The First Flame
The bridge of starlight rippled beneath Elira's steps as she returned from the Ember Mirror, the ancient temple fading behind her like a dream already turning to legend.
Waiting at the edge of the platform, the Guardian lion lifted his mighty head. His luminous eyes studied her—not as a protector, but as an equal.
She said nothing at first. She simply stood before him, her robes flickering in the windless space, her chest glowing faintly where the Lightseed had taken root.
Then the lion lowered himself, and for the first time, bowed his head fully.
You have walked the fire, Lightborn. You are ready.
Elira stepped forward and pressed her hand against his mane. The warmth there welcomed her like a home she had forgotten. "I remember," she said softly. "I know who I am now."
Then the world must know it too.
A gust of wind swirled around them, different this time—sharper. It stung like a warning.
The lion's eyes narrowed.
He knows you've awakened. He sends his first test.
The sky above them cracked—literally. Like glass breaking under pressure, a fracture appeared in the Echo Realm's peaceful sky, revealing a swirling vortex of smoke and malice.
From it descended creatures malformed by shadow. Not beasts of this world—but remnants of Malakar's prison, warped servants with elongated limbs and hollow eyes. They hissed in fury and hunger, drawn to Elira's light like moths to a flame.
The lion roared, and the platform beneath them trembled.
They are phantoms, not fully of this world. But they can wound. You must hold your ground.
Elira stepped forward, raising her palm. The flame within her heart responded, blazing through her veins and gathering in her hand.
Her fear was gone. Only purpose remained.
The first creature lunged.
With a cry, she threw her hand forward. A burst of radiant light shot from her fingers, striking the phantom in the chest. It shrieked as it dissolved into golden dust.
The others hesitated—but only for a heartbeat.
Then they came all at once.
Elira moved like she had trained for this her whole life—because in a way, she had. Her very soul remembered this battle, this purpose. Every step she took was guided by ancient instinct, every burst of light from her hands a note in a forgotten song of power.
Beside her, the lion leapt with divine fury, his claws leaving trails of starlight, his mane a blazing storm of gold. He roared again, and the sky trembled.
Together, they moved as one—girl and guardian, flame and fury.
One creature nearly reached her side, its claw slicing toward her. She turned and raised both hands, channeling the full flame within. A sphere of golden fire erupted around her, throwing the creature back into the void.
Minutes—or maybe lifetimes—passed in the blur of battle.
And then... it was over.
The final shadow dissolved, leaving only silence and the glow of Elira's heart still burning steady in the dark.
The lion stepped beside her.
You did not falter. Even in your first fire.
Elira exhaled, her breath misting with light. "They're only the beginning, aren't they?"
Yes. But now the world knows a Lightborn walks again. Malakar will come for you. But you will not be alone.
The wind around them shifted. The Echo Realm began to tremble—not in fear, but in transformation.
It is time to return. The real world needs its Guardian—and its flame.
A rift opened, showing the twilight cliffs of Liora. The same place where Elira had first touched the lion's face.
But everything had changed.
And now, she was ready.