Kael followed Serin through the forest.
They walked for hours, past rivers, rocks, and old stone ruins covered in moss.
The trees grew taller here, and the air felt thick with magic.
Kael had so many questions, but for a long time, Serin didn't speak.
Finally, she said, "You're lucky your emberstone didn't burn you alive."
Kael looked at her. "It didn't hurt me. It just… felt like it was part of me."
Serin nodded slowly. "That means it accepted you.
The emberstones only bond with those strong enough to carry them."
Kael touched the stone in his pocket. "And what happens now?"
"You have two choices," Serin said. "Run from it… or learn to use it."
They stopped by a small clearing.
Serin waved her hand, and the wind blew in a circle, clearing the leaves and sticks. She sat down cross-legged on the grass.
Kael sat too.
Serin looked at him seriously. "What I tell you now is truth. Many have died to protect it."
Kael leaned in.
"The Ember Crown was real," Serin said. "Long ago, it kept all five kingdoms united.
Fire, wind, water, earth, and shadow. The crown gave balance. Peace."
"What happened to it?" Kael asked.
"It was broken," she said. "Each piece became a powerful emberstone.
The shards were hidden. Forgotten. Until now."
Kael's eyes widened. "And now they're waking up?"
"Yes," Serin said. "And the Whisper King wants them all."
Kael remembered the fire-face from the forge. The voice that said, "Awaken."
He shivered. "So, we have to stop him?"
Serin stood. "First, you have to survive."
Suddenly, the wind around them changed. It blew fast. Cold.
Serin's eyes narrowed. "Someone's coming."
Kael stood quickly. "Who?"
Serin didn't answer. She pulled her hood up and whispered, "Stay close to me."
From the trees, a deep voice growled, "Too late for hiding, Wind Witch."
Three men stepped out of the shadows.
They wore black armor, and their eyes glowed red. One of them carried a whip made of dark smoke.
Kael felt his emberstone pulse.
Serin stepped in front of him. "Shadow riders," she whispered.
The leader of the men grinned. "Give us the fire boy. Or burn with him."
Kael's heart pounded.
Serin raised her staff. "You'll have to go through me."
Kael looked at his hands… and then at the emberstone.
Maybe it was time to fight back.