Chapter 52
The Fleshbound Kingdom was alive.
Not with magic.
Not with gods.
But with heartbeats.
Every stone hummed beneath their feet, pulsing with an ancient rhythm that synchronized with their own.
The woman who welcomed them, Matira, led them deeper into the city.
"This is where the fire never died," she said. "Where blood and flame are one."
Kael glanced at Eliendara, puzzled.
She shook her head slightly.
Matira stopped at a grand hall carved from red wood, veins glowing softly beneath the surface like rivers of molten light.
Inside, a circle of elders awaited, their eyes reflecting the fire in the room.
"We are the Keepers of the Bloodfire," Matira explained.
"Our flame is born not from sky or star—but from sacrifice and bond."
One elder stepped forward, an old man whose skin looked like cracked earth but whose eyes burned fiercely.
"To wield this fire, Eliendara," he said, "you must make a choice—a bloodbinding."
Eliendara's heart tightened.
"A bond that ties your flame to another's soul."
Kael's gaze locked on hers, steady but uncertain.
The elder raised a chalice filled with a crimson liquid that shimmered like liquid flame.
"This is the fire that bled red before all others. To light it, you must offer your blood—and share it."
Eliendara swallowed.
The choice was clear.
To grow stronger, she must bind herself to Kael.
But to do so could fracture what they already had.
She stepped forward.
Kael took her hand.
They pierced their palms together with a silver dagger, letting their blood mingle.
The fire erupted—warm, fierce, alive.
It wrapped around them, not burning but binding.
Their flames danced together—one gold, one steady ember.
But with the fire came visions.
Not of the future.
But of loss.
Of what it meant to be bound.
A promise to protect.
A promise to suffer.
A promise that if one fell, the other would feel the fall.
Eliendara's breath hitched.
Kael squeezed her hand.
"We carry it together."
As the fire settled, the elders nodded.
"You have the Bloodfire now," the old man said.
"But remember—bloodfire is not just strength.
It is sacrifice.
It is love.
And it is war."
Outside the hall, Eliendara looked at Kael.
"We're stronger."
"But more vulnerable."
"And I wouldn't choose otherwise."
🔮 Next Chapter Preview – Chapter 53: When Blood Flames Rise
Bound by bloodfire,Eliendara and Kael face a new threat.
Valtheron's shadow grows longer.
And the Fleshbound Kingdom holds a secret—One that could either save them or burn them all alive.