The air was thick with tension, a lingering reminder of the battles fought and the lives lost. Drake stood atop a hill overlooking the Valley of Ash, where the remnants of a once-thriving city lay scattered like broken dreams. It had been weeks since Gruter's defeat, but the scars of war were still fresh, and whispers of the past echoed in the stillness.
In the distance, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a crimson glow over the landscape. Drake felt a chill run down his spine, his thoughts drifting to the unsettling dreams that had plagued him since the victory. Each night, he found himself standing before an ancient flame, flickering with an insatiable hunger, beckoning him closer. Each vision grew more vivid, leaving him drenched in sweat and terror.
As the wind howled around him, he recalled the words of his mentor: "The peace we've forged is fragile, Drake. Always remember, it is not the enemy you see that you must fear." He had thought those days were behind him, but now uncertainty clawed at him like a hungry beast.
"Drake!" a voice called from behind, breaking the spell of his thoughts. It was Mira, his closest ally and unwavering friend. Her expression was serious, a reflection of the weight they both bore. "We need to gather the others. There are troubling reports coming in from the villages."
Drake turned to face her, forcing a nod. "I've heard. Strange fires... disappearing towns. It feels like the calm before the storm."
Mira stepped closer, concern etched on her brow. "You've been distant. These dreams... they're affecting you. We need you focused."
He wanted to tell her everything—to confide in her about the ominous flame and the dread that twisted his stomach. But he remained silent, fearing that voicing his fears would only make them real. Instead, he offered a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. Let's meet the others."
As they made their way down the hill, Drake felt the weight of impending doom settle on his shoulders. The world may have been at peace for now, but deep within him, the echoes of an ancient power stirred, threatening to break free.