The Graveyard whispered.
The stones didn't echo footsteps — they echoed memories.
As Ryon and his flamebound vanguard descended into the heart of the Expanse, the air grew thick. Time bent. Flames burned sideways. The dead Sovereigns seemed to watch with eyes that had never closed.
But the path forward was clear—
Lit by a line of flickering white fire.
Maris followed it first.
Because it remembered her.
> System Update: Thread Memory Layer Activated
Location: Heartcore Sanctuary
Alert: Hostile Sovereign Echoes Detected
Note: Core Flame Entity (Q-Ω) May Be Active
Warning: Resurrection Protocols Forbidden
As they approached the central spire — a tower made of crystalized ash — the path splintered.
A voice echoed, both ancient and alive:
> "You seek the Queen who disobeyed.
Then prove yourselves."
Six gates formed — one for each bonded flame.
Each gate whispered a different trial.
Kaela was pulled into a battlefield where she faced her own army rebelling against her.
