The Flame That Does Not Die

Chapter 29: The Flame That Does Not Die

They didn't speak for a long time after leaving the Hollow of Ash.

Selene and Kael walked through the quiet forest, lit only by the soft glow of moonlight slipping through twisted tree branches. The scent of smoke lingered on Selene's skin, and she could feel the fatigue creeping into her bones. Her fire had burned bright, but it had cost her more than she expected. Still, the flame within her heart refused to fade. The bond she shared with Kael—strengthened by the goddess, tested in shadow—had grown unbreakable.

They stopped at a glade where the trees parted just enough for the moon to spill silver light on the earth. Kael shifted back into his human form and dropped to one knee beside a stream, splashing water on his face and arms, rinsing away blood and ash.

Selene knelt beside him. "You're bleeding," she whispered.

Kael shook his head. "Not bad. You?"

She nodded. "I'm fine. Drained, but fine."

He looked at her for a long time, his eyes searching hers. "You were incredible back there. That power… it was like the goddess was inside you."

"I think she was," Selene said quietly. "Or at least, her magic lives inside both of us now."

Silence fell again, comfortable and deep.

Then Selene said, "The Hollow Queen mentioned the prophecy again."

Kael stared at the stream. "Yeah. And this time, she sounded scared."

Selene stood and paced a few steps. "She said something before she disappeared. 'He will break… or you will burn.'"

Kael rose, eyes narrowing. "She's trying to divide us."

Selene turned to him, her green eyes sharp. "Or she sees something we don't. What if there's truth in her words?"

Kael stepped forward, gripping her arms. "Then we prove her wrong. We hold on. No matter what."

She softened. "I want to believe that. I really do."

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "Then believe it. We're stronger together."

A rustling in the trees made them both turn. Kael's hand dropped to his side, ready to shift again, but the figure that stepped into the glade was neither shadow nor beast.

It was a witch—old, cloaked in mossy green robes, her hair like a waterfall of silver. Her eyes sparkled with magic.

"I see the goddess has chosen," she said, voice rough but not unkind.

Selene bowed her head. "Who are you?"

"I am Ilyra," the woman replied. "Last of the Verdant Circle. And I've been waiting for you."

Kael exchanged a glance with Selene. "Waiting?"

Ilyra nodded. "The Hollow Queen was not the only one to survive the sundering. The Verdant Circle once protected the balance between wolves and witches. When the war tore through our lands, most of us were slaughtered or cursed. I alone escaped."

Selene stepped closer. "Then you know the truth about the bond?"

"I do," Ilyra said. "And I know the fire you carry is only one half of what's needed. The fang—Kael's fang—must be awakened too."

Kael frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You have the goddess's favor, yes," Ilyra said, "but you must also have her test. You must walk the path of trials to unlock the full strength of your moon-born gift."

Selene turned to Kael. "That's what the Hollow Queen meant. You haven't unlocked it all yet."

Kael's jaw clenched. "Then where do we start?"

Ilyra gestured behind her. "Follow me. The path of trials begins at the Forgotten Vale. But beware—each trial will ask a piece of your soul in return."

They followed her through the woods. The air shifted again, colder, wilder. The trees gave way to open cliffs, and below them stretched a winding valley shrouded in mists.

"The Forgotten Vale," Ilyra whispered. "Only those marked by the Moon and Flame may enter."

Kael stepped forward and felt a sudden pull in his chest, like an invisible chain guiding him forward.

Selene touched his arm. "Are you ready for this?"

He looked down at her, his eyes glowing faintly silver in the moonlight. "I have to be."

As they descended into the vale, strange symbols glowed on the rocks around them. Selene traced one with her fingers and felt a heat flare beneath her skin. Kael reached for her, grounding them both.

This was only the beginning.

And whatever trials waited ahead—they would face them together.