The night was too quiet.
Arian felt it before he saw it.
The air had changed—heavy, suffocating, as if the world itself was holding its breath. He stood outside his small home, staring at the dark horizon. The village slept peacefully, unaware of the storm that was coming.
Then… the fire began.
At first, it was just a flicker in his palm.
Arian frowned, watching the flame dance across his skin without burning him. This had happened before—but never like this. Never this strong.
Suddenly, a distant scream shattered the silence.
Arian's head snapped toward the village center. Shadows moved between the houses. Torches. Armor. Soldiers.
Nerval.
His heart started racing.
"No…" he whispered.
More screams followed. Doors were broken. People ran in panic. The quiet night turned into chaos within seconds.
Arian ran.
By the time he reached the main street, it was already too late. Flames rose into the sky, swallowing homes. Villagers were dragged away by armored men, their faces hidden behind dark helmets.
"What do you want from us?!" someone shouted before being struck down.
Arian clenched his fists.
The fire in his hands grew stronger.
Hotter.
Alive.
One of the soldiers turned toward him.
"There!" the man shouted. "That's him!"
Arian froze.
Him…?
Before he could react, two soldiers charged at him. Instinct took over. He raised his hands—
—and the fire exploded.
A wave of flames burst forward, throwing the soldiers back. The force shocked him as much as it did them. He stumbled, staring at his hands in disbelief.
"What… am I?"
The answer came from behind him.
"Something far more dangerous than you think."
Arian turned sharply.
A woman stood at the edge of the flames, untouched by the chaos. Her cloak moved with the wind, and her eyes… her eyes were glowing.
"Who are you?" Arian demanded.
She stepped closer, calm despite the destruction around them.
"My name is Liana," she said softly.
"And you… are no ordinary man."
Another group of soldiers approached, weapons ready.
Liana looked at them, then back at Arian.
"If you want to live," she said, "you come with me. Now."
Arian hesitated.
Behind him, his village burned.
In front of him, a stranger offered escape—and answers.
The fire in his hands pulsed once more.
And without fully understanding why…
He followed her.