The mausoleum's exit was overgrown with black roots and shattered gravestones. The night sky stretched beyond like an ocean of frozen stars, and a violet moon bathed the landscape in its ghostly light. Kaelith walked ahead—nervous, yet determined—while Lyssara followed in silence.
With every step, her body felt more like hers. More lethal. More alive.
But something was wrong.
—"We're being followed," Kaelith murmured, her hand on the hilt of her dagger.
Lyssara closed her eyes. She could feel it too. A presence—burning, proud… and deeply hostile. Like a flame wrapped in rage.
—"It's not following us," Lyssara whispered. "It's waiting."
No sooner had she spoken than an explosion of golden light burst through the trees ahead. The air instantly grew hot, and the shadows pulled back.
From within the mist, a figure emerged.
Tall. Slender. Clad in ceremonial armor etched in red and gold filigree. Her dark red hair fell like a cascade of fire, and her golden eyes glowed like living embers.
—"So you've finally awakened, monster."
The voice was as sharp as a blade.
Lyssara didn't move. Kaelith instinctively stepped back.
—"Who are you?" Lyssara asked.
—"Serenya Vaelthorn, High Guardian of the Solar Circle," she said coldly, though her gaze blazed. "Sister of the martyr Elenya. And you… are the abomination that destroyed her."
The world seemed to freeze.
—"I don't know what you're talking about," Lyssara replied with restrained calm. "I just awakened in this body."
Serenya raised her hand. A circle of golden flames spun around her.
—"Don't lie! I saw her soul fade the day you were sealed! You corrupted her. You dragged her into darkness. And now… you'll pay for it."
The fire surged toward Lyssara like a living serpent. Kaelith screamed, but Lyssara didn't flinch. Her body reacted instinctively. A shield of shadows erupted from her back, blocking the flames with a hiss.
The impact knocked her backward. Her skin burned—not physically… but within.
"These flames… burn the soul."
Lyssara took a deep breath, veins pulsing with dark energy.
—"I don't want to fight you. I'm not who you think I am."
—"You are!" Serenya shouted, her eyes burning with fury and unshed tears. "And even if you've forgotten… I haven't. I loved her. And you took her from me."
For a moment, everything stopped.
Lyssara blinked.
Loved her?
Serenya's sword of fire appeared in her hand, blazing like the sun. She stepped forward.
And Lyssara, for the first time in her new life… smiled.
—"Then… prove it."