Leroy and Lorraine descended the last few steps together, the glow of their mingled flames, gold and blue, casting long shadows across the ruined hall. The fire that had once devoured everything seemed to hesitate now, flickering lower, retreating as if shamed into silence.
The mansion that had been howling in agony only moments ago was now eerily quiet, save for the soft crackle of dying embers.
The soldiers stood frozen, their faces pale beneath the soot and ash. None dared move. The heat that had scorched the very air moments ago now felt cold against their skin. They watched in disbelief as the man and woman emerged unburnt from the heart of the inferno, hand in hand, regal and terrible in their calm.
One of them, braver or more foolish than the rest, lifted his sword. His hands trembled as he did, but he still obeyed the command that rang in his skull: Destroy everything. Bring the traitor and his wife to the palace.
