The First Flame Sanctuary was nearly complete.
Tucked deep beneath the Swiss estate, it pulsed with elemental energy—equal parts fire and frost. Nadia's circuitry hummed along the outer perimeter, layered with ancient glyphs Carter had traced from forgotten tomes. Every beam, every stone, every thread of enchantment had been placed with intention:
This would be a space where Eleanor could belong.
Not be torn in half.
Not be reshaped into a weapon.
But become whole.
And yet… peace was a fragile thing. And it would not last long.
Ariella's Journal Entry
Day 1 of the Flame Sanctuary Opening
She asked me today if she'd still be my daughter if she became someone else. I said yes. But deep inside, I wonder… if I'll recognize the woman she grows into.
There's a storm coming. I can feel it under my skin. But I also feel something stronger—hope.
For the first time since all this began, I'm not afraid of who she is.
I'm afraid of who would try to take her away from me.
