The Empath Begins

The wind whispered through the gnarled limbs of ancient trees as Star and Keal crossed the boundary into the Graywild Forest. The path ahead was narrow, worn into the earth by countless footsteps over generations, though nonrecent. Ashen leaves crackled under their boots, muffled by the low-hanging mist that clung to the ground like a living thing.

"Keep close," Keal said, glancing over his shoulder. His expression was serious, but not unkind. "This place doesn't forgive wandering spirits."

Star nodded, her silence the only reply she could give. She kept her cloak tight around her, not just against the cold but the memories clawing at the edges of her mind—the ones she couldn't give voice to. The forest was colder here. The light filtering through the canopy above was dim and pale, like the sun itself dared not intrude too deeply.

They had been walking since dawn, following an unmarked trail only Keal seemed to understand. Every so often, he would pause, kneel, and touch the earth, murmuring words she didn't recognize. Arcane? Perhaps. Or just old, like the roots that reached underfoot like sleeping serpents.

The trees grew denser the further they went. Branches twisted together above like interlocking fingers, letting only sparse ribbons of light through. Star's hand hovered near the hilt of her dagger, though she felt it would be useless in a place like this. Magic lingered here—she could feel it, dormant but ancient.

"Do you hear that?" Keal said abruptly, halting.

Star strained to listen.

At first, only the hush of wind. Then, faintly—a rustle, unnatural in rhythm. Not the wind. Not animal. Something watching.

Keal's hand went to the sword at his hip. His eyes scanned the trees, and he whispered a single word: "Warder."

The mist thickened. From between the trees, a creature emerged—tall, gaunt, cloaked in a living bark that shifted like skin. Antlers curled from its skull-like head, blackened and cracked at the tips. Its eyes glowed dimly with a color Star had no name for.

But it did not move to strike.

It merely looked at her.

And then at Keal.

A long breath escaped it, echoing like wind through hollow bones. Then it turned and strode deeper into the forest, its feet never touching the earth.

"What was that?" she signed quickly.

Keal shook his head. "A guardian. Of what, I don't know. But it let us pass. That's enough."

They continued in silence after that.

The forest gave way slowly, like it was reluctant to release them. And then—just as the sun began to dip behind the treeline—they came to the cliff's edge.

Star gasped softly.

The Citadel of Embersplit stood beyond the chasm, carved into the mountain itself. Towering spires of obsidian and crimson stone jutted from the cliffside like jagged spears. Bridges of glowing ember-glass arced between towers, pulsing faintly with life. Waterfalls spilled from crevices below the citadel, feeding into a lake that reflected fire and shadow.

Magic was thick in the air here. Star felt it like a second heartbeat.

Keal led her down a spiraling stone stair carved directly into the rock. The descent was long, and by the time they reached the base, stars had begun to prick the sky above. The air here was warmer, touched by the geothermal veins that fed the citadel's fire.

At the gates, two armored sentinels stood—faceless helms shaped like wolves and antlers etched into their breastplates. They stepped aside at Keal's nod, but not without studying Star in full.

Beyond the gates, the courtyard sprawled wide and circular, flanked by training grounds, dormitories, and the central tower—its top wreathed in ever-burning flame.

"Welcome," Keal said softly, "to Embersplit."

Star took it in slowly. The blackstone beneath her boots shimmered faintly with crimson lines. Students moved in clusters, some laughing, others dueling with glowing blades. Most were older than her. All were powerful.

A pang of doubt twisted in her stomach.

She didn't belong here.

Not really.

Keal placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't need to be ready today. This place changes people. It will shape you. Burn you. Forge you. But it does not abandon those who walk through its gates."

She nodded once.

Then something caught her attention—a figure standing alone on the edge of the courtyard, facing one of the fire-bridges.

A girl, her skin the color of burnished bronze, with long hair braided in threads of white and crimson. She leaned against the pillar, arms crossed, watching the sky like it might hold all her answers. Her presence was sharp. Unapologetic. But she didn't seem cruel.

Star hesitated.

Keal noticed. "Her name's Shara. Pyrelight blood. One of the top students here. Don't let her attitude scare you—she's better than she pretends to be."

Star didn't move toward her. But her eyes lingered. A seed had been planted.

Keal led her through the dormitory halls, each room carved with runes of protection and warmth. The walls pulsed faintly—alive with enchantment. Her room was modest. A single bed, a desk, a window that overlooked the training field, and a stone basin that shimmered when she neared it.

A voice echoed from the hallway: "You're the new mute girl?"

Shara.

She leaned against the doorway, one brow raised. "Didn't think you'd be so small."

Star narrowed her eyes.

Shara chuckled. "I'm kidding. Welcome to the crucible. Try not to melt."

She left as quickly as she'd arrived.

But her tone hadn't been cruel. Just... testing.

Star exhaled, unsure if she was relieved or more anxious than before.

Night fell over Embersplit. The stars above burned brighter here, clearer without city smog or cloud. Star stood by her window long after the lights dimmed in the halls. Somewhere deep inside the mountain, gears and magic pulsed in tandem. Like a heartbeat.

She wasn't ready for what this place would ask of her.

But she was here.

And that was something.

As she pulled the covers over herself, a whisper of wind slipped through the room—not cold, but warm, like breath from an ancient flame.

Somewhere in the citadel, a bell tolled.

The first day had ended.

And tomorrow, the path of fire would begin.