We'll become one

Chapter 3

"He's escaped," a guard called, breathless as he rushed into the chamber.

Arl was quick to spring into action, gathering his troops without hesitation. The urgency in his movements was almost comical, given how predictable this turn of events was. I merely waved my hand, signaling them to handle the situation. I already knew Sey wouldn't stay locked up for long. He was far too advanced for that—both in skill and nature. Mystical creatures rarely played by the rules of ordinary men.

The phoenix had warned me about him, even pleaded with me to steer clear of him, no matter how dire the situation became. A life-or-death warning carried weight, but it was difficult to heed when the dragon seemed intent on playing games.

I turned back to my desk, pulling a scroll from the pile. It was one of many, detailing the endless duties of running a kingdom. I began to read, forcing myself to focus on the neatly penned words.

And then, without warning, he arrived.

Or rather, he appeared—whether by walking, flying, or some other means, I couldn't tell. The guards would've stopped him if he had walked in, but here he was, standing before me with that infuriating smirk plastered across his face.

"Speak," I commanded, not even bothering to look up from the scroll.

"You haven't visited my cell since the bread incident," he said, the mockery in his voice palpable.

"Why would I pay a visit to a criminal like yourself?" I retorted, finally lowering the scroll to meet his gaze.

"Because, without me, your kingdom is going to collapse," he said matter-of-factly, as if the world hinged on his words.

"Weren't you hissing at me with hatred the last time we spoke? And now, suddenly, you have a remedy for my 'crumbling kingdom'?" I arched an eyebrow, placing the scroll down fully.

"Enlighten me, dear dragon."

"Well played, Phoenix," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It's not just about your kingdom; this will benefit mine as well. We've lost the Seven Flames."

"Ha. Foolish," I replied, trying to mask the fact that I had no idea what he was talking about. The Seven Flames? What was that supposed to mean?

The phoenix may have mentioned it a few times but never told me anything about them, but he sure as hell explained my relationship with the Dragon. 

"Spare me the fake teasing," he said, his eyes narrowing. "I'll give them all to you. I just need the Flame of Eternal Pkif."

Pkif?

What on earth was that? The word rang hollow in my mind, offering no clarity or recognition.

"Let me think about it," I said curtly, buying myself time.

"Heads up, by the way," he said, leaning casually against the wall. "Arl and his troops are approaching this chamber."

Before I could respond, he disappeared. One moment he was there, and the next, he was gone, leaving behind a faint trail of smoke and fire that lingered in the air.

I stared at the empty space where he had stood, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Pkif?

"What in the heavens does that mean?" I muttered under my breath.

Moments later, Arl and his troops barged in, bowing their heads in shame. "Apologies, my queen. We couldn't catch him."

"Rise," I said, waving them off. "There will be time for that later. Now, one of you—tell me, what is Pkif?"

A voice emerged from the crowd, hesitant but clear. "It is the third of the Seven Flames, your highness. The one that grants power over all kingdoms and realms."

"What if someone has the other six flames but not Pkif?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.

"It would create a balance of power, but no one knows for certain what it would mean in practice," the voice replied.

I nodded, dismissing them with a wave. Once the room was empty, I picked up the scroll I had discarded earlier, though my mind was far from the words on the parchment.

This queen's life, the one I now inhabited, was utterly devoid of joy. She read, wrote letters, signed documents, and planned endlessly. The only time she seemed to break free from this monotony was when she was at war. And judging by the missing flames and the dragon's warnings, it seemed another war was on the horizon.

The Dargon`s earlier claim about my parents' capture lingered in my mind.

"Yes, queen," a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

Startled, I looked up to see the phoenix itself, its fiery wings stretching wide as it perched in the air before me.

"It's broad daylight! What are you doing here?" I hissed.

"I am only visible to you, not the humans," it replied calmly. "Soon, I will enter your body. My strength and powers will be yours to wield."

"I'll pass. That wasn't the deal," I snapped.

"There is no room for negotiation," it said, its tone firm. "You need my power to find the map for the Seven Flames."

"So that's what that map is for," I muttered. "And how long have my parents been captured?"

"They were taken during your last battle," the phoenix said. "Most of the troops were out fighting. It was a mistake only Aurora would make. A great leader, yes, but she never thought far enough ahead."

"And you think I'm any better because...?"

"The heavens picked you, not me. Now forgive me, but this might sting."

Before I could react, the phoenix darted toward me. I tried to run, but it was futile. It passed through my body, leaving behind a searing pain that radiated through my back and chest. I collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping for breath as darkness threatened to take over.

When I came to, one of the maids was standing over me, her expression a mix of worry and confusion.