Deep within the Ember Archives, behind a sealed wall of rune-etched obsidian, lay the Vault of Split Flame.
Ysara's palm opened it — not with force, but with a whispered word:
> "Vey-thara."
(I remember.)
Inside was a single scroll, wrapped in ember-silk, bound by a clasp of molten silver.
Mara stepped forward with the First Spark beside her.
"This," Ysara said solemnly, "is the Scroll of the First Severance — the blueprint of the Spiral's creation… and how to unmake it."
Serai took a slow step back. "You're saying we can destroy the Spiral?"
Ysara's gaze was heavy.
> "I'm saying you must."
---
The Lie at the Center
Mara unwrapped the scroll. At first glance, it was fire and language woven together — not written, but grown.
The scroll pulsed to the Spark's touch, revealing visions between the threads:
Azereth standing at the edge of the Flame Cradle, stealing light from a dying god.
The forging of the Spiral Sigil using bound embers — not born flames, but caged ones.
The creation of Flameguard, taught loyalty, not truth.
And at the scroll's center:
> A phrase branded into the soul of the empire:
"Only the Crown may speak the Flame's True Name."
The Spark shook her head, furious.
> "Flame was never meant to obey."
---
The Unraveling Begins
Ysara knelt beside the scroll.
"There are nine anchor points holding the Spiral together. Each bound by flame-script and blood-oath."
Mara asked, "Where are they?"
"Three are here — in the Archives beneath us. The others lie in the Crown City, the Temple Pyres, and…" She hesitated. "One is inside the Queen herself."
Silence.
Serai's voice was low. "Then we can't destroy the Spiral unless—"
"—unless we face her," Mara finished. "And unbind her name."
The Spark touched Mara's chest.
"You can speak it. When the time comes."
---
Kael's Flame Calls
Suddenly — the flame in Mara's hand pulsed.
Not from the scroll — from Kael.
She saw a flicker in her mind:
His face lit with a new, wild ember.
A voice whispering across the bond they once shared.
"I remember you."
Her breath hitched.
Serai caught her. "What is it?"
"He's changed. He's coming."
---
The Decision
Ysara stood.
"If you stay, you can unravel the scroll's core. Begin the first unbinding."
"But if I go…" Mara began.
"You might stop the Queen before she prepares the final Severance."
The Spark spoke softly:
> "Flame divides. But it also reunites."
Mara turned to the others.
"We split," she said. "Serai, Oren — you stay and learn what the scroll can teach. The Spark and I will go north."
"North?" Serai asked.
Mara nodded. "To meet Kael.
And to light the first fire the Spiral cannot control."
---