The morning sun rose slowly over the mist-laced peaks of Aerhollow, bathing the village in a soft golden hue. Snowmelt trickled down rocky slopes, feeding the winding river that split the quiet settlement in two. High above, eagles soared between ancient trees as the wind whispered through pine boughs, carrying with it the scent of mountain frost and smoke.
Inside a modest, timber-framed house tucked at the edge of the village, Ashen Revyn Storme stood at the window, watching the valley stir to life. His reflection stared back at him from the frost-edged glass—cool grey eyes, tousled silver-black hair, and a face too calm for someone about to face the most important moment of his life. Or so it would seem to everyone else.
To Ashen, this day was merely a formality.
He'd already faced death once. And worse—betrayal.
His fingers absently touched the window frame as a memory flared: a blood-stained throne, a dagger in his side, a voice whispering of a perfect world.
He blinked it away.
This was a new life. A second chance.
And no one knew who he truly was.
Downstairs, the scent of baked rootcakes and herbal tea rose from the hearth. Mira Storme, the kind-eyed woman who had raised him as her own, was bustling around the kitchen. She wasn't his mother by blood, but she had given him something more valuable: a quiet life, free of crowns and enemies.
She looked up as he entered, her hands coated in flour.
"Well, if it isn't the man of the hour," she teased, brushing a strand of gray hair behind her ear.
Ashen offered a faint smile. "You've been up since dawn."
"Of course I have. You think I'm going to let you leave for your Elemental Awakening on an empty stomach?" She passed him a warm flatbread wrapped in cloth. "Eat. You'll need it."
He took it politely. "Thanks, Mira."
She studied him for a moment. "You don't seem nervous."
Ashen shrugged. "Should I be?"
Mira huffed, but her smile was fond. "Most boys your age are trembling in their boots right now."
Most boys weren't reborn kings with memories of wielding every element in existence.
"I'm not most boys," he said simply.
Her eyes softened with pride and something else—a hint of concern. "No. You're not."
Outside, the village bells began to ring, signaling the start of the ritual. Ashen folded his cloak over his arm, pulling on a pair of leather gloves and fastening the silver clasp at his neck.
"Be careful," Mira called after him as he stepped out into the morning chill.
He paused at the doorway. "Always."
The Elemental Awakening took place at the heart of Aerhollow, where a circular stone platform surrounded a towering crystal known as the Heartstone. It shimmered with a thousand hues beneath the sunlight, pulsing faintly like a living thing.
Dozens of villagers had gathered, forming a respectful ring around the platform. The air buzzed with excitement. Children whispered about what elements their siblings or friends might receive. Parents wrung their hands. Elders stood in silence, watching the sky.
At the edge of the crowd, Kaelin Mirewood shoved her way toward the front.
"Move it, he's coming!" she snapped at a taller boy who blocked her view.
She was about Ashen's age—sixteen—though she carried herself with the energy of a wildfire. Her copper-brown hair was tied up in a loose braid, strands already escaping to frame her freckled face. She wore a simple green-and-white cloak, but her presence made her stand out more than any royal garb.
"There you are," she grinned as Ashen approached. "About time. I was worried you'd try to skip it."
Ashen gave her a sidelong glance. "And disappoint the village gossip?"
"Exactly! I've already told three people you'd awaken Fire and Earth. Or maybe Lightning. I'm hedging bets."
He arched a brow. "And what do you think I'll get?"
Kaelin grinned. "Everything."
For a brief second, he tensed.
She laughed. "I mean, you're so calm all the time, you must have a secret. Maybe you're a shadow elemental and just hiding in plain sight."
Ashen forced a small chuckle. "Maybe."
Her teasing faded as the village elder, Elder Rhun, stepped onto the platform.
"Children of the Sixteen Year," he called, voice firm and ancient. "Step forward and present yourselves to the Heartstone."
One by one, the village teens approached the crystal.
The first boy touched the stone and it flared green---Nature.
Then Kaelin's name was called. She strode forward with confidence, placing her hand against the crystal.
It pulsed violently, swirling Blue--Water.
Kaelin turned and winked at Ashen.
Then Elder Rhun looked down at his parchment.
"Ashen Revyn Storme."
He stepped forward.
The crowd fell silent.
Ashen placed his palm against the Heartstone. It was like touching something alive—aware, ancient, eager.
Instantly, the crystal reacted—not in a gentle glow, but in a violent shudder.
Power surged up his arm. All the elements recognized him. Flame. Ice. Lightning. Earth. Wind. Shadow. Light. Even the Void beyond.
It wanted to announce them all.
Ashen closed his eyes.
He concentrated—not on summoning, but on sealing. He clenched the storm within, allowed only two slivers to rise to the surface.
Fire and Wind.
The Heartstone flared red and white. The crowd murmured in awe.
"A Dual Elemental!" someone whispered.
Elder Rhun nodded. "Ashen Revyn Storme. Fire and Wind. You are summoned to the Academy of Elemental Arts. The Ember Hall shall be your home."
Ashen withdrew his hand and stepped back, hiding the sweat on his brow.
Kaelin joined him. "Fire and Wind, huh?" she said. "Told you."
He didn't answer.
Inside, the storm still raged.
But no one could know.
Not yet.