The Night the Sky Burned
The village of Ravenglen burned beneath a crimson sky.
Six-year-old Ash Valcrest stood barefoot in the mud, smoke stinging his eyes, flames reflecting in them like twin suns.
His father — once a war general — stood at the village gate, holding back armored soldiers alone.
His mother held Ash tightly.
"Don't look," she whispered.
But Ash looked.
He saw the sword pierce his father's heart.
He saw the soldiers set fire to homes.
He heard his mother scream as steel flashed.
That night…
Ash did not cry.
Something inside him turned to ash.
And from those ashes — something colder was born.