The molten skyline of Pyrespire shimmered with crimson gold as Qingsai descended the Emberpath staircase, flame-weaving robes trailing behind him. Every step echoed with power; every heartbeat pulsed with discipline.
He entered the royal courtyard where Yuwen and Sandora awaited.
Yuwen grinned from the garden steps, arms crossed.
> "So the fire monk returns from the volcano," he teased, "Did the embers chew you or forge you?"
> "They tried both," Qingsai replied with a faint smile.
Sandora rushed toward him. Her bright blue eyes sparkled against the firelight as she threw her arms around him. "I could feel it," she whispered. "Your flame… it speaks differently now."
> "I'm ready," he said. "For the next path."
Later that night, Qingsai sat with the Emberlords one last time. Lord Vaelor, Sandora's grandfather, gave a respectful nod.
> "You carry our legacy in your flame now. But water shall challenge you in ways fire could not. It is the element of change… and pain."
Qingsai bowed. "Then I will become its student."