hollow, echoed through the night.
"Kael of the Flame. Surrender the fire, or be turned to ash."
Kael stumbled. Mira caught him. "Keep moving!"
From the trees, a figure stepped forward—cloaked in black, face hidden by a mask carved like burning wood. His blade shimmered with molten runes.
The Ember Watch had found them.
Kael raised his hand without thinking. Flame surged from his palm, wild and uncontrolled. The masked figure deflected it with a sweep of his blade—but staggered.
Mira threw a dagger. It missed—but it gave them time.
They dove into the path.
Behind them, the world burned.