The ash of the Warden still swirled in the vault's air when Ron approached the orb on the pedestal. Silver magic coiled around his fingers as he gently lifted it again. This time, it didn't resist.
The moment his hand touched it, his mind was pulled inward.
He stood in an endless void—stars drifting like fireflies. Before him appeared a woman cloaked in golden robes, eyes glowing with ancient wisdom. Her voice echoed like music and thunder.
> "Ron Thorne. Bearer of the Silver Flame. You've touched a fragment of my legacy."
> "Who are you?" he asked.
> "I was once a Guardian of Kamar-Taj. Betrayed by sorcerers hungry for power. I sealed my soul within this orb to protect what they tried to destroy."
She stepped closer. Her beauty was ethereal—otherworldly. Long obsidian hair floated like silk in space, and her presence made his heart race without explanation.
> "Your power is unlike anything I've seen," she whispered, circling him slowly. "Both light and darkness obey you. That… is rare."
> "I didn't ask for it."
> "Yet you bear it better than most. Perhaps you deserve more."
With a flash, she touched his chest. A surge of energy erupted through him—his veins glowing with golden runes. Knowledge flooded his mind: Kamar-Taj combat spells, dimensional bending, phoenix fire seals.
> "Take this gift," she said. "And my name. I am Seraphina."
Her form shimmered, and the vision ended.
---
Ron gasped, returning to the vault. The orb cracked and dissolved into stardust.
Elara stood nearby, arms crossed, studying him. "That wasn't just a vision, was it?"
> "No," Ron said slowly. "It was… a soul. A woman. Seraphina. She gave me power—and memories."
Before Elara could respond, a magical ripple tore through the vault entrance. A burst of rose-hued energy carved the air, and a woman stepped through.
Curvy, poised, wrapped in silk battle robes that shimmered with enchantment. Her hair was silver-pink, her eyes glowing violet.
> "So you're the one who broke the Warden," she said, smiling. "I've been watching."
Ron blinked. "And you are?"
> "Call me Liliane. High Enchantress of the Spiral Realm. And I want to join your fight."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Another magic beauty drops in. Is this normal for you?"
Ron sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Apparently… it's starting to be."
Liliane winked. "Silver Mage… I've got much to offer."
---