The morning sun filtered weakly through the ash-gray sky, casting long shadows over the ruins where Kael and Elara had fought the flame beast. The air still smelled of smoke and burning wood, but the oppressive silence that followed was heavier.
Kael rubbed his sore wrists, the faint warmth of the phoenix fire still pulsing beneath his skin. Elara was already awake, crouched near the firepit, studying a worn map spread across a flat stone.
"We can't stay here long," she said without looking up. "The Crown's patrols scour the Ashwilds. If they find you—"
"Exile's fate," Kael finished grimly. "I know."
Elara's fingers traced a jagged line on the map. "There's a safe place, hidden deep in the Ashwilds. An old rebel camp called Ember Hollow."
Kael frowned. "Ember Hollow?"
"It's where those who resist the Flame Court gather. Refuge, training… and answers." She glanced up, her eyes sharp. "Answers you'll need if you're going to control that fire inside you."
Kael felt a strange pull at the mention of rebellion. All his life, he'd been alone—marked and hunted by a kingdom that feared what he was. The thought of allies, of purpose, was both terrifying and strangely comforting.
"Why help me?" he asked quietly.
Elara hesitated, then said, "Because I've lost too much to the Crown's lies. And because you're the last chance to end it."
Before Kael could ask more, a faint rustling came from the underbrush. Both went still, hands moving toward weapons.
From the shadows stepped a figure—an older man, gaunt and cloaked in ash-gray robes. His eyes were sharp, and a scar traced down his left cheek.
"Lost your fire, boy?" the man said, voice rough but not unkind.
Kael tightened his grip on his fists. "I have fire. A phoenix's flame."
The man's eyes narrowed. "Phoenix flame, huh? Dangerous and rare. Name's Merek. I've heard whispers about you."
Elara stepped forward. "We're heading to Ember Hollow. Will you help us?"
Merek studied them both before nodding slowly. "I'll guide you, but it won't be easy. The Flame Court's eyes are everywhere."
Kael glanced at Elara, then back at Merek. "Why does the Crown fear the phoenix flame so much?"
Merek let out a bitter laugh. "Because it's not just fire—it's a force of rebirth. It can destroy their control, burn down their lies, and give power back to the people."
Kael swallowed hard. The weight of that truth settled over him like a cloak.
"Then we have to get there," he said, voice steady.