The smoke grew thicker as Kael and Mira approached the town.
From the hill, Raven's Crossing had looked peaceful. Now, as they ran closer, the sound of shouting and clashing metal filled the air.
Kael could hear people screaming.
"Something's wrong," he said.
"Obviously," Mira replied, running ahead. "Move faster."
The dirt road led them straight to the town gates.
Raven's Crossing was larger than Kael expected. Wooden houses lined the streets, and small market stalls stood in the town square. But now the market was empty.
Doors were slammed shut.
Windows were boarded.
And soldiers were everywhere.
Kael immediately recognized the silver armor.
Highland soldiers.
"They're already here," he whispered.
Mira slowed down behind a broken cart near the entrance.
"Stay low," she said quietly.
Kael crouched beside her and peeked into the town square.
At least ten soldiers stood in the center of the street.
Villagers were gathered in front of them—men, women, and even children.
One of the soldiers stood slightly ahead of the others.
His armor was darker, and a long red cloak hung behind him.
He looked like the leader.
The man's voice echoed across the square.
"We know a magician passed through this region."
His cold eyes scanned the terrified crowd.
"Anyone hiding them will be executed."
Kael clenched his fists.
"They're searching for us," he said quietly.
Mira shook her head.
"Not just us."
Kael frowned.
"What do you mean?"
She pointed toward the villagers.
"Look."
Among the villagers stood an old man.
His hands were tied behind his back.
Two soldiers held him by the arms.
The leader walked toward him slowly.
"You were seen speaking strange words," the soldier said coldly.
"Magic words."
The old man shook his head nervously.
"I—I don't know what you're talking about."
The soldier sighed as if he were bored.
"Then you won't mind proving it."
He lifted his sword.
The villagers gasped.
Kael's heart pounded.
"They're going to kill him," he whispered.
Mira's expression hardened.
"Yes."
Kael looked at her.
"We can't just watch."
Mira didn't answer immediately.
There were too many soldiers.
Attacking them openly would be dangerous.
But the sword was already rising.
Kael felt the familiar heat building inside his chest.
The fire magic responded to his anger.
He stepped forward.
Mira grabbed his arm.
"Wait."
Kael looked at her.
"If we do nothing, he dies."
Mira stared at the soldiers.
Then she sighed.
"Fine."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Let's cause some trouble."
Before Kael could respond, she stepped out from behind the cart.
Her voice rang across the square.
"Hey!"
Every soldier turned instantly.
The leader lowered his sword slightly.
Mira waved casually.
"You're looking for magicians, right?"
The soldiers stiffened.
"And who are you?" the leader asked.
Mira raised her hand.
A bright flame appeared in her palm.
Gasps erupted from the villagers.
"Well," she said with a grin.
"I think you just found one."
The soldiers immediately drew their weapons.
"Seize her!" the leader ordered.
Two soldiers rushed forward.
Mira flicked her wrist.
"Ignis!"
Fire exploded across the ground in front of them, forcing the soldiers to jump back.
Chaos erupted instantly.
Villagers began running in every direction.
Kael knew this was his moment.
He stepped out from behind the cart.
The fire inside him surged again.
"Ignis!"
A burst of flames shot toward the soldiers near the prisoners.
They stumbled backward in shock.
The old man fell to the ground as the guards released him.
The leader's eyes widened.
"Another magician?!"
Mira laughed.
"Surprise."
Kael moved quickly toward the prisoners.
"Run!" he shouted to them.
The villagers didn't need to be told twice.
They scattered through the streets.
The soldiers quickly regrouped.
The leader pointed his sword at Kael and Mira.
"Kill them."
Six soldiers rushed forward at once.
Kael felt the heat of his magic rising again.
Mira stepped beside him.
"Well," she said calmly.
"Looks like we're starting another fight."
Kael nodded.
This time, they weren't just fighting to survive.
They were fighting to protect the people of the Lowlands.
The flames ignited in his hands.
"Then let's finish it."
And the battle for Raven's Crossing began.