Ron stood in the heart of the ruined vault, now joined by two powerful women—Elara of Earth's arcane black-ops, and Liliane, High Enchantress of the Spiral Realm. The tension between them sparked almost as sharply as the ambient magic around them.
> "You've heard of the Spiral Realm?" Ron asked, eyes locked on Liliane.
She smiled, brushing her silver-pink hair back. "Only those touched by true power can perceive it. Few enter. Fewer return. You, however, have access—through the echo of Seraphina."
That name made Elara's eyes narrow. "Seraphina… the Guardian of Kamar-Taj who vanished centuries ago?"
Ron nodded. "She gave me a part of her magic. And something tells me… she's not gone. Just sleeping."
Liliane stepped closer, gaze intent. "Her soul is bound to yours now, Ron. You carry her flame… and more. I sensed it from across dimensions. That's why I came."
> "So this is what I've become?" he muttered. "A walking beacon for powerful women and ancient threats."
Elara smirked. "Some of us aren't complaining."
Liliane's lips curved. "Neither am I."
Before Ron could respond, a magical flare surged from the orb's remnants. The air shimmered, and for a brief second, a silhouette appeared in the center of the room—Seraphina's spirit, flickering like flame.
> "Ron…" her voice echoed gently. "The Spiral Realm is weakening. Dark forces slip into this world through rifts. You must find the first gate. And close it."
> "Where?" he asked, stepping forward.
> "Manhattan. Under the city. They're already here."
Her form vanished.
Elara sighed. "Looks like we're going to New York."
Ron turned to Liliane. "Can you guide us into the Spiral if needed?"
She nodded. "I know every seal, every passage. But you'll owe me a favor…"
Elara crossed her arms. "He's not making pacts with strangers."
> "Jealous?" Liliane teased, winking. "Or interested?"
Ron groaned. "Okay. Let's just save the world before this becomes a magical reality show."
Outside, Bucky waited beside a quinjet SHIELD sent after Ron called in a favor.
He looked up as the trio approached and raised an eyebrow. "Another one?"
Ron sighed. "Don't ask."
As the group boarded, the air grew tense again—but not from danger. It was something more personal… charged.
And far beneath Manhattan, red-eyed shadows stirred. The first Spiral Gate… had already opened.
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