Chapter 48 – Return of the Flame King

As Qingsai and Yuwen rode back toward Whispering Hollow, Ruisu flew above them, coiling through clouds with grace and terrifying majesty.

Villagers and nobles emerged to the sight of a dragon flying beside the Soulkindled, their awe plain on every face.

Lianhua gasped. Chunsi clutched Meiyan's arm. Meilian just whispered, "Oh spirits, he rides a literal death serpent. I'm marrying a myth."

When they landed, Qingsai slid down and walked beside the massive beast, whose presence cast long shadows over the castle walls.

> "This is Ruisu," Qingsai announced. "He is mine. And now, ours."

Yuwen leaned close to him. "You know you've just changed the game again, right?"

> "Good," Qingsai replied. "Let them remember what a Soulkindled is."

And in the eastern skies, far beyond the mountains, a Veil Prophet stood at the mouth of a decaying temple.

Watching. Waiting.

> "The boy awakens too fast," it hissed. "Send the Herald. Test his bond."