Hidden Archives – Beneath the Northern Tower
Kien lit a single blue flame in the dark.
She had broken in.
Not out of rebellion—out of desperation.
The ancient records of Alira Flamebinder were buried here, sealed after her death.
> "If you are reading this," the first scroll began, "then the Ember has chosen again. And you know what must be risked to bind it."
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Kien's Discovery
There wasn't one method to seal the spirit.
There were three.
Suppression through Symbiosis: Binding the spirit to someone the host trusts absolutely—turning it from a parasite into a partner.
Containment by Sacrifice: Using another spirit user's core to cage the flame forever—killing the one who volunteers.
Total Severance: Destroying the Mark, the spirit, and potentially… the host.
Kien sat in silence.
> "He wouldn't choose anyone. But he trusts me."
Her hand trembled.
> "Can I handle that much of him?"
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Meanwhile – Christian's Mind
He sat alone, staring at his hands.
They sparked. Flickered. Shifted colors like a dying star.
Then he heard it.
> "They're planning to seal you."
> "They fear what you are."
He stood sharply—but no one was there.
Just his reflection.
And it spoke back.
> "I am what you were. What you could be. What you were always meant to be."
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Infirmary – Kien Visits Christian
He looked worse than before. Pale. Quiet.
"I found something," Kien whispered.
He blinked slowly. "Does it save me?"
"It might."
"Or destroy me?"
She didn't answer.
Instead, she touched his hand.
"I'm not going to lose you to that thing."
His voice was raw. "What if it's already too late?"
Kien looked into his eyes.
"Then I'll follow you in and pull you back myself."
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Final Scene – In the Deep Flame Cavern
Unseen by them, in the hollow where the entity was first awakened, flames danced unnaturally.
A new voice whispered:
> "So… another tether has chosen."
> "Let's see if she burns as brightly as the last."
And from the shadows, a second presence stirred.
---
To Be Continued…