Her Shadow Awakens

Location: Tavara – Nora's Private Chambers, Kane Estate

The early morning light filtered through the lace curtains, casting a serene glow over the spacious chamber. Nora sat cross-legged in the center of a woven mat, her palms resting on her knees, the pendant resting just above her heart, softly pulsing with a warm light.

Around her, symbols traced in ash glowed faintly—ancient sigils from a lost age. Lena stood near the door, watching silently while Peter monitored vitals from a tablet.

Nora's voice was calm but focused. "I saw her again… the woman in the flame. She keeps calling me 'The Vessel.'"

Peter looked up. "Who is she?"

"I don't know. But I feel like I'm becoming her. Or… she's becoming me."

Lena stepped forward. "You've crossed a threshold, Nora. What you're carrying… it's not just power. It's a living force. A consciousness that's starting to merge with yours."

Suddenly, Nora gasped.

The pendant ignited, casting a fierce light. Her eyes rolled back. She collapsed.

---

Location: Within the Flame

Nora floated in a realm of shimmering embers and crimson smoke. A woman cloaked in golden fire approached her—tall, regal, with the same eyes as Nora.

"You are not ready," the woman whispered. "But there's no more time."

"Who are you?" Nora asked, voice trembling.

"I am what you will become if you accept the Flame. I am the first bearer… and the last protector."

"Why me?"

"Because you are the last blood of the Warden line. The last to hold the tether."

The woman placed a blazing finger against Nora's chest.

"You must awaken… or all of Tavara will fall."

The realm burst into light.

---

Location: Kane Estate – Real World

Nora's body jolted upright with a deep breath, her eyes shining gold for a fleeting moment before fading to her natural shade. Lena caught her, eyes wide.

Peter's tablet flickered erratically, the readings beyond scientific logic.

"You were gone for two minutes," Lena whispered. "Where were you?"

"I saw her. The First Flame."

Peter frowned. "And what did she say?"

Nora's voice was steady now, no fear in her tone.

"She said… Tavara will fall if I don't rise."

---

Location: Tavara – Ravenport City, Old Cathedral

A storm brewed over Ravenport as the assassin entered the forgotten cathedral. Beneath its crumbling altar, a trapdoor opened to a subterranean vault.

Inside, Commander Hael waited beside a glowing crystal orb.

"She's awakened more than the Flame," he murmured, watching the image of Nora shimmer in the orb.

"She's becoming the Flame."

The assassin drew a long, silver blade. "Then I'll put her out."

Hael's smile was cold. "Try not to fail. Or you won't be coming back."

---

Location: Bravane Desert – Outpost

Victor received Lena's call as the sun dipped beneath the horizon.

"She awakened," Lena said softly.

Victor stood still, the desert wind tugging at his coat.

"I knew she would," he replied. "Tell her… I'm on my way."

He hung up, turned to his unit, and issued the order:

"Pack up. We're going home."