The forest still burned behind them.
Flames devoured the trees, black smoke choking the stars above. Kael didn't look back. He carried the girl in his arms again, her strength drained after whatever unholy force she unleashed. Nerra led the way, blades drawn, senses sharp.
They didn't speak.
Every breath was survival.
Hours passed. Maybe more. Until finally—the trees opened, and the cursed air gave way to starlight and cold wind. They stumbled out onto a rocky plateau, high above the valley. Mountains loomed in the distance.
Safe—for now.
Kael collapsed near a crumbled ruin, gently lowering the girl to rest on a mossy slab. Her white hair clung to her face, damp with sweat. She hadn't said a word since the word Ashira left her lips.
Nerra dropped beside them, panting, wiping blood from her cheek. "We need answers. Now."
Kael nodded. "Agreed." His gaze shifted to the girl. "What are you?"
She stirred. Eyes opened.
"I don't know," she said. Her voice was softer again. Mortal. Human. "I grew up in the Temple of Silent Flame. They said I was... 'chosen.' They never told me why. They only made me kneel and memorize prayers to gods that never answered."
Kael leaned closer. "You knew the Warden's death word."
She blinked, confused. "I don't remember saying anything. Just pain. Then nothing."
Nerra crossed her arms. "Either you're lying, or something inside you isn't sleeping anymore."
The girl looked away. Her shoulders shook.
"I didn't ask for this."
Kael sighed and knelt beside her. His tone softened.
"Neither did I. But the world doesn't care." He gently touched her cheek. "What's your name?"
A pause.
"Sarya."
The name shimmered in the air. Ancient. Forgotten.
Kael felt it again—the bond. Not as burning as Nerra's, but deeper. Older. Like fate remembered her even if she didn't.
"Sarya," he repeated. "Rest now. You're safe—for the moment."
She nodded, tears trailing silently down her face as she drifted into sleep.
Nerra sat across the fire Kael built hours later, sharpening a blade that didn't need sharpening.
"She's dangerous."
"So are we," Kael replied.
"I was trained to kill threats. She's a walking storm we don't understand."
Kael met her gaze.
"Then stay close. If she becomes the enemy…" He flexed his fingers, fire dancing between them. "We end it together."
Nerra hesitated—then gave a small nod.
"What now?" she asked.
Kael looked toward the mountains. "We head north. There's someone there who knows what I was before I died."
His voice dropped, cold and certain.
"And why they all wanted me gone."