Page 65 of The Throne Seeker

With wings of flame and courage

we’ll watch you soar and fly,

from the embers of your heart,

a new dawn will rise.

Rise from the ashes,

phoenix in the sky,

and reach beyond the clouds.

With every breath, comes a promise

of strength that never dies.

Rise from the ashes,

phoenix, rise.

The glow transformed into a searing flame, so hot it was as if the sun itself had spilled onto her arm, so blinding she had to shut her eyes. Her arm shook under the weight, but she refused to let it fall. The phoenix’s flame moved up her arm, engulfing her entire body, its power making its way through her veins—so encompassing, she feared she might burn to ash with it.

But as soon as the blinding light ceased, so did the burning in her veins. Rose slowly opened one eye to find her arm still in the air, but the phoenix was gone. She peered down at the large pile of ash that now sat in the nest. A suspenseful silence settled as she stared at the pile of ash in hope.

The ash stirred as a small head appeared, revealing gold feathers and large amber eyes. The phoenix was just a baby, but every bit as majestic and grand as he was before. He shook off the remnants of the ashes, leaving the brilliant bird gleaming gold, shiny, and pure. The phoenix examined his wings as he spread them wide, revealing the damaged wing had healed.

She’d done it.

The phoenix let out a triumphant cry as he flapped his wings, launching himself into the air, soaring as a puff of ashes trailed behind. A broad smile filled Rose’s face, and she felt lighter than she had in ages. Free, even. Like she could spread her arms and fly herself. Perhaps it was the lingering magic of the phoenix in her body, but deep down, she sensed it was something more profound.

The phoenix returned, settling once more on her arm.Just as you have healed me, you have healed yourself. Your gifts are not evil; they can be used for great good.Even in the darkest of times, you must remember that the small choices we make every day reveal who we truly are, not what we are foretold to be. We become only what we believe we are.

She hadn’t even realized she was crying until she felt a warm tear trickle down her cheek.

Your friend needs you, the phoenix said.

With the phoenix still perched on her arm, she turned to Tristan. “We’ll need something to hold the tears.”

Ingrid was the one to step in. “I have something.” She reached into the oak chest and, a moment later, handed a small vial to Tristan.

Despite appearing as if he’d encountered a ghost, Tristan stepped forward, emerging from his daze. He retrieved the vial from Ingrid and carefully presented it to the small phoenix. The creature leaned in, allowing a graceful, glistening silver tear to roll down his cheek. One… two… three tears.

Mix them with water and make sure he drinks all of it,the phoenix instructed.

“Thank you,” she replied.

And thank you. You should go,the phoenix said in parting.Dragonshade moves quickly.

Tristan bowed before the phoenix. “Thank you—both of you. The crown will never forget this.”

“I would thank your friend.” Ingrid’s mystical eyes landed on Rose. “A phoenix’s tears come at no small price.”

With the flask in hand, Tristan made for the door.

Ingrid’s voice stopped her from following. “Whatever the phoenix told you, you would do well to remember it. Advice from magical creatures like a phoenix will bless you if you do.”

“I’ll never forget,” Rose reassured her. She couldn’t even if she wanted to.