Chapter 21 – Fire and Serpent
The night air quivered with tension.
The Serpent's followers stood like shadows in the alley, their crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath their hoods. Aric's fire licked along his arms, burning without flame, eager to be unleashed.
The hooded man spread his hands. "Choose, fire-bearer. Come with us, and the world will bow. Stay with them, and you will never be free."
Mira pressed close, whispering fiercely, "We're with you, Aric. Don't let him take you."
Edran lifted his staff, runes blazing. "Step back, serpent-spawn, or choke on ash."
For a heartbeat, Aric wavered. Then he hurled fire at the ground between them. The explosion shook the street, sending shadows scattering.
When the smoke cleared, the Serpent's followers were gone. Only the hooded man remained, his smile carved in darkness.
"You've chosen for now," he said softly. "But the fire will turn on you. And when it does… we will be waiting."
With a hiss of smoke, he vanished.