Hearts Ablaze

Chapter 7: The Price of Remembrance

Dawn's first light filtered through the trees surrounding the clearing near where Eldric and Tenzin emerged from the portal the night before. The forest around them was bathed in the soft, golden light of early morning, the previous night's storm having passed. The ground was damp from the rain, and the air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of fresh earth and pine.

As they settled into the clearing, a white dove alighted gracefully in front of Tenzin. Its feathers glistened in the morning sun, offering a peaceful symbol amidst their tumultuous escape. Tenzin's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and hunger. "Oh, good. I'm starving. I haven't eaten since—" he began, reaching out eagerly to capture the dove.

But before he could grasp it, the dove took flight and gracefully landed on Eldric's outstretched arm. Eldric's eyes softened with a knowing look as he held the dove gently. He raised a finger to his lips, signaling Tenzin to remain quiet.

For a few moments, Eldric appeared to communicate silently with the dove, his expression serious and contemplative. The dove seemed to respond with calm coos, and after a brief, wordless exchange, Eldric nodded in understanding. He carefully released the dove, which fluttered away into the clear morning sky.

Turning to Tenzin, Eldric's expression became serious once more. "We need to go to the Tower," he said, his voice steady despite the fatigue that marked his features. "Our friends are there, and they're in danger. We don't have much time."

Tenzin's hunger was momentarily forgotten as he absorbed the urgency in Eldric's voice. Despite the gnawing ache in his stomach, he nodded quickly. "Right. Then I guess it's a good time for another one of these."

He closed his eyes, focusing intently as he began to weave the necessary incantations. The air around him shimmered with energy, and a swirling gateway of light began to form. The portal grew steadily, casting a warm, inviting glow that contrasted sharply with the cool morning air.

As soon as the portal was fully open, Eldric stepped through with a determined stride. Tenzin followed closely. The last thing he saw was the tranquil clearing fading away as he was engulfed by the swirling light.

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The chamber was suffused with a dim, flickering light from scattered candles, casting erratic shadows on the walls. The air was heavy with the pungent aroma of burning incense and the oppressive weight of dark magic. Emlyn was on her knees in the center of the room, her body restrained by invisible telekinetic chains that pulsed with an ominous, shadowy glow. Her head was bowed, muscles taut with a mixture of fear and defiance.

On the opposite side of the chamber, Kaden stood, closely guarded by Commander Kray and two Darkborne soldiers. Though blood trickled from a fresh wound on his forehead, his eyes were sharp and filled with a fierce resolve. Despite his precarious position, he watched with intense focus as Draven Malek prepared for the ritual.

Draven, tall and imposing, loomed on a raised platform shrouded in swirling shadows, his dark robes seeming to move with the air of malice itself. His eyes gleamed with a cold, sinister satisfaction as he oversaw the ritual preparations, his presence commanding the room. Around him, three dark alchemists moved with practiced precision, their faces concealed beneath intricately carved ritual masks, obscuring any trace of humanity. The ancient Emberstone and tome rested before Draven, radiating fiery energy.

From time to time, Draven would issue sharp, quiet commands, his voice like a whisper laced with venom. The other alchemists obeyed instantly, their hands deftly weaving through the complex patterns of the ritual, adjusting runes, channeling energy, and reinforcing the containment around Emlyn. Each movement, measured and precise, only deepened the dark power that swirled ominously through the chamber.