As Elara wandered deeper into the temple ruins, she found a mural hidden beneath layers of soot. It told the tale of a Phoenix who once tried to bring balance to the elements—but was cursed by mortals who feared its power.
Suddenly, the air shimmered, and a burning figure rose—a translucent phoenix chained in golden fire. It spoke in a voice that echoed in her soul: "Break my curse, and I shall reveal the truth behind your flame."
To lift the curse, Elara had to sacrifice something pure. She offered her final memory of her mother's smile. The flame turned white, the chains shattered, and the phoenix's essence merged with Elara, marking her with a fiery sigil on her back.
"You are now the Flameborne," it whispered, "The last of us."