They followed the voice into a deep chamber, lit by floating fire orbs. An altar stood at the center, ancient and cracked. A figure flickered above it — translucent, regal, her eyes glowing blue like Elira's.
"I am Lyrielle," the apparition said. "The first Ember-Bound."
Elira stepped forward. "Why do I see you?"
"Because your blood carries mine."
Shock gripped the air. Kael stared at Elira. "You're descended from—?"
Lyrielle continued. "You were born not just to fight… but to awaken the Ember Gate."
"What gate?" Elira demanded.
The vision faltered. "It sleeps beneath the Hollow. When opened… it will either save your world… or burn it to ashes."
Dante stepped back. "We should leave—"
Too late.
The ground split beneath them.