Scene 1 – The Burning Mark Revealed
The battlefield was silent, broken only by the rattling hiss of chains recoiling into the void. Sparks drifted like falling stars, fading one by one until only the sound of Jemil's ragged breathing filled the air.
And then—light.
The mark on his chest flared with molten brilliance, burning straight through what remained of his tunic. The golden curse writhed like a living brand, stretching its tendrils across his chest and shoulder, glowing hotter with every heartbeat.
Kaelina's sword arm wavered for the first time. She had seen Jemil bloodied, seen him broken, even seen him on the edge of death—but never had she looked at him and felt that something else was standing in his place.
Lyra stumbled a step back, her flames surging high as if to protect her—but from what, she wasn't sure. "That mark…" Her voice cracked. "It's not just power. It's—hungry."
