Serenya stood before the throne of bones.
The Hollowfire King lounged upon it, his body half-shrouded in shadow, half ablaze with violet flame. He had no face—only a crown of antlers and a mouth that smiled too widely.
"You came," he purred, "and not empty-handed."
Serenya held up the Sixth Tablet, its runes throbbing in sync with her heartbeat.
"I know what you are," she said. "And I know what Erynn carries."
The Hollowfire King chuckled, voice like burning parchment. "Do you? Then say it."
Serenya's hands trembled.
"You were the first Runeborn."
The flames around the throne flared, casting grotesque shadows across the walls.
"And I will be the last," he said.
---
They walked through the Vault of Shattered Names, a crypt beneath the old kingdoms, where the names of broken oaths were carved into the stone.
"I want to reshape the Rune Accord," Serenya said. "They've grown blind. They fear power, even when it could save us."
"And you would use me for that?"
"No. I'll use your power. Not you."
The Hollowfire King turned to her. "Bold."
He offered his hand. "Then seal it, little oathbreaker. Share flame for flame."
---
Serenya hesitated.
Then clasped his hand.
Her scream echoed through the vault as the pact seared itself into her bones. A new rune flared to life on her neck—black and violet.
From that moment, she was no longer a student of the Accord.
She was a Fire-Bound.
---
Far away, in the frozen chambers of the Accord, Erynn jolted awake.
The rune on his chest throbbed with warning.
"She's done something," he whispered.
Maerin frowned. "Who?"
But Erynn was already standing.
"Serenya."
---
High in the mountains, the sky split open.
From the ruins of the old tower, a pillar of violet fire shot into the clouds.
And the Rune War began.
---
To be continued…