---
The stars above the human realm burned brighter than usual. As Chirag, Siya, and Kael left the orphanage ruins behind, the night sky felt alive—like it was watching them. Waiting.
There was no more doubt now.
Chirag wasn't just a lost child with power. He was a being from something ancient, a force buried by gods who feared what he might become. And now, he was ready to become it.
But to do so, he needed more than truth. He needed allies.
Back at their hideout near the edge of the Demon Realm, the air buzzed with tension. Messages had been sent out to those who had sworn loyalty to Chirag—the demon generals who once served under Raegor, the few humans who had chosen to stand with him, and even whispers sent toward the forgotten gods Lunara had warned him about.
Not all had answered yet.
But some had.
Siya and Kael stood with Chirag in the central chamber as the first group of warriors arrived.
A tall demoness with silver horns and fire tattoos across her arms stepped forward and saluted with a clenched fist. "General Zeera, reporting. My blades are yours."
A human mage with white eyes and a scorched staff followed. "Master Nalin. I fought for the kings of men… until I saw what they truly serve. I now serve truth."
Others came. Warriors. Sorcerers. Healers. Even a few from hidden races—shadow elves, beastfolk, and wind spirits. All of them came because they believed. In Chirag. In change.
But it wasn't enough.
Not yet.
---
That night, Siya walked out onto the cliffside where Chirag stood alone, watching the sky. His flames danced softly around his hands, rising and fading with the wind.
She touched his shoulder. "You're thinking again."
He gave a small smile. "Can you blame me? I found out I'm some ancient flame being who was hidden as a child, the gods want to erase me, and now I'm building an army I don't know how to lead."
"You're doing better than most rulers ever did," Siya said gently. "You don't want power. That's what makes you worthy of it."
He looked at her, really looked.
"You've always believed in me."
She smiled. "Always will."
There was silence for a moment. Just the wind, the stars, and their breath.
Then Chirag said, "The gods won't wait long. We have to move. Find the forgotten gods Lunara told us about."
Siya nodded. "Where do we start?"
"Not 'where,'" said a deep voice behind them. Kael stepped into the moonlight, holding a worn map. "Who."
He unrolled the map, revealing three symbols.
"The Flame Seer. The Storm Walker. And the Mirror Keeper. They were once gods—but were cast out. If we find them, maybe we can learn how to fight those still sitting on the thrones."
"Where are they?" Chirag asked.
Kael pointed. "The Flame Seer was last seen in the Dead Desert. The land where fire never dies. It's said only one with true flame can survive there."
Siya gave a teasing glance. "Well, you are the last spark, aren't you?"
Chirag smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
---
Three days later, they arrived at the edge of the Dead Desert.
It wasn't like normal deserts.
The sand glowed with heat even at night, and rivers of molten lava flowed like blood across the horizon. Ash clouds hung low, blocking the sun. No bird flew here. No sound of water. Only heat, and silence.
Chirag stood at the edge.
"This place feels… alive," he murmured.
Kael nodded. "It's said the Flame Seer built this land from their sorrow. A god cast out for seeing too much."
Siya looked ahead. "Then we'll help them see hope again."
They stepped in.
Immediately, the heat wrapped around them like a living thing. Chirag's flames reacted—calming, matching the rhythm of the land. The deeper they went, the more the ground shifted, as if the desert itself was watching.
Then the mirage appeared.
A figure made of fire and glass.
Eyes like molten gold.
The Flame Seer.
"You seek truth," the being said, voice echoing through heat. "But truth burns more than fire. Are you ready to be scorched by it?"
Chirag stepped forward. "I've already been burned. I'm not afraid anymore."
The Seer raised a hand. A swirl of fire wrapped around Chirag—testing him, judging him.
Siya reached to help, but Kael stopped her. "He has to face this alone."
Inside the flames, Chirag saw flashes—his childhood pain, his battles, his doubts, his rage. But also his love for Siya, his courage, and his dreams of a world where no one had to be forgotten again.
The fire exploded outward—but Chirag stood tall.
The Seer stepped closer.
"You are more than prophecy," they said softly. "You are the fire that chooses its own path."
Chirag nodded. "Then help me light that path."
The Flame Seer extended a flame-carved crystal. "This is my gift. The Ember of Origin. With it, you may awaken the powers of others long buried."
Chirag took it, feeling its warmth flow into his bones.
"One found," Kael whispered. "Two to go."
---
As they turned to leave the desert, a strange wind swept through.
The Seer called out one last warning:
"Be wary of the Mirror Keeper. She does not reflect truth—only what you fear most."
Chirag met Siya's gaze.
"Then we'll face it together."
---