They followed a trail no map could mark.
Not north. Not east.But deeper. Inward. Toward something that pulled at their spirits more than their feet.
Kael had seen it in his dream.Seren had felt it in the air.Vaelrix had sensed it burning in his bones.
"This isn't a place we've forgotten," Kael said."It's a place that chose to be forgotten."
đ«ïž The Descent
The road led them to a chasm, carved into the bones of the worldâwalls blackened with soot that whispered names when the wind blew too hard.
They climbed down into the Hollow of the Flameâa forgotten shrine built before Elyndor rose.
Inside, the fire still burned.
But not with warmth.
This flame flickered in silence, giving no heat⊠only truth.
đ§ââïž He Waited
A figure stood at the center.
Not armored. Not robed.Wrapped in worn, ancient clothesâhalf-cloak, ash-covered. Hair like silver smoke. Eyes like exhausted stars.
"So⊠the Flamebearers have come," he said, not turning.
Seren reached for her bow.Vaelrix tensed.Kael narrowed his eyes.
"You knew we were coming?" Kael asked.
"I've known since before your god remembered you."
He turned.
"Welcome. I am Miranthisâonce a Watcher of the Throne. Now⊠I watch the ash."
đ¶âđ«ïž A Test of Faith
"You follow Elarion," Miranthis said. "But do you know why?"
"Because he's the light," Seren replied.
"Because he chose us," Kael added.
"Because the Veil must fall," Vaelrix growled.
Miranthis walked closer. Slowly. Carefully.
"And yet⊠did he tell you why he did not save the Firstborn?The cities swallowed by silence?The angels who begged before they broke?"
Kael stepped forward.
"You question the Light?"
Miranthis looked up, eyes glowing faintlyânot with anger. But sorrow.
"No. I do not question the Light.I question the silence."
"And I want to knowâŠIf your faith can survive the truth I carry."
đ« The Choice
Miranthis does not attack.He does not demand.
But he offers them a choice:
"Sit at the fire.Hear the first stories.And let what you learn burn what you believe."
Seren:
"And if we leave?"
"Then you follow a faith untested.And faith untested is not yet faith at all."