Dawn broke soft over the Silverwood, but Kael, Leah, and Merlin were already on the move. Packed with supplies—dried meat, water skins, and elven healing salves—they cut north, leaving the safety of the forest behind.
"The Firepeak Mountains are three days' travel from here," Leah said, leading the way. Her boots crunched over gravel, her silver eyes scanning the horizon. "The path gets steep after the first day. And the weather can turn violent—snow, wind, even lightning."
Merlin nodded, adjusting his backpack. "We'll need to move fast. Julian's scouts are probably already searching for the phoenixes. We can't let him get there first."
Kael kept pace, his hands loose at his sides. The fire in his veins hummed, a quiet warmth against the morning chill. "How do we find the phoenix heir? Do we just… ask around?"
Leah laughed. "Phoenixes don't 'ask around.' Their sanctuary is hidden in the heart of Firepeak—guarded by fire magic and ancient wards. Only those with pure blood, or a friend of the phoenixes, can find it."
She pulled a small, glowing red crystal from her pocket. "Elder Elron gave me this. It's a phoenix tear. It will guide us to the sanctuary… if we're worthy."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Worthy?"
"Phoenixes value courage and honor," Leah said. "They won't help someone who's greedy or cowardly. But you—you're the Emberborn. They'll listen to you."
By midday, the terrain began to change. The flat grasslands gave way to rolling hills, then steep slopes. The air grew thinner, the wind picking up.
A low growl echoed from the rocks above.
Kael tensed, summoning a flame in his palm. "Monsters?"
Leah nodded, drawing her bow. "Mountain wolves. Big, mean, and used to hunting in packs."
Three wolves stepped into view—their fur thick and gray, their eyes yellow and sharp. They bared their teeth, growling.
"Stay back," Kael said, stepping forward. "I'll handle them."
He launched a flame at the nearest wolf. It yelped, jumping back, but the other two lunged. Kael spun, summoning a flame shield. The wolves hit the shield, bouncing off.
Leah fired an arrow, hitting one wolf in the shoulder. It fell to the ground, whimpering.
Merlin raised his staff, and vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the remaining wolves. They struggled, but the vines held tight.
"Finish it," Merlin said.
Kael nodded. He summoned a flame sword, stepping forward. The wolves stared at him, fear in their eyes.
He hesitated. "They're just trying to survive."
Leah sighed. "Mountain wolves attack humans on sight. If we let them go, they'll hunt us down later."
Kael closed his eyes. He thought of the flame—of destruction, but also of balance. He focused on the natural magic Leah had taught him, willing the flame to calm.
When he opened his eyes, the flame sword had turned green. He touched it to the vines, and they withered away.
"Go," he said to the wolves. "Don't come back."
The wolves hesitated, then turned and ran into the rocks.
Leah raised an eyebrow. "You let them go?"
Kael shrugged. "Balance, right? Not everything needs to be destroyed."
Merlin smiled. "Wise choice. Phoenixes will appreciate that."
They continued up the mountain. By evening, the wind had grown stronger, and snow began to fall—light at first, then heavy.
"We need to find shelter," Leah said, shivering. "The snow will bury us if we keep going."
Kael scanned the area. A small cave loomed ahead, hidden behind a cluster of rocks.
"Over there," he said.
They hurried to the cave, brushing snow off their clothes. Inside, it was dry and warm—heated by a small, natural hot spring in the corner.
Merlin built a campfire, and Leah pulled out dried meat and water. They ate in silence, listening to the wind howl outside.
"Tell me about the phoenix heir," Kael said, breaking the silence. "What's their name? What are they like?"
Leah shook her head. "No one knows. The phoenixes have kept to themselves for centuries. Elder Elron says the heir is young—around your age. And they have the power to control fire, just like you."
Merlin spoke up. "Phoenix fire is different from dragon fire. Dragon fire is raw, destructive. Phoenix fire is pure, healing. Together, they're unstoppable."
Kael nodded. "We need that. To stop Julian. To seal the Soul-Eating Lord."
The snow stopped during the night. Dawn broke clear, the mountain covered in a blanket of white.
They packed up camp and continued up the path. By midday, they reached the top of a ridge—and gasped.
Below them, nestled in a valley between two peaks, was the phoenix sanctuary. A massive volcano rose in the center, smoke curling from its top. The valley was surrounded by fire—glowing rivers of lava, burning trees, and floating embers. But despite the fire, the valley was alive—flowers bloomed in shades of red and orange, and birds sang in the trees.
"The Phoenix Valley," Leah said, awe in her voice. She held up the phoenix tear crystal. It glowed brighter, pulsing in her hand. "We're here."
They descended into the valley. The air grew warm, the scent of ash and flowers filling their lungs. As they approached the volcano, a figure stepped into view—tall, with red hair and eyes like fire. They wore a robe of flame, their skin glowing faintly.
"Stop," the figure said, their voice like crackling fire. "Who are you? What do you want in the Phoenix Valley?"
Kael stepped forward, raising his hands. "I'm Kael Voss. The Emberborn. We're here to seek your help. Julian plans to free the Soul-Eating Lord. He's hunting the four bloodlines."
The figure narrowed their eyes. "Dragon blood. I can feel it in you. But why should we trust humans? Your kind has betrayed us before."
Leah stepped forward, holding out the phoenix tear. "Elder Elron of the Silverwood sent us. He gave us this. A token of trust."
The figure stared at the crystal, then nodded. "I am Phoenix Heir Lira. Follow me. The Phoenix Elder will decide your fate."
They turned, walking toward the volcano. Kael, Leah, and Merlin followed.
The Phoenix Valley was beautiful—and dangerous. But Kael felt a connection here, a pull in his blood.
He was one step closer to uniting the bloodlines.
One step closer to stopping Julian.
And one step closer to fulfilling his destiny.
The fire in his veins burned brighter, matching the flames of the valley.
He was ready.