Chapter 9: Forged in Flame

Chapter 9: Forged in Flame

Silvia's POV

Sweat dripped from Silvia's brow as she gasped for breath, her fingers still glowing with the residual embers of her magic. The courtyard of the ruined temple was littered with scorched stone and faint wisps of smoke curling into the twilight sky. The witch had pushed her for hours, forcing her to refine her control, to mold her fire into something sharper—something deadlier.

But control was difficult. The more she tapped into the power, the more it wanted to consume her.

"You're hesitating," the witch said coolly, standing a few feet away. She remained perfectly untouched by the heat, her violet eyes sharp as ever. "You cannot tame the flame if you fear it."

Silvia clenched her fists. "I'm not afraid."

The witch smirked. "Then prove it."

She flicked her wrist, and suddenly, flames exploded around Silvia, swirling into a circle, enclosing her in a ring of fire. The heat pressed against her skin, suffocating, like it wanted to devour her whole.

Silvia's pulse spiked. This was different. This was real.

Her instincts screamed at her to push back, to unleash everything she had in an uncontrolled surge of fire—but that would mean losing control. That would mean burning everything, including herself.

"Steady your breath," Dragon's voice cut through the chaos. He stood just beyond the flames, his expression unreadable. "You can do this."

Silvia ground her teeth together and forced herself to stay still. The fire was hot, but it didn't burn her. It wrapped around her, almost as if it were waiting for her command.

She inhaled slowly, and as she exhaled, she willed the flames to recede. Not destroy. Not consume. Just bend.

The fire flickered, hesitating—then obeyed.

It spiraled upward, twisting into elegant arcs before dissipating into the air. The courtyard fell silent.

The witch studied her, an approving glint in her eyes. "Good. You're learning."

Silvia swayed slightly, exhaustion creeping into her limbs. "What was the point of that?"

The witch smirked. "To show you that the fire is not your enemy. It is a part of you. But like any weapon, it is dangerous if you do not master it."

Silvia let out a slow breath, rolling her shoulders. "And what if I don't want to be a weapon?"

The witch's expression darkened. "You don't have that choice."

Dragon's POV

Dragon watched as Silvia sat on a broken slab of stone, staring at her hands. He could tell she was exhausted, but more than that—she was uncertain. He had seen this before. Warriors, soldiers, all grappling with the realization that power came with responsibility. And consequences.

He walked over, standing beside her. "You did well."

Silvia didn't look up. "Did I?"

Dragon huffed. "You're still breathing, aren't you?"

She let out a tired laugh, rubbing her face. "Barely."

Silence stretched between them for a moment before she spoke again. "That memory—the one the temple showed me. Do you think it was real?"

Dragon crossed his arms. "Magic like this doesn't lie. If the past is calling to you, it means there's something you need to understand."

Silvia swallowed. "And what if I don't want to?"

Dragon crouched beside her, lowering his voice. "Then you're going to be unprepared when the Terrans come for you."

Her breath hitched slightly. "You think they'll come?"

Dragon's gaze hardened. "I know they will."

Silvia clenched her jaw, determination settling in her features. "Then I need to be ready."

Dragon nodded, pleased. "Then get some rest. We leave at first light."

The Road Ahead

As dawn broke over the Scorched Vale, Silvia and Dragon packed what little they had. The witch stood at the temple's edge, watching them with a knowing smile.

"Where do we go from here?" Silvia asked, securing her cloak.

The witch tilted her head. "To the heart of the war. To the city-states. Where those in power would rather bury the truth than face it."

Silvia frowned. "Why would they care about me?"

The witch chuckled. "Because, little flame, the moment you step into their world, you change the game."

Silvia exchanged a glance with Dragon. She didn't know what awaited them in the city-states, but one thing was clear—

This was only the beginning.

Nightfall Before the Journey

They set up camp just beyond the ruins, the dark sky stretching wide above them, scattered with stars that barely shone through the haze of distant city lights. A small fire crackled between them, its flickering embers dancing against the cool wind.

Silvia stared into the flames, absently running a finger over her palm. Even without summoning it, she could feel the fire waiting inside her, like a beast coiled and ready to strike.

Dragon sat across from her, watching with sharp eyes. "You're thinking too much."

She scoffed. "And you're not thinking enough."

Dragon smirked. "I just accept what is. You're still trying to fight it."

Silvia looked up, meeting his gaze. "Because if I accept it, that means I'm something else. Something... not human."

Dragon leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Maybe you never were."

Silvia swallowed hard. The thought had crossed her mind before, but hearing it out loud made it feel real.

She looked back at the fire. "Then what am I?"

Dragon's voice was softer this time. "That's what we're going to find out."

The wind shifted, carrying the distant sound of movement beyond the trees. Silvia's fingers twitched toward her magic instinctively, but Dragon was already on his feet, scanning the darkness.

"We're not alone," he murmured.

Silvia stood, heart pounding. Whatever was waiting for them beyond this place, their journey was far from over.