The Name Beneath the Seal

The Sanctum lay before them like an ancient heart, cradled beneath stone ribs and veined with soft silver light. The air shimmered, thick with memories. Gold and Kane exchanged a glance, their fingers brushing.

"This place," Kane whispered, voice low, "it feels like it's waiting for us."

Gold's gaze was steady. "Maybe it remembers us."

They stepped inside, and the world folded around them.

"The lake," Kane said, eyes wide as the silver water rippled, showing fractured images—children laughing beneath gold-leaved trees, a woman singing a lullaby, their mother's face flickering like a candle flame.

Gold reached for her hand. "That's her. Mother."

A breeze stirred, and Kane shivered. "I remember the song. Do you?"

Gold closed his eyes and hummed softly. Kane joined him, their voices weaving together, shaking loose years of silence.

As they moved deeper, the water mirrored their memories—pain, laughter, love. Each echo made Kane's flames dance gently, their warmth steady, her control growing.

Suddenly Kane stopped, breath hitching. "Gold… do you feel it? The fire... it listens."

Gold nodded, eyes fixed on her. "It's part of you. Part of her."

Nytherion appeared silently, cloak whispering over stone. "Your mother sealed her power within you, Kane. It is your legacy."

Kane's flames flickered higher, controlled, blooming like a violet flower. "I'm ready."

Gold turned to Nytherion. "And me?"

Nytherion's gaze darkened. "You must face the god you bind, the one under your seal. But know this—full command comes only when you reach Tier 3."

Gold clenched his fists. "Then I'll get stronger."

Nytherion led Gold to the stone garden. Rune-chains lay on the ground in an intricate circle, glowing faintly.

"Step inside," Nytherion instructed.

Gold hesitated, then stepped in. The chains surged, binding the void around him. The world dimmed, leaving only Nytherion and a gray nothingness.

"You wield a forgotten god," Nytherion said. "To control it, you must look it in the eye."

Gold's voice was steady. "What will happen?"

"Your power is a bond—fragile, dangerous. Without knowing its name, you command it half-blind. The seal remains until Tier 3."

"Why the seal? Why can't I name it now?"

Nytherion's eyes gleamed. "Because you are not ready. Naming a god binds your soul irrevocably."

Gold's fingers twitched. "I don't care. I'll rise."

Nytherion nodded slowly. "Good. But know this: power without control devours. The god speaks through your dreams for a reason."

Gold's jaw tightened. "Then I'll listen harder."

That night, Kane slept beneath the moonlight in the Sanctum's upper chamber.

Her breath was soft, her body still, but her mind wandered.

Silver flowers bloomed in endless fields as a figure in white approached—her mother.

"Do you know what you carry, Kane?" the woman asked, voice like wind through leaves.

Kane's heart pounded. "Mother…?"

The woman smiled, eyes like dawn. "Your fire is more than flame. It is love, loss, and the will to protect."

Kane's hands glowed with violet light. "But it consumes me."

Her mother stepped closer. "Only if you let it. Remember who you are."

Kane's voice cracked. "I'm scared."

The woman knelt, placing a hand over Kane's heart. "Fear is a flame itself. Harness it, and you'll burn brighter."

A whisper followed—a riddle:

"When love dies, gods are born,Bound by blood and oath sworn.The name beneath the seal holds the key,To set the chained god free."

Kane awoke gasping. The morning light spilled across the room, but her heart raced.

A hum split the sky as a divine tear opened above the eastern horizon. Light spilled down like molten silk.

Gold and Kane stepped outside. Their breath caught.

From the tear descended a figure—floating with grace and quiet command.

She wore robes of crimson and gold, a white crest gleaming at her throat, and behind her, a halo of starlight.

The girl's eyes locked with Gold's.

"You must be Gold," she said with a soft smile.

Gold swallowed. "And you are?"

"Irethiel," she said, voice calm yet strong. "Daughter of Ilyrion's king."

Kane eyed her cautiously. "What brings you here?"

Irethiel's smile deepened. "I bear the mark of Aurevalis—the God of Love."

She lifted her sleeve, revealing a glowing rose-shaped glyph on her collarbone.

Gold's eyes flickered. "A pact bearer, like us."

"Yes," she said. "And I've come with a request. To meet your king. Our destinies are intertwined."

Kane's flames flickered, tension rising. "What fate?"

Irethiel tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "One that could change the Empire—and the world."

As the three stood beneath the tear, the air thickened.

A whisper echoed from the tear—a name barely spoken but haunting.

Gold's gaze narrowed. "Did you hear that?"

Kane's voice was low. "Something watches us."

Irethiel extended her hand. "Will you come?"

Gold hesitated, fingers brushing hers.

The tear pulsed, the voices growing louder.

Kane stepped forward, flames surging in warning.

Gold looked at his sister, then at Irethiel.

The moment froze-