The phoenix led her to the origin of the Eternal Flame—a hidden chamber beneath the world's oldest mountain. There, she found a throne of obsidian and fire, abandoned for centuries.
Visions flooded her: all the flamekeepers before her, each one stronger than the last… until the chain was broken.
She was the last.
The final trial was to sit upon the throne and accept the burden of balance. As she did, ancient fire spirits surged into her body, their weight nearly crushing her. But Elara held firm. She did not scream.
She ruled the fire.
And the fire obeyed.