Chapter 14: Flames of the Skyforge

The Skyforge Spire rose like a jagged spear into the heavens, its obsidian-black surface flickering with eternal flame. It stood atop a cliff that kissed the stormy skies, lightning crackling constantly above as if the gods themselves still watched over the forge.

Zan stared up at it, his face blank.

Kael muttered, "Well, that place just screams 'trauma.'"

Elara tugged her cloak tighter around her shoulders. The cold winds bit hard here, and yet the Spire radiated scorching heat.

The porcupine system, bouncing along beside them, chirped: *"Environmental danger level: 89%. Emotional danger level: 99%. Likelihood of someone crying again: 93%."

Zan glanced back at them. "This one's mine. Stay out of it."

Raykan stepped forward. "We've all faced our ghosts, Zan. You don't have to go alone."

Zan's voice was sharp. "I do. The fire calls only to me."

---

The moment Zan crossed the threshold into the Skyforge, the world shifted.

The spire's interior was hollow, a spiral of flame and steel. At its center, a suspended forge hovered in midair, its coals burning white-hot. Surrounding it were phantom blacksmiths—silent, glowing, hammering on weapons that didn't exist.

Zan's trial had begun.

Suddenly, the forge belched smoke, forming a figure—his brother, Daric.

"Zan. You let me die in that pit. You escaped, I burned."

Zan swallowed. His fists clenched. "You told me to run."

Another figure appeared—his mother, arms outstretched, yet her expression accusing.

"You never came home. You never avenged us."

The forge howled. The heat intensified.

Zan's breath came in shallow gasps. He dropped to one knee.

"I couldn't fight them alone. I wasn't strong enough."

The illusions pressed in. Chains of molten metal slithered up his arms.

"You are a coward."

But then—Elara's voice echoed faintly in his mind.

"No one is strong alone."

Zan roared, breaking the chains with sheer will. The phantom blacksmiths froze, and the forge flared gold. From its center, a blade rose—shaped like a phoenix in mid-flight.

Zan grasped it. His arms burned, but he held on.

"I will never forget my pain. But I won't let it rule me anymore."

The forge pulsed.

Outside, the group shielded their eyes as fire erupted from the spire's top.

Seconds later, Zan emerged, wielding the phoenix blade, flames dancing around him.

Kael blinked. "Is it weird I'm turned on?"

Raykan deadpanned, "Yes."

Elara smiled. "You did it."

Zan's smile was rare and faint. "I did."

The porcupine system bounced. *"Weapon acquired! Warrior ego restored! Warning: Blade may cause hotness-induced distractions."

---

That night, they camped beneath the spire.

Kael, lying on his back, sighed dramatically. "So, Elara. Since you're basically everyone's emotional support and the only herbalist… should we start scheduling who gets to flirt with you?"

Elara choked on her tea. "What?!"

Raykan, sharpening his blade: "No."

Zan raised an eyebrow. "You think she'd choose you first?"

Kael smirked. "Please. I'm the charming one."

The porcupine system materialized a tiny whiteboard with "Elara Fan Club Points" written on it.

Kael: 3 points (for emotional chaos) Raykan: 2 points (brooding bonus) Zan: 4 points (post-forge glow-up)

Elara glared at the board. "I am not a prize."

The porcupine sighed. *"She speaks. Points deducted from all."

The boys groaned.

Kairo laughed, actually laughed—a deep, rare sound.

Varek joined in. "I give them two days before they start fighting over who gets to share her tent."

Elara rolled her eyes and went back to preparing healing salves.

In her heart, though, she felt warmth.

Not just from the fire.

From belonging.

---

But far from them, the false god stirred.

His eyes opened in the underworld temple, cracking the stone around him. "The pieces are moving again. The witch walks among them. Soon, she will awaken."

And beside him, an imprisoned deity—a god of light—murmured through weakened lips:

"They will find me. And when they do, your illusion will end."

The false god grinned, fangs glinting.

"Let them come. I have waited seven thousand years. I will not lose her again."

---

End of Chapter 14