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Night had settled thick over the scorched valley, its breath cool and damp against the smoke warmed stones. The stars shimmered faintly behind drifting clouds of ash. Moonlight poured through gaps in the forest edge, painting the battlefield / campsite silver and charcoal. Where the Cindervore Basilisk had fallen.
Kai sat on a jagged outcrop, the glowing star core of the beast resting in his clawed palm. Its light pulsed dimly, as though responding to his breath, syncing with the rhythm of his body. He felt the power thrumming within it — heat, rage, fire forged pride.
