Chapter 3: The Flames of the Past: Ashes and Blood

The morning after her encounter with her uncle, Ziyan woke with the first rays of sunlight seeping through the heavy curtains of her chambers. Yet, she didn't rise with the ease of someone at peace. No, today was different. Every fiber of her being was taut with anticipation, with the knowledge that the path to reclaiming her power was beginning, and she would not allow anyone to stand in her way.

The Flames of the Past. The past wasn't something she could leave behind. No, it was a fire that had burned her, scarring her soul. But she had learned something during her time in the Phoenix Shrine: ashes could be reborn. Where there had been destruction, there could be creation. And she would use those ashes to rebuild herself into something far stronger than before.

She stood in front of her mirror, her reflection staring back at her with an air of cold, calculated determination. The girl who had once been naïve—her heart full of love and trust—no longer existed. That girl had died in the fire. Now, the woman before her was a force forged in the flames of betrayal and vengeance.

"Young Miss, it's time for your morning lessons," Little Lian called through the door, her voice muffled but gentle.

Ziyan didn't respond right away. Instead, her eyes moved to the small vial of red powder resting on her desk. She had found it hidden within her mother's old chest—the same vial that had been used to poison her. The very same poison that had nearly ended her life.

It had been a slow death. One that had started with the gradual loss of trust, and had ended in the final betrayal—the one she hadn't seen coming.

But I see it all now. The truth was clear. Her family had conspired against her, starting with her uncle and her cousin, and stretching to others hidden in the shadows.

"We will burn together," Ziyan whispered under her breath, her voice cold and steady. "And only I will remain."

---

Her morning passed in a blur. She spent the hours reviewing ancient scrolls, absorbing the knowledge she would need to navigate the complicated web of politics, alliances, and power struggles that awaited her. She spent another portion of her time meditating, connecting with her soul space—the golden flame that was now a part of her, a power she could not yet fully control, but which she could feel pulsing deep within her veins.

"You are the Phoenix Child," the voice in her soul space whispered again, as it had done so many times before. "Reclaim your throne."

Those words struck her like lightning, jolting her from her trance. The path ahead was long, but it was hers to walk. She would not be passive this time. She would tear down every illusion, every facade, until only the truth remained.

---

The sun had barely set when she ventured into the manor's garden, where the shadows grew long. She had learned long ago that the garden was a place of secrets, a place where conversations were held in hushed tones, away from prying ears.

It was here that she would meet her next ally.

Wei Ling.

The girl had always been strong, and today, she was ready to prove it. As Ziyan walked toward the garden, she saw Wei Ling already standing near the edge of the lotus pond, her eyes fixed on the moon above.

"Ling," Ziyan called out, her voice calm but laced with an edge that made her old friend turn sharply.

Wei Ling's gaze softened as soon as she saw Ziyan. She hadn't expected her to come this way. In truth, Ziyan hadn't expected to meet her here either, but somehow, it felt right. Their friendship had always been one of unspoken understanding, and now, it was time for it to evolve.

"Ziyan," Wei Ling said, her voice steady but filled with concern. "I know what you're planning. I know what you've become."

Ziyan paused in front of her, her eyes narrowing slightly. She didn't need to ask how Ling knew. They had always been in sync, even when Ziyan had been blind to the truth.

"And what do you think of me now?" Ziyan asked softly, almost a challenge.

Ling hesitated, her gaze searching Ziyan's face for any trace of the girl she had once known. But there was none. Ziyan was a woman now, one forged in fire and bound by a vengeance that neither of them fully understood. But Ling had always been loyal, always been at her side.

"I think you are stronger than you realize," Ling replied, her voice soft but resolute. "But I also know this road will change you. It will break you."

Ziyan's lips curled upward in a cold smile. "I've already been broken, Ling. Now, I'm going to break everyone who had a hand in it."

Ling nodded silently, her gaze flicking over Ziyan's form. She could see the weight of her resolve, the fire that burned deep in her eyes.

"Then let me help you," Ling said quietly. "Whatever happens, I'm with you. But be careful. The people we once trusted will be the ones who will stop you."

Ziyan's eyes gleamed with a fiery intensity. "Then let them try."

---

Later that night, as Ziyan lay in bed, the fire within her soul space flared again. It was restless, its hunger for vengeance echoing within her chest. She could feel the power growing, expanding, becoming more potent with each passing day.

"The Phoenix Child will rise, and the world will tremble," the voice in her mind whispered again.

She smiled, her lips curling into a smile that held no warmth.

"Yes," she whispered back. "I will rise. And the world will burn."