The moon hung low over Eldershade, casting silver shadows across the ruins where Eira stood.
She had been staring at the stone altar for what felt like hours—its cracked surface pulsed faintly, like a dying heartbeat. Symbols she had never learned whispered to her in a language her mouth shouldn't know… yet her soul remembered every syllable.
She touched the altar.
Suddenly—
The world fell away.
---
Then…
Mira Elowen ran barefoot down the marble halls of Thorne Palace, laughter trailing behind her like bells in the wind. The golden chandeliers above sparkled with enchanted light, and petals fell from the sky, summoned by her childish magic.
She was ten.
And she had no idea they would one day burn her alive.
Behind her, a young boy chased with a sword made of firelight, grinning. His hair was black as obsidian, his eyes a sharp amber.
"Mira! You cheat! You used wind magic again!"
She laughed and turned, her dress swirling. "You're just mad because I'm faster."
The boy caught her and tackled her gently into a field of summoned flowers. They lay there, breathless, watching the floating petals.
"Promise me we'll never change," he whispered.
She smiled. "I promise."
The boy's name was Caius.
---
Now…
Eira gasped and collapsed, the vision fading like smoke.
She clutched her chest. Her heart beat wildly—not from fear, but grief.
She remembered him.
The prince. The one who now hunted her… had once sworn to protect her.
Behind her, twigs snapped.
"I see it's started," Caius's voice said softly.
She didn't turn around.
"You lied to me," she said, voice hollow.
"I didn't lie. I just… waited."
She stood. "Waited for what?"
"For you to remember who I was before you decided to hate me."
Eira turned to him, her golden eyes glowing faintly now.
"I was burned alive by your ancestors."
He stepped forward. "And I've spent my life preparing for your return… to make sure no one ever does it again."
---
Meanwhile, in Thorne Castle…
Deep beneath the castle dungeons, in a chamber lined with runes and obsidian pillars, a council had gathered.
Seven hooded figures, faces hidden behind golden masks.
At the center stood the High Priest—the same one who had condemned Mira to the flames three centuries ago, or rather… his descendant.
"She has returned," the Priest announced. "The Queen of Fire walks again."
A murmur rose.
"What of the Prince?"
"He's with her," the priest said grimly. "The prophecy begins to unfold."
Another figure spoke, her voice sharp as blades. "Then it is time. Awaken the Shadowguard. And prepare the blood seal."
---
Back in Eldershade
Eira sat beside Caius, her knees pulled to her chest.
"So all this time… you knew who I was?" she asked.
He nodded. "Since I was thirteen. My mother showed me the Phoenix Prophecy. Told me I would be the one to find you. Or kill you."
"Kill me?"
"If your return brought war, death, madness… yes."
Silence fell.
Eira stared at the fire in front of them. Her fingers curled toward it. The flame leaned toward her, obedient, like it knew her.
"Do you believe I'm a danger?" she whispered.
He didn't answer immediately.
Then, he looked into her eyes and said—
"I believe you're the only one strong enough to stop what's coming."
---
Far away, across the
mountains…
In a blood-red sky, a tear opened in the veil between worlds.
And something ancient… stepped through.