Chapter 14: Trials of the Flameborn

Ashen stood alone in the training chamber, sweat trickling down his face as the scent of scorched stone filled the air.

The room was massive—its walls lined with symbols glowing in orange light. At its center, a circular platform had been marked with runes that pulsed beneath his feet like a beating heart.

From above, the council watched in silence. And beside the platform stood Instructor Kael, a towering man with flame-patterned tattoos crawling up his arms and a permanent scowl etched into his face.

"Draw the fire," Kael barked.

Ashen raised his hand, focusing on the gauntlet. He called to the heat within him—like Ravel had taught him on the road—but the flame flickered weakly, barely rising into a spark before vanishing.

Kael snorted. "Again."

---

For hours, Ashen tried.

He focused. He yelled. He forced himself to remember the ruins, the visions, even the feeling of the dream.

Still, the flame refused to obey.

"It doesn't obey," Kael said at last. "It responds. The fire doesn't serve the fearful."

Ashen clenched his fists. "I'm not afraid."

Kael stepped forward, his eyes burning. "Aren't you? Then prove it."

Without warning, Kael slammed his palms together—and a wave of flame surged toward Ashen.

Ashen raised his arm instinctively. The gauntlet flared to life, golden fire erupting from its center and shielding him in a radiant arc.

The flames clashed—Kael's orange with Ashen's gold—sparks flying, the air trembling.

And then… silence.

Ashen stood, panting, staring at the shimmering wall of light he'd created.

Kael nodded once. "Better."

---

That night, as Ashen lay on the hard stone bed in his assigned quarters, the gauntlet felt heavier than ever.

It wasn't just fire.

It was memory. Legacy. Power.

And deep down… something else. Something ancient. Something watching.

He heard the voice again—whispering from the edges of sleep.

> "You touched it. But you haven't become it. The fire is not a weapon. It is a will."

> "When the time comes, will you burn… or be burned?"

Ashen opened his eyes, the voice fading, but the question staying behind.

---

The next morning, Kael stood waiting again.

Ashen stepped onto the platform, his face set.

"You want me to draw it?" he said. "I won't just draw it. I'll make it listen."

The gauntlet flared to life.

And the fire answered.