The Sanctuary of Embers whispered around him — voices of long-dead Wardens, preserved in the glow of the ancient crystals embedded deep within the stone.
Kaelen stood at the center of a circular platform carved into the cavern floor, surrounded by spiraling glyphs etched into the stone. Above him, floating midair, blazed the Emberforge — a sphere of condensed Warden Flame, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Elowen circled him slowly, her eyes sharp and critical.
"To master the Warden Flame," she said, voice steady, "you must first master yourself."
She drew a slender dagger and slashed it lightly across her palm, crimson blood welling up. She knelt and let a few drops fall onto the glyphs.
Immediately, the platform trembled.
Lines of fire erupted along the carvings, weaving a lattice of light around Kaelen.
From the edges of the circle, three spirit forms emerged — spectral beasts, their bodies rippling with silver fire.
A wolf, lean and snarling.
A hawk, eyes sharp and talons gleaming.
A serpent, coils shifting like living smoke.
Kaelen tightened his grip on his Warden Blade.
"You must choose," Elowen said. "One trial. One path."
The wolf bared its teeth. The hawk screeched high and piercing. The serpent hissed, coiling tighter.
Each spirit radiated a different aura — strength, speed, cunning.
Kaelen felt the pull of each, tempting him toward different strengths.
But deep inside, something tugged stronger: instinct, ancient and pure.
He stepped toward the wolf.
A choice made not by logic — but by heart.
The wolf lunged — not in welcome, but in challenge.
Kaelen barely raised his blade in time, sparks flying as spirit and steel clashed.
The wolf was fast — blindingly fast. Every blow tested Kaelen's reactions, his resolve. He stumbled more than once, each misstep punished by a flash of fangs.
"Adapt," whispered a voice deep within him. "Flow, don't resist."
Kaelen let go of rigid thought. He stopped fighting the wolf's attacks and instead began moving with them, redirecting its momentum, finding openings between the fury.
Strike, dodge, counter.
Time blurred.
Sweat stung his eyes, muscles burned, but still he fought, the Warden Flame surging with every heartbeat.
Finally, the wolf hesitated — and Kaelen saw his chance.
With a burst of Flame, he drove his blade down into the glyph at the wolf's feet.
A shockwave of blue fire erupted outward.
The wolf froze, then bowed its head.
Kaelen gasped for air, heart pounding, as the spirit stepped forward and pressed its forehead against his chest.
A searing heat lanced through him — and then sudden clarity.
He had passed.
The wolf dissolved into motes of light, sinking into his skin.
[Skill Acquired: Emberwolf's Bond]
Passive Boost: Reflexes, Perception. Temporary summon during extreme conditions.
Kaelen dropped to one knee, exhausted.
Elowen approached, a faint smile playing at her lips.
"Few survive their first Trial," she said. "Fewer still earn a Bond."
Kaelen could barely nod, but inside, pride flared.
He was becoming something more than he had ever been.
Something stronger.
Beyond the sanctuary walls, thunder rumbled — not from the sky, but from the forest itself.
Elowen's smile faded.
"Rest time is over," she said grimly. "They've found us."
Kaelen forced himself upright, clutching his sword.
The Ashen Court was coming.
And he was ready to meet them.