The Hollow was no longer silent.
Where once the ground slumbered beneath layers of dust and fear, it now thrummed with heat and memory. The spiral-marked stones around Seraphira glowed with fresh firelight, lit not by torch or ritual but by her will.
The witches stood in awe.
Even Theryn, ever calm, took a step back.
She's claimed it, one of them whispered.
No… Theryn murmured, eyes fixed on Seraphira. She's become it.
The power Seraphira had awakened didn't burn. It flowed.
Through her blood.
Through her breath.
Through her very name.
She felt taller. Not in stature, but in presence. As though the world itself now took notice of her. Trees leaned. Stones hummed. Even the stars above shimmered as if turning to watch.
Elena stumbled to her side, eyes wide. Seraphira… what just happened?
Seraphira turned toward her and her shadow moved independently, flaring like wings of flame. Her voice, when she spoke, was the same but it carried weight.
I accepted what I am.
The witches moved slowly now no longer guides or keepers of balance, but witnesses.
You are no longer merely of the flame, Theryn said. You are its heir.
What does that make me? Seraphira asked.
Theryn bowed her head.
"Queen of Flame. Daughter of Ash. Warden of the Spiral."
Elena looked between them, stunned. Queen?
You mean to put me on a throne? Seraphira scoffed. I have no kingdom.
You will, Theryn said. And more than one.
She stepped forward and knelt, the other witches following.
Not in submission but in recognition.
The fire had chosen.
The old blood had returned.
And Seraphira was no longer a girl wandering the world in search of answers.
She was the answer.
That night…
They gave her the garments of old the ceremonial robes once worn by the flamewardens of the temple, dyed in ember-red and midnight black.
They braided fire-colored stones into her hair and drew ancient symbols on her skin not to bind her, but to reflect her truth.
And as the final moon rose high in the sky, Seraphira stood at the edge of the Hollow, wind swirling around her like a cloak.
I am not your ruler, she said to the witches. I am not your weapon.
I am the one who was forgotten. The one who rose again. And I swear by the flame, the shadow, and the truth buried beneath all lies…
"I will unite the kingdoms, or I will burn them down."
Behind her, the fire roared higher.
The Hollow long dead was now reborn.
And the Queen of Flame stood alone at its heart.
🌑 In the Underworld…
Kaelreth's blade shattered the chains of the Third Gate.
Fire rushed outward. The walls of the Veil groaned.
She has ascended, Malkor said.
Kaelreth's golden eyes glowed like suns dying in glory.
"Then the real game begins."