ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*THE FIRE PORTAL *

***author 's pov***

As Alexander stepped forward, the heat from the Portal of Fire intensified, the air around him crackling with energy. Flames flickered and swirled, creating a mesmerizing yet intimidating display. Kian followed closely, his water abilities swirling within him, ready to counteract the fierce flames that awaited them.

“Stay close,” Alexander called back, his voice steady despite the rising temperature. “If it gets too hot, use your water to shield us.”

Kian nodded, feeling the coolness of his element flow through him, a stark contrast to the inferno before them. As they crossed the threshold into the portal, they were engulfed in an explosion of fire and light.

Inside, the landscape transformed into a fiery realm, where molten rivers flowed and the ground shimmered with heat. The air was thick with smoke, and the scent of sulfur hung heavy. Towering flames erupted like geysers, illuminating the dark sky and casting ominous shadows.

A booming voice echoed around them, resonating from the flames. “Welcome, elemental kings. To pass this trial, you must conquer your fears and face the embodiment of your inner fire.”

From the flames emerged a massive figure, wreathed in fire and shadow. Its eyes blazed like molten lava, and a fiery sword gleamed in its grasp. “Only by mastering your passion can you hope to save her.”

“Stand back!” Alexander shouted, igniting his own flame as he prepared for battle. Kian positioned himself behind Alexander, ready to intervene with his water powers at a moment’s notice.

With a fierce roar, the fire elemental lunged forward, swinging its sword. Alexander met the attack head-on, unleashing a wave of fire that clashed against the elemental’s blade. The ground shook from the force of their collision, flames erupting around them.

“Now, Kian!” Alexander yelled, realizing he needed his brother's help to turn the tide.

Kian stepped forward, drawing on the depths of his water abilities. With a swift motion, he unleashed a torrent of water that surged towards the fire elemental, creating a mist that filled the air. The combination of fire and water created steam, obscuring their surroundings and giving Alexander a moment to regain his footing.

“Together!” Alexander urged, feeling the synergy between their elements strengthen. The elemental before them roared in anger, but the brothers stood firm, ready to fight for Valeria and their bond as kings.

The fire elemental's rage ignited, causing flames to surge higher and hotter. The heat was almost unbearable, warping the air around Alexander and Kian as they braced themselves. The fire elemental's figure glowed brighter, its molten sword leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

“Stay focused!” Alexander shouted, his voice nearly drowned out by the roar of flames. He could feel the intensity rising, the pressure mounting with each passing second. “We need to outsmart it!”

Kian nodded, sweat beading on his forehead as he concentrated on maintaining his water shield. He could feel the fire attempting to break through, the elemental’s wrath pushing against their defenses. “Let’s combine our powers! I’ll create a barrier, and you launch an attack!”

“On three,” Alexander said, clenching his fists as he summoned the fire within him. “One… two… three!”

Kian unleashed a powerful wave of water, forming a protective dome around them. As the fire elemental charged forward, Alexander released a torrent of flames, directing it through the water barrier to create steam, obscuring the elemental’s vision.

The elemental stumbled, disoriented by the sudden cloud of steam. Seizing the opportunity, Alexander charged forward, his fiery aura blazing fiercely. He struck with a concentrated burst of flames, aiming directly at the elemental’s core.

But the fire elemental roared, recovering quickly and countering with a blast of scorching heat. The intensity of the flames was overwhelming, forcing Kian to push harder, redirecting the water to absorb some of the heat.

“Don’t give up!” Alexander shouted, his voice filled with determination. “We’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for Valeria!”

With renewed resolve, Kian and Alexander focused their energies, their elements intertwining in a dance of fire and water. The steam formed a barrier, creating a swirling vortex that caught the fire elemental off guard.

“We can do this!” Kian urged, his heart racing. “Let’s push it back!”

As they combined their powers, the steam swirled violently, pushing against the elemental. It staggered, its fiery form flickering as the water surged, gradually dousing the flames.

“Now!” Alexander shouted, summoning the last of his fire energy for a final strike. He aimed directly at the elemental’s heart, his flames roaring to life as they merged with Kian’s water, forming a brilliant, fiery wave.

The explosion of steam and fire was blinding. In the center of the chaos, the fire elemental let out a deafening roar, the very ground shaking beneath them. Alexander and Kian stood firm, pouring every ounce of strength they had into their final attack.

With one last push, the elemental was engulfed in the explosion of steam, its fiery form dissipating into the air. As the smoke cleared, the brothers stood victorious, breathing heavily but determined.

“We did it,” Kian said, a grin spreading across his face as he clasped Alexander’s shoulder. “Now, let’s move on to the next portal. Valeria needs us.”

Together, they stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead, their bond stronger than ever as they fought for the one they loved.