The Azure Flame Sect's hall loomed, its pillars wreathed in blue fire that cast no warmth. Qin Mo knelt, the wolf king's core pulsing under his ribs, its heat a secret he couldn't hide. The elders circled, their robes whispering, eyes glinting with greed. "The core belongs to the sect," the head elder said, his voice like frost on steel.
Qin Mo's fingers tightened on his blade. "It chose me."
The elder's smile was a blade's edge. "Then we'll carve it out."
Steel flashed—three elders struck as one, their blades weaving a net of fire. Qin Mo rolled, the core's heat surging, igniting Flame Step's spark. He dodged, boots leaving scorched stone, and slashed, his blade clashing with an elder's. Sparks flew, the hall's fire flaring.
[Predator's Ledger: Flame Step prototype activated. Heat attunement: 70%.]
He broke through, cutting a path to the hall's edge. An elder's blade grazed his back, blood soaking his robe. The core burned hotter, guiding him to the shadows.
Outside, the bells chimed, faint but sharp, calling him to the frost. The sect's betrayal was only the beginning.