The Ember Trials
Elara stood at the heart of the Ember Temple, its molten walls pulsing like a living creature. Three burning gateways formed in front of her—each one representing a trial she must face.
The first flame showed her deepest fear: a vision of her mother consumed by fire, crying out her name. She stepped into the flame and faced the memory. It didn't burn her—it freed her.
The second trial was a test of resolve. She had to walk barefoot across coals that whispered doubts into her mind. Every step questioned her worth, her power, her bloodline. But she walked until the coals turned silent beneath her feet.
The third was the hardest—a trial of choice. Before her stood two flames: one showing the world safe but soulless, and the other in chaos but free. She chose the latter. A true keeper of the Eternal Flame doesn't choose comfort—they choose truth.
When Elara emerged, the temple flames bowed to her. The fire spirits whispered: "She
is ready."