The ember's light still pulsed in Elara's hand — a quiet heartbeat from another life. But as the glow spread across the shattered Citadel floor, something beneath the pyre stirred.
A low rumble.
Stone cracking.
And then — fire.
Not warmth, but wrath.
From the base of the pyre rose a creature made of molten metal and smoke, its form shifting between beast and armored sentinel. Its eyes burned with violet flame, the same shade as Seris's sorrow.
Miraen stepped back, drawing a barrier. "That's not just a guardian—"
"It's her pain," Aelira finished grimly. "All of it. Given form."
The creature spoke without voice, its words echoing in Elara's mind:
"To carry Seris's ember, you must face what she buried."
Elara stepped forward. "Then I will."
The room erupted in fire. The Warden lunged — faster than anything so massive had a right to be. Kael drew his blade and intercepted, sparks flying as metal clashed against flame-wrought steel.
"Elara!" he shouted. "It's drawn to you—go!"
Elara sprinted toward the pyre's heart, the ember growing brighter in her hand. Behind her, Miraen and Aelira flanked the Warden, weaving light and shadow, dodging with practiced grace.
But the Warden wasn't trying to kill.
It was testing.
Elara reached the center and turned.
"I know you," she whispered. "You're the scream Seris never let out. The blade she never raised. But I'm not afraid of you."
The Warden froze.
Elara pressed the ember to her chest — and it sank into her.
Flames enveloped her — not consuming, but revealing. Visions flickered: Seris kneeling alone, tears in her hands, the moment she split her soul and sealed her grief here so it wouldn't poison her cause.
"I won't seal it away," Elara said softly. "I'll carry it. All of it."
The Warden stepped back.
And bowed.
The flames died.
In its place stood a girl — no older than Elara — eyes glowing violet, hands trembling.
"You're ready," she said. "She's waiting."
Then she faded, becoming one with the light.
Kael sheathed his sword slowly. "So… that was terrifying."
"And necessary," Aelira said.
Elara looked toward the horizon. Storms brewed beyond the mountains. The last seals would be breaking soon.
Seris wasn't hiding anymore.
She was calling.