Preparing for War

Ren sat on the edge of the ruined stone wall, watching the moonlight flicker against the cold ground. His mind was racing.

Veyron's words still echoed in his head.

"You're not the only one after the Blue Flame."

"Survive long enough, and maybe we'll have our real fight."

He exhaled sharply, clenching his fists. The way Veyron spoke—it wasn't just a warning. It was a promise.

Someone was coming for him.

Stronger. More deadly. Ruthless.

And if Veyron himself was worried about them, then Ren could not afford to be negligent.

He had to prepare.

He had to be prepared.

Sera crept up, honing her katana. The ring of steel against whetstone cut the still night air.

"So what's the plan?" she said, not raising her eyes.

Ren took a breath. "We have to be prepared for anything."

She grinned. "Well, that's reassuring.".

He brushed his hair back. "I don't know how many are arriving, or how powerful they are. But I do know one thing."

He faced her. "We cannot fight blind."

Sera replaced her sword in its sheath. "Agreed. We need intelligence first."

Ren nodded. "We must know who these foes are, where they come from, and what they seek."

Sera folded her arms. "Then we must have Dren."

The tavern was vacant when they came in.

Dren took the same position he had initially, sipping his drink cautiously from a silver goblet. On seeing them, he mocked them.

"Returning so early? You should enjoy my conversation that much."

Ren sat opposite him, pushing himself forward. "Cut it short, Dren. We want information."

Dren raised an eyebrow. "That so serious?"

Sera slapped the pouch of gold coins on the table. They jingled heavily.

Dren whistled. "Now you have my attention."

Ren's voice was stern. "We have to know who is coming after me."

Dren sipped slowly from his glass, then put it down. "I thought that Veyron would warn you. He doesn't like to share his kill with anyone."

Sera's face creased. "Then who are they?"

The expression on Dren's face turned darker.

"The Black Ember Syndicate."

Ren's heart had skipped a beat. She recognized the name.

Sera's face hardened. "They exist?"

Dren laughed. "Oh, they're real enough. And they don't like competition."

Ren's eyes narrowed. "Competition?"

Dren sat back on the couch. "The Blue Flame is the most rare power in the world. But it's also. unstable. Unpredictable. Some say it's a curse, but the Syndicate? They call it a weapon."

Ren's blood went cold.

Dren went on. "They don't want to kill you, Ren. They want to control you."

Ren clenched his fists. "That's not going to happen."

Dren smiled. "I like the confidence. But you're going to need a whole lot more than that. Because if the Syndicate is coming, they're bringing their A-game."

Sera gasped harshly. "How long have we got?"

Dren's smile dropped. "A couple of days. Maybe less."

They exited the tavern in silence.

Ren could feel the pressure of what was to come bearing down on him.

The Black Ember Syndicate. A syndicate strong enough to even make Veyron anxious.

And they were coming for him.

When they arrived at their training grounds, Ren spoke to Sera. "We need defenses."

She nodded. "I have some ideas."

They spent the remainder of the next few hours reinforcing their hideout.

They strengthened the walls on the outside, sealing vulnerable areas where an intruder might find a place to sneak in.

Sera laid out traps—sharp wires coated with explosive magic, secret tripwires, and hidden knives embedded in the rubble.

Ren practiced with his flame, perfecting his skill at managing the force and distance of his attack. He had to be prepared for anything.

It was early morning when there were footsteps along the edge of the ruins.

Ren and Sera stiffened, hands on swords.

A figure came out. A girl.

Dark red hair, pulled back into a high ponytail. Golden eyes, cold and hard. She wore a dagger at her waist, but it was how she moved—a shadow, soundless and fast—that had Ren cautious.

Sera scrunched up her face. "Who are you?"

The girl smiled. "You're anticipating trouble. Clever. But I'm not here to fight."

Ren eyed her warily. "Then why have you come?"

She crossed her arms. "Because you're not the only one who has enemies, Blue Flame."

Ren's eyes narrowed.

She moved forward. "My name is Kaela. And I know how to handle the Syndicate's assassins."

There was silence.

Then Sera unbuckled her sword and took a deep breath. "You'd better talk."

Kaela smiled. "Delighted."