**Chapter 31: A New Dawn**

**Chapter 31: A New Dawn**

Jack's boots crunched against the worn stone path as he stepped beyond Eldrin's eastern gate. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh earth and the distant whisper of the wind through the Ashen Wastes. Shadow padded beside him, his movements silent yet watchful. The Heartstone pulsed faintly against Jack's chest, guiding him forward.

The Keeper had said there were survivors—those who still carried the blood of Eldrin—but Jack had no idea how many, or if they would even believe him. Eldrin had been lost for centuries, its memory reduced to myth. Would they recognize what had been reignited? Or had time buried their connection to the city forever?

Jack adjusted the strap of his sword and exhaled. **One step at a time.**

The Ashen Wastes stretched ahead, an expanse of barren land marked by jagged rock formations and the remnants of ancient structures, long since claimed by time. The sky was an endless stretch of pale blue, clouds drifting lazily above as if oblivious to the weight of Jack's mission. He had expected the land to feel desolate, but there was something **alive** about it.

As they traveled, Jack's thoughts drifted back to Eldrin. He could still feel the energy of the city, like a heartbeat within him. The fire had returned, but it was fragile, waiting to be fed, strengthened. He had fought to reclaim it, but the true battle lay ahead. **A city was nothing without its people.**

Shadow let out a low growl, his ears twitching forward. Jack slowed, scanning the horizon. At first, he saw nothing but rock and dust. Then, in the distance, a flicker of movement—something small, darting between the stones.

Jack crouched slightly, resting a hand on Shadow's back. "Someone's watching us."

Shadow let out a short huff, muscles tensed.

Jack raised his voice, keeping his tone even. "I know you're there. We're not here to fight."

Silence.

Then—a figure emerged from behind a rocky outcrop. A child. No older than ten, with wild, tangled hair and dirt-streaked skin. They wore tattered clothing, their eyes wide with caution and something Jack recognized **too well—fear.**

Jack lowered his sword slightly, keeping his movements slow. "Hey," he said gently. "It's alright. We're just passing through."

The child hesitated, glancing between Jack and Shadow. Then, they bolted.

Jack cursed under his breath. "Wait—"

But the child was fast, disappearing behind another rock formation. Jack stood quickly, ready to give chase, but before he could move, **he heard voices.**

Not just one or two—**many.**

He turned toward the sound. Further ahead, nestled between the rocky cliffs, was a hidden settlement.

Jack's breath caught. **Survivors.**

Dozens of makeshift huts lined the canyon walls, built from salvaged wood and stone. Smoke curled from small fires, and figures moved between them—men, women, children. **A forgotten piece of Eldrin's legacy, still clinging to life.**

Jack exchanged a glance with Shadow. "Guess we found them."

They moved cautiously toward the settlement. Jack could feel eyes on him from all directions—people watching from behind tattered curtains, from the shadows of their homes. The tension in the air was thick, an unspoken warning. **Outsiders were not welcome.**

Before Jack could take another step, a group of men stepped forward, blocking their path. The one in front was tall, his face weathered by years under the sun. He carried a rusted spear, though his grip was steady.

"You're not from here," the man said, his voice rough. "State your purpose."

Jack kept his hands at his sides, making sure not to appear threatening. "My name is Jack Frost," he said, voice firm but calm. "I come from Eldrin."

The man's eyes flickered—just for a moment. A reaction. The name still meant **something.**

Jack took a slow breath. "The fire has returned," he said. "Eldrin isn't lost anymore."

Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd. Whispers. **Hope. Doubt.**

The man studied Jack for a long moment. Then, he let out a slow breath and turned to the others. "Take him to the elders."

Jack nodded, falling into step as they led him deeper into the settlement. Shadow stayed close, ears pricked, eyes scanning every movement. Jack understood his caution—**trust wasn't going to come easy.**

They reached a large tent at the heart of the village. Inside, three elders sat around a fire, their faces lined with age and wisdom. One of them, a woman with silver-streaked hair, lifted her gaze to meet Jack's.

"You speak of Eldrin," she said, her voice carrying the weight of years. "But that is a dead city."

Jack met her eyes. "Not anymore."

He reached into his tunic and pulled out the Heartstone. The moment it left his grasp, it **hovered**—floating above his palm, pulsing with golden light. The fire within it flickered like a heartbeat, casting soft shadows across the elders' faces.

Gasps echoed through the tent. One of the elders whispered, "The fire…"

Jack let them take it in for a moment before speaking. "Eldrin is waiting for its people to return. It's time to go home."

Silence.

Then, the elder woman nodded once. "Prove it."

Jack clenched his fist. "Then let's go."

**To be continued…**