Page 142 of A Fate in Flames

“I was looking for you, Elira,” she said, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help you get ready.I was called away.I was wondering if you’d like to go for a walk outside.”

Theo melted into the doorframe, one arm braced against the wood as he invaded her space with a wicked grin.

Her cheeks flamed brighter.

“We’d love to join you,” he purred.

I stood, brushing non-existent dust from my clothes.“I’d love some fresh air,” I said, stepping between them.“And I’m sure they’d like to join us as well, if that’s alright with you?”

Mira nodded with enthusiasm that bordered on frantic, eyes still fixed on Theo.

Tavrik and I exchanged knowing glances as we filed through the doorway.Mira and Theo were walking so close their arms brushed together with each step.Their whispered conversation was punctuated by Mira’s soft laughter, which seemed to make Theo stand a little taller.

The grounds stretched vast before us, golden light cutting through the trees in sharp beams.Theo had already slung an arm around Mira’s waist, his charm working overtime as we pushed deeper into the lands.We steered clear of the market path, my feet carrying me toward the place where I’d felt that first pulse—the stone calling to something buried in my chest.

As Tavrik and I wandered further, homes emerged from the landscape, each one carved straight into the earth itself.Stone and nature twisted together until it was unclear where one ended and the other began.Vines wrapped around archways.Wildflowers burst in messy splashes of colour that had no business being so perfect.

I closed my eyes, emptying my mind.

A pulse.

Faint, but stronger than before.

I heard it.It pulled at something deep in my bones.I glanced back at Mira and Theo, now just distant shapes lost in their own world, before catching Tavrik’s eyes.The question passed between us without words.

Should we go further?

He nodded.

With each step, the stone’s pull became clearer.More insistent.The loud hum in my veins driving me forward like there were invisible hands pushing at my back.

We crossed into dense forest where ancient trees swallowed the sun whole, casting everything in deep shadow.Leaves crunched beneath our feet, the smell of damp moss saturating our clothes.

We’d barely made it a dozen steps when we both froze.

Voices.

Low murmurs drifted through the trees—too far to make out words, but unmistakable.We moved quietly, stepping carefully between roots and ducking under branches until we could see them.

Dalkhan.

My heart pounded so violently, I feared he might hear it.He stood in the centre of what looked like ceremonial grounds—tall columns rising from rough stone floors, their surfaces ancient and worn.Men in dark robes gathered around him, their heads bent together.

I shot a panicked look at Tavrik, and as one, we melted back into the shadows, our feet finding silent spots between the undergrowth.

Only when we were a safe distance away did I dare to speak.

“What do you think that was?”I asked.

Tavrik ran a hand through his hair, his brows pulling tight.“A meeting most likely, but I couldn’t make out anything they were saying.”

I wrapped my arms around myself.

Then it hit me.

Zaheera’s vision: The robed men.The Veil cracking.Ancient words tearing reality to shreds.

It had to be them.