Chapter 17: The Temple Below

The sun was high and merciless.

Raeh led them across the dunes, her golden robes fluttering behind her.

The sand shifted oddly beneath their feet, as if hiding something ancient below.

"This place feels cursed," Lira whispered.

"It is," Serin said softly. "But it's also sacred."

Kael stayed alert. His emberstone pulsed faintly, almost as if nervous.

Corren walked quietly, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We're being watched."

Raeh nodded. "Always. The desert has eyes."

They reached a massive dune shaped like a spiral. At the center, half-buried in sand, was a broken obelisk.

Raeh placed her hand on it. "Open."

The ground rumbled.

The sand poured down in waves, revealing a stone staircase descending into darkness.

The Temple of Solkara had awakened.

Inside, the air was cooler but thick with silence.

The walls were covered in glowing runes — swirling suns, roaring beasts, and a crown of fire with a missing center.

Serin read aloud:

"To hold the flame of gods is to burn the world… unless the five walk together."

Kael looked at her. "Five what?"

Raeh turned. "Five bearers. Five shards. Five trials."

They reached a wide chamber with a circular platform. I

n the center was a glowing pool of golden liquid — thick like honey, and burning without heat.

Raeh spoke gravely."This is the Sunwell. A piece of the Sun-Tyrant's power."

Suddenly — the pool bubbled.

A voice rose from it. Not loud — but ancient.

"Who dares walk the path of the flame?"

The shadows flickered. Corren stepped back.

"We're not here for power," Kael said. "We're here to stop what's coming."

The voice rumbled.

"Then prove it.Step into the flame…and reveal your truth."

Before they could stop him, Kael stepped forward and walked into the golden pool.

Lira shouted, "Kael!"

But he didn't burn.

He disappeared.

🌟 Inside the Flame

Kael opened his eyes.

He stood in a different world — all gold and fire.

A massive golden throne sat in the sky, empty but radiating fury.

Before him stood a tall man of fire and sun, wearing a broken crown.

The Sun-Tyrant.

"You carry my ember," the being said. "But you are not me. You are not worthy."

Kael took a breath. "Then make me worthy."

The Sun-Tyrant raised a hand.

"Then face your flame… alone."