Arrogant. Idiot.

Ash stirred at the lip of the volcano, dancing lightly in the air as two silhouettes approached the threshold of Vahn Volcano's gaping mouth.

The jagged rocks were still warm beneath their feet, glowing faintly from within like dying embers. The low rumble in the distance was constant—like the volcano itself was breathing.

Hidden behind a cluster of darkened basalt pillars near the entrance, Rai stood in silence. His red eyes watched the pair carefully, arms crossed and expression unreadable.

He had felt a familiar tremor in the ground—one he associated with Darenn's elemental steps. But the girl beside him was unknown. Slender build, dark cloak, sharp eyes that scanned the terrain like she didn't quite trust it. She wasn't a Familiar. That much was certain.

The moment they set foot on the volcanic path, Rai stepped forward from the shadows.

"Didn't think I'd be getting visitors today," he said casually, his boots crunching the cooled rock.