Their journey took them to Vel Asha, a ruined fortress once held by the Flamebound. Now, it stood as a graveyard.
Kael walked through its shattered halls, memories flashing—laughter, battles, betrayal.
In the armory, he found armor etched with his old crest: a phoenix bursting from ash. He touched it, and flames curled softly around his fingers. The Keep had not forgotten him.
From beneath the rubble, a voice groaned. Eira drew her blade, but Kael gestured for calm.
An old man emerged, cloaked in soot and time. "You came back…"
Kael helped him up. "You waited?"
"I swore I would… Flameborn."